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 yellowing?

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

Silver Philodendron: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger 2 inches into the soil to test for moisture.
Inspect the undersides of the yellowing leaves for tiny webs.
Check the drainage hole to ensure it is not blocked.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves feel soft or mushy and the soil stays damp for more than a week. You might also notice a slight musty smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 50 percent of the soil dry out. If the soil is waterlogged, repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix and trim away any black or slimy roots.
Spider Mites
Possible
How to tell: This is less common for this plant, but spider mites can cause yellow stippling on leaves. Look for tiny webs on the undersides of leaves or near the stems.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the pests. Spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks to ensure they are gone.

Find out what's wrong with your silver 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 leaves to turn yellow and drop as the plant grows. Worry if multiple leaves turn yellow at once or if the new growth is affected.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the top half of the soil is dry before watering again. Keep the plant in a spot with good air circulation to discourage pests.

Keep your silver philodendron healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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

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