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Chinese Money Plant · Pilea involucrata

Why are my Pilea's leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves on a Pilea usually mean the plant is getting too much water or not enough light. Check the soil moisture first to see if the roots are sitting in soggy dirt.

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

Check these first

  1. Poke your finger into the top inch of soil to check for dampness.
  2. Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
  3. Observe the plant's position to see if it is getting enough indirect light.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. You might also notice the soil stays wet for more than a week.

    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.

  2. Low Light

    Most likely

    How to tell: Yellowing happens gradually on older leaves while the plant looks stretched out. The stems may lean heavily toward the nearest window.

    What to do: Move your Pilea to a spot with bright, indirect light. Rotate the pot every time you water to ensure all sides get even exposure.

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.

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When to worry

It is normal for the very bottom, oldest leaf to yellow and drop occasionally as the plant grows. Worry if multiple leaves yellow at once or if the stems feel soft.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a strict watering schedule of every 7 to 10 days, only watering when the top inch of soil is 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.

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Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?
Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors. This helps the plant focus its energy on new, healthy growth.
Does yellowing mean I need fertilizer?
Usually not. Yellowing is almost always a water or light issue, so fix those first before considering fertilizer.

More problems with Chinese Money Plant

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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.