If your once green houseplants are suddenly sporting yellow leaves, it may be a sign that something is wrong.

For plant lovers everywhere, seeing their leafy companions lose their vibrant green glow can be distressing but there might still be plenty of life in them.

Elise Harlock, a plant expert from Prestige Flowers, has shared her insight into this prevalent problem and how to make your house plant looks lush again.

The expert explained: “It’s a sign that something isn’t quite right, but the good news is, it’s usually easy to fix.”

Elise pinpoints overwatering, underwatering and nutrient shortages as typical reasons for leaves losing their lustre, but you don’t need to be a gardening expert to get them back to green again.

“Too much water is the number one culprit,” she said, explaining that soggy conditions hinder roots from accessing oxygen, which can cause the leaves to yellow and even result in root rot.

On the flip side, Elise also warned plant lovers that insufficient watering can trigger a similar issue: “When plants are too dry, they struggle to take in nutrients, causing their leaves to turn yellow and crisp up at the edges.”

Nutrient deficiencies can also play a role.

“Plants need the right balance of nitrogen, magnesium, and iron to stay green and healthy. If they’re lacking in these, their leaves may start to fade,” she added.

How to stop plant leaves from turning yellow

To keep houseplants vibrant and flourishing, Elise recommends using the ‘soak and drain’ approach for watering.

“Instead of giving your plant a little water here and there, place it in a sink or bath and water it thoroughly until water runs through the drainage holes,” she advised.

“Let it drain completely before putting it back in its pot. This ensures the roots get enough moisture without becoming waterlogged.”

She also suggests checking soil moisture before watering. “Stick your finger about an inch into the soil – if it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait a few more days.”

Aside from watering issues, Elise points out a few other reasons your plant might be struggling.

She said “Some plants scorch in direct sunlight, while others won’t thrive in low light. Make sure your plant is in the right spot for its needs.”

Fluctuations in temperature can also cause them to fail, while tiny insects like spider mites or aphids can damage leaves and cause yellowing.

Elise concludes: “A few yellow leaves doesn’t mean your plant is doome. Trim off the affected leaves, adjust your care routine, and you’ll often see new, healthy growth in no time.”