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Swedish Ivy · Plectranthus verticillatus

Why are my Swedish Ivy's leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves on a Swedish Ivy usually point to issues with moisture or light. Check your soil moisture first to see if you are overwatering.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

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

Check these first

  1. Touch the soil to see if it feels soggy.
  2. Check the drainage holes for blockages.
  3. Look at the plant's position relative to the nearest window.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves feel soft or mushy and the soil stays wet for a long time. You might also notice a musty smell coming from the pot.

    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: The plant looks pale and the yellowing happens mostly on the leaves furthest from the light source. Growth will also appear stretched and thin.

    What to do: Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your swedish ivy

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 leaves at the base of the plant to yellow and drop occasionally. Be concerned if multiple leaves turn yellow at once or if the stems feel soft.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and keep the plant in bright, indirect light.

Swedish Ivy: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your swedish ivy 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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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 to help the plant look better. This also helps you focus on new, healthy growth.
Can yellow leaves turn green again?
No, once a leaf has turned yellow, it will not return to green. It is best to remove it so the plant can direct energy elsewhere.

More problems with Swedish Ivy

Back to the Swedish Ivy 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.