Why do leaves turn yellow on my African Violet plants and how to prevent it?
The main reasons are:- Normal growth: As the plant grows, some of the older leaves on the outer ring will turn yellow and it’s time to remove them as part of routine grooming the plant.
- Water deficiency: the soil is too dry, which also leads to limp yellow leaves
- Root deficiency: the plant is outgrowing its pot, tell-tale signs; roots are growing out from below and sticking out above the soil. It’s time to re-pot the violet
- Nutrient deficiency: plant is sitting in old soil, time to re-pot in fresh soil, keep pot-size the same.
- Nutrient deficiency: Yellow leaves on the top part of the plant may be due to lack of fertilizer, time to fertilize the plant.
- Light deficiency: If the plant is sitting in a dark corner or is not getting enough light, it can lead to yellowing leaves. This first begins in the lower ring of leaves.
- Cold drafts: If the plant is continuously experiencing a cold draft (like near an open window or AC vent), then leaves will turn yellow and start to become limp/mushy.
- Infection/disease: If yellowing occurs in patches or blotches on all leaves it may be a sign of disease or insects/pests.
- Other reasons: overwatering, intense light or overfeeding
Why do you have to remove the yellowing leaves from African Violet plants?
- To maintain a healthy plant it is important to remove yellow leaves.
- If the yellow leaves are not removed it can affect the health of the entire plant.
- The plant will spend energy in maintaining the health of the yellowed leaf which will deprive the rest of the plant of vital nutrients.
- Yellow leaves can also make the plant appear extremely unsightly!!
What do yellow leaves on African Violet plants look like?

