Why Are The Leaves On My Philodendron Turning Yellow?

Have you been watering excessively?

Did you provide your plant with a high humidity environment?

Did you fertilized your plant with high-nitrogen plant food?

Is your philodendron placed in direct sunlight?

Is your philodendron placed in a way of cold drafts?

Are there any pests present on your plant?

The most common cause of yellowing leaves among Philodendron plants is overwatering. Soil should remain damp, but never soggy. Only water your Philodendron when the top 25% of the soil in the pot is dry. In the winter, you can allow your plant to dry out a little more between waterings. It’s important to discard any excess water in the saucer and to not let your plant sit in standing water.

Low humidity and dry soil cause leaves to droop and brown on their edges, later followed by entire yellowing. Misting the leaves of your Philodendron often will increase the humidity.

If the older leaves on your plant are turning yellow and the new leaves are very light green, it could be a sign of a nitrogen deficiency. Look for plant food with this nutrient and follow the recommended feeding rate to avoid fertilizer burn. With just the right amount of nutrients, your plant will look lush again in no time.

Philodendrons will grow best when placed in bright but indirect sunlight. When exposed to direct sunlight for too long, the foliage will burn. While Philodendrons can adapt to low light areas, their growth will slow. If placed in very low light, yellow leaves may develop.

Philodendrons do not like cold weather. Move them to some warmer place and away from drafts, especially in winter.

A weakened or stressed Philodendron is susceptible to insect infestations. Bugs like spider mites can suck up the sap from your plant's leaves. Yellowing leaflets and fronds will indicate these pests. Scale bugs, mealybugs, and spider mites can occur indoor. If not killed early on, these small pests grow in number and move all along the plant. The piercing mouths of the insects exhaust your plant and accelerate yellowing.

If there is new growth on your philodendron and the yellowing leaves are older, particularly at the bottom of the plant, the yellowing is natural. Your plant sheds its old leaves and sends energy to new growth.