Why Plants get Yellow Leaves
Hi – When neighbor moved out she gave me this plant. I re-potted immediately since the roots were busting out all around. Now its growth seems slow, and leaves often yellow. First I do not even know what type of plant it is, I checked your site and it could be elephant ear type plant but lacked certain traits. Anyhow can your help, thanks.
Hi John,
Your plant is a hybrid of the Philodendron Selloum called the Philodendron “Hope.” This is an easy-care plant that also cleans the air of harmful toxins. ‘Hope’ is a ‘self-heading” variety of philodendron, it grows upward and does not vine. A Philodendron Hope grows well in bright indirect light. In lower light, the leaves turn a darker green; direct sun or too much light burns or fades the leaves. Unlike other Philodendrons, this Philodendron likes moist but not soggy soil. During the winter, water less often, keeping the soil barely moist.
The usual reason why plants get yellow leaves is that you are over-watering. Since you moved the plant to the larger pot, it takes longer for the soil to dry out. You should be watering less often than before. These plants grow faster when they are root bound in small pots. So when you moved the plant to a larger pot, it stopped producing leaves and started producing more roots.
Cut back on your water and keep the plant in bright indirect light and things should improve quickly.
These plants are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children. Read more about common houseplants that are poisonous in Don’t Feed Me To Your Cat! A Guide to Poisonous Houseplants.
