Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy new growth.

Can low light cause yellow leaves?

Yes, if the plant is in a very dark corner, it may shed leaves to conserve energy. Move it to a spot with bright indirect light.

Silver Sword Philodendron: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to see if it is soggy or bone dry.
Inspect the drainage holes for blockages.
Check the base of the stem for any signs of mushiness.

Likely causes

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 completely. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves look yellow but feel dry or crispy at the edges.
What to do: Soak the soil thoroughly until water runs out of the bottom of the pot. Resume your schedule of watering every 7 to 10 days when the top inch of soil is dry.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your silver sword 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.

When to worry

It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaf to turn yellow and drop occasionally. Be concerned if multiple leaves yellow at once or if the yellowing starts on new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a consistent watering schedule and always check the soil moisture with your finger before adding more water.

Silver Sword Philodendron: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your silver sword 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy new growth.
Can low light cause yellow leaves?: Yes, if the plant is in a very dark corner, it may shed leaves to conserve energy. Move it to a spot with bright indirect light.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Silver Sword Philodendron leaves turning yellow?