Kalanchoe Leaves Turning Yellow

Seeing your kalanchoe leaves turning yellow can be worrying. This common issue has several causes, but don’t panic—most are fixable. These resilient succulents usually give clear signals when something’s off. Let’s figure out why your plant is changing color and how to get it back to vibrant health.

Kalanchoes are popular for their easy care and bright blooms. They store water in their thick leaves, which makes them drought-tolerant. But this also means they have specific needs. Yellow leaves are their way of telling you those needs aren’t being met. The solution often lies in adjusting your care routine just a bit.

This heading covers the main problem. Below, we’ll break down every possible reason. We’ll start with the most common cause and work through to less frequent issues. You can use this as a checklist for your own plant.

1. Overwatering: The Number One Culprit

This is by far the most common reason for yellow leaves. Kalanchoes are succulents. Their roots need to dry out between drinks. Constantly wet soil suffocates the roots, leading to rot. The plant can’t take up water or nutrients properly, so leaves turn yellow, soft, and mushy.

Signs: Lower leaves yellow first. Leaves feel soft and soggy. Stem may turn black or mushy at the base. Soil stays wet for days.
Quick Check: Stick your finger an inch into the soil. Is it damp? Don’t water yet.

How to Fix Overwatering

Stop Watering Immediately. Let the soil dry out completely.
Check the Roots. Gently remove the plant from its pot. Healthy roots are white and firm. Rotten roots are brown, black, and slimy.
Perform Root Surgery. Using clean scissors, cut away all rotten roots.
Repot. Use a fresh, well-draining succulent/cactus mix. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole.
Wait. Don’t water for a week after repotting to let roots heal.
Adjust Your Schedule. Water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are completely dry.

2. Underwatering (Less Common But Possible)

While they hate wet feet, kalanchoes do need some water. Severe drought stresses the plant. It will start to sacrifice older leaves to conserve resources. These leaves turn yellow, then dry, crispy, and brown.

Signs: Leaves are yellow but feel dry, thin, and crispy. Soil is bone-dry and may be pulling away from pot edges. The whole plant may look wilted or wrinkled.

How to Fix Underwatering

Give a Thorough Soak. Place the pot in a sink or bowl of water for about 30 minutes (bottom-watering). This ensures the entire root ball gets wet.
Let it Drain. Allow all excess water to drain out completely. Never let it sit in a saucer of water.
Resume a Consistent Schedule. Check soil moisture weekly. Water deeply when dry, then let it dry out again.

3. Poor Drainage or Wrong Soil

Even with perfect watering, the wrong setup can cause problems. Regular potting soil holds too much moisture. A pot without a drainage hole traps water at the bottom. This creates the same effect as overwatering.

How to Fix Drainage and Soil Issues

Repot in the Right Mix. Use a commercial cactus/succulent mix. Or, make your own with 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite, and 1 part coarse sand.
Choose the Right Pot. Always use a pot with at least one drainage hole. Terracotta pots are excellent because they breathe and help soil dry faster.
Add a Drainage Layer? Actually, skip gravel at the bottom. It can create a “perched water table.” Better to have uniform, well-draining soil throughout.

4. Not Enough Light

Kalanchoes love bright light. In low light, they become leggy (etiolated) and weak. The plant can’t produce enough energy, so it may shed leaves. Yellowing often starts on the lower, shaded leaves.

Signs: Leaves yellow, but plant also has stretched-out, weak growth with large spaces between leaves. New leaves may be smaller. It might not flower.

How to Fix Light Problems

Move to a Brighter Spot. An east or south-facing window is ideal (in the Northern Hemisphere).
Introduce Direct Sun Gradually. If moving to direct sun, do it slowly over a week to prevent sunburn.
Consider a Grow Light. If your home is dark, a simple LED grow light for 6-8 hours a day can work wonders.

5. Too Much Direct Sun (Sunburn)

Yes, they love light, but intense, direct afternoon sun through a hot window can scorch them. This is especially true if the plant wasn’t acclimated. Sunburn causes bleached, yellow, or brown crispy patches, usually on the top leaves facing the sun.

Solution: Filter the light with a sheer curtain. Or, move it to a spot with bright but indirect light, especially during peak afternoon hours.

6. Nutrient Deficiency

Kalanchoes aren’t heavy feeders, but they do need some nutrients. A lack of nitrogen can cause overall pale or yellowing leaves, especially older ones. This is more common in plants that have been in the same soil for years.

Signs: General yellowing, slow growth, but watering and light are correct.

How to Fix Nutrient Issues

Fertilize Sparingly. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) diluted to half strength.
Timing is Key. Only fertilize during the active growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize in fall and winter.
Frequency: Once a month during growing season is plenty. Less is more.

7. Natural Aging

Sometimes, it’s not a problem at all. It’s normal for the oldest, bottom leaves on a kalanchoe to gradually turn yellow, dry up, and fall off. This is the plant’s way of renewing itself.

Signs: Only one or two very bottom leaves are yellowing. The rest of the plant looks perfectly healthy and vibrant. The yellowing is slow and the leaf dries out neatly.
Solution: Simply pluck off the old leaf. No action needed.

8. Temperature Stress or Drafts

Kalanchoes prefer comfortable room temperatures (60-85°F / 15-29°C). Cold drafts from windows or doors in winter, or hot blasts from heaters, can shock them. This stress can trigger leaf yellowing and drop.

Solution: Move your plant away from drafty areas, air conditioning vents, and heat sources. Keep it in a spot with stable, moderate temperatures.

9. Pest Infestation

Sap-sucking pests like mealybugs, scale, or spider mites can weaken a plant. They drain the plant’s juices, leading to yellow, stippled, or distorted leaves. You often see the pests themselves or their webbing.

How to Fix Pest Problems

Isolate the Plant. Prevent pests from spreading to other plants.
Identify the Pest. Look for tiny bugs, cottony masses (mealybugs), or small hard bumps (scale).
Treat It. Wipe leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, applying as directed.
Repeat. Treat every 5-7 days for a few weeks to break the pest life cycle.

10. Pot-Bound Roots

If your kalanchoe has been in the same pot for many years, its roots can become overcrowded. They can’t take up water and nutrients efficiently, leading to yellowing and poor growth.

Signs: Roots are circling the bottom of the pot or growing out the drainage hole. Water runs straight through without absorbing. Plant dries out very fast.

Solution: Repot in spring into a container only 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Use fresh succulent soil.

Diagnosis Flowchart: What to Check First

Feeling overwhelmed? Follow this simple order:

Touch the Soil. Is it wet or dry? This points to over or under watering.
Check the Roots. If soil is wet and leaves are mushy, inspect for root rot.
Evaluate the Light. Is it in a bright enough spot without being scorched?
Consider the Season. Is it winter? Growth slows, so water much less.
Look for Pests. Examine the undersides of leaves and stem joints.
Think About Age. Is it just the very bottom leaf? It’s probably natural.

Prevention: Keeping Your Kalanchoe Green and Happy

The best cure is always prevention. Here’s how to avoid yellow leaves in the first place:

Master the “Soak and Dry” Method. Water deeply until it runs out the bottom. Then, wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again.
Give it Plenty of Light. Aim for at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily.
Use the Right Pot and Soil. Always use a pot with a hole and a gritty, fast-draining mix.
Protect it from Extremes. Keep it away from cold drafts, intense heat sources, and freezing temperatures.
Clean the Leaves. Gently dust the leaves occasionally so it can photosynthesize efficiently.

When to Prune Yellow Leaves

You should remove leaves that are fully yellow or mushy. They won’t recover and can attract pests or disease. Use clean, sharp scissors or pinch them off. If only part of a leaf is damaged, you can trim just the damaged portion. Always disinfect your tools between plants to prevent spreading any disease.

Can a Kalanchoe Recover from Yellow Leaves?

Absolutely. Kalanchoes are remarkably tough. Once you correct the underlying issue, new growth will be healthy and green. The already-yellow leaves will not turn green again, but they can be removed. The key is patience and consistent care after you’ve made the necessary fix.

FAQ Section

Q: Why are my kalanchoe leaves turning yellow and falling off?
A: This is typically due to overwatering and the onset of root rot. The combination of yellowing and leaf drop is a classic sign of too much moisture. Check your soil and roots immediately.

Q: Should I remove yellow leaves from my kalanchoe?
A: Yes, it’s a good idea. Gently pull them off or snip them. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth and improves air circulation. It also makes the plant look better.

Q: How often should I water my kalanchoe?
A: There’s no set schedule. Water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are completely dry. This could be every 1-3 weeks, depending on your home’s temperature, light, and humidity. Always check first.

Q: Can too much sun cause kalanchoe leaves to turn yellow?
A: Yes, intense direct sun can cause sunburn, which appears as yellow or bleached, crispy patches on the leaves. These leaves often have a scorched appearance. Move the plant to a location with bright but indirect light.

Q: Is a kalanchoe a succulent?
A: Yes, kalanchoe is a genus of succulent plants. This is why its care—especially regarding watering and soil—is so similar to other succulents like echeveria or jade plants. They store water in there leaves.

Q: Why is my kalanchoe turning yellow after flowering?
A: This is common. The flowering process takes a lot of energy. Sometimes, the plant will shed some older leaves afterward. Ensure it has good light and proper care post-bloom. You can also give it a light feeding to support recovery.

Q: What does an overwatered kalanchoe look like?
A: It looks soggy and sad. Leaves turn yellow (often starting at the bottom), become soft and mushy to the touch, and may drop easily. The stem may feel soft or look black near the soil line. The soil will smell musty if root rot is advanced.

In conclusion, kalanchoe leaves turning yellow is a solvable problem. The key is to play detective. Look at the specific clues—the feel of the leaf, the moisture of the soil, the pattern of yellowing. Most often, the issue is related to water, light, or soil. By understanding what your succulent is telling you and adjusting your care, you can restore its health and enjoy its cheerful beauty for a long time. Remember, these plants are adapted to survive; they just need you to listen.