For many, yellowing leaves are a sign of the worst. There are countless times I’ve had worried plant parents asking me what’s wrong with their plant that has a yellowing leaf. And although yellowing leaves can be a symptom of something more sinister going on, for the most part my answer is: There is no problem. Your plant is just planting. Much like us humans human and birds will bird.

As a plant ages, its older leaves will turn yellow and fall. This is part of the natural process for the plant to make space for new foliage and to concentrate its energy on new growth.

So instead of telling you why you should be worried about a yellowing leaf, I will tell you why you shouldn’t worry.

Don’t worry if:

– Your plant is putting out new growth

– The yellowing leaf is one of the older ones.

– Yellowing leaves on your plant happens infrequently.