Check these first
- Touch the soil to see if it is soggy or bone dry.
- Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Check the roots for a mushy texture or foul smell.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves feel soft or mushy and the soil stays wet for a long time.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves look yellow but feel crispy or dry to the touch.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough soak until water runs out of the bottom. Maintain a schedule where you water every 7 to 14 days when the top inch of soil is dry.
Find out what's wrong with your blushing philodendron
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
It is normal for the oldest bottom leaf to yellow and drop occasionally. Be concerned if multiple leaves yellow at once or if the stem feels soft.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Use a well draining potting mix to prevent moisture from sitting around the roots.
Blushing Philodendron: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your blushing philodendron and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Should I cut off yellow leaves?
- Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors. They will not turn green again and removing them helps the plant focus energy on new growth.
- Does low light cause yellowing?
- Yes, if the plant is in a dark corner, it may shed older leaves. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Blushing Philodendron
- How do I fix root rot on my Pink Princess Philodendron?
- How do I get rid of pests on my Pink Princess Philodendron?
- Why are my Blushing Philodendron's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Blushing Philodendron drooping?
- Why is my Blushing Philodendron losing leaves?
- Why does my Philodendron erubescens have spots on its leaves?
- Why is my Philodendron erubescens growing so leggy?
- Why are my Philodendron erubescens leaves curling?
Back to the Blushing Philodendron guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.

