Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors. They will not turn green again and removing them helps the plant focus energy on new growth.

Can low light cause yellow leaves?

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

Chinese Money Plant: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the top 2 inches of soil to see if it is wet.
Check the bottom of the pot to ensure drainage holes are not blocked.
Look for signs of pests on the undersides of the yellow leaves.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so extra water can escape.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: Older leaves turn yellow while the plant looks generally pale and stops growing.
What to do: Feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the spring and summer. Do not fertilize during the winter months.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your chinese money plant

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 very bottom, oldest leaves to yellow and drop occasionally. Worry if multiple leaves yellow at once or if the stem feels soft.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a strict watering schedule where you only water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.

Chinese Money Plant: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chinese money plant 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 snip them off with clean scissors. They will not turn green again and removing them helps the plant focus energy on new growth.
Can low light cause yellow leaves?: Yes, if the plant is in a dark corner, it may shed leaves to conserve energy. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.

Why are my Chinese Money Plant's leaves turning yellow?