Common Symptoms
Lower leaves turning yellow
The oldest leaves at the base of the plant turn evenly yellow before drying out and falling.
Signs to check
- Yellowing begins only on the lowest leaves, near the soil.
- The whole leaf turns evenly yellow, without spots or speckles.
- Progress is slow, affecting one or two leaves at a time from the bottom up.
- Younger leaves at the top of the plant stay green and healthy.
- The affected leaf becomes soft, then dry and brittle to the touch before falling.
Common causes
- Natural senescence · Normal aging of the oldest leaves.
- Overwatering · Soil stays waterlogged, depriving roots of oxygen and causing rot.
- Underwatering · The soil is dry and the leaves are soft and drooping.
- Nitrogen deficiency · Even yellowing affects the oldest leaves first.
- Root rot · The plant wilts and turns yellow even though its soil stays moist.