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Blushing Philodendron · Philodendron erubescens

Why are my Pink Princess Philodendron leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves on your Pink Princess usually signal a watering issue. Check the soil moisture first to see if you are overdoing it or letting the plant get too thirsty.

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yellow leaves on a plant
Photo: Trio3D, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Touch the soil to see if it is soggy or bone dry.
  2. Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
  3. Check the roots for a mushy texture or foul smell.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How 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.

  2. Underwatering

    Possible

    How 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.

Yellow leaves on other plants

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.

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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.

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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

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.