Aglaonema Yellow Leaves - Causes & Fixes

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Overwatering and Root Rot

Aglaonema are highly susceptible to moisture buildup; excessive water suffocates the roots, leading to fungal decay and yellowing foliage. This is the most common cause of chlorosis in this species.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Stick your finger two inches into the soil; if it feels soggy or smells musty, the plant is overwatered.

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1 Immediately remove the plant from its current pot and inspect the roots for mushy, dark, or foul-smelling decay; trim away any rotted sections using sterilized tools.

2 Repot the Aglaonema in a fresh, well-draining potting mix and ensure the new container has adequate drainage to prevent future water pooling.

Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix

15.1 L

$22

In Stock

3 Monitor the soil moisture levels closely using a moisture meter to ensure you only water when the top inch of soil is completely dry.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter SMM-V3

Water Meters

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Nutrient Deficiency (Nitrogen)

A lack of nitrogen prevents the production of chlorophyll, causing older leaves to turn uniformly yellow. This often occurs in Aglaonema if the potting medium has become depleted of nutrients over several growing seasons.

Common

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How to confirm: Observe if the yellowing starts on older, bottom leaves while newer growth remains green.

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1 Apply a nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer to replenish the depleted soil nutrients and restore chlorophyll production.

FoxFarm Grow Big Liquid Plant Food 1 Quart

0.9 L • 1 pcs

$30

In Stock

2 Refresh the potting medium with a nutrient-dense organic mix to ensure long-term nitrogen availability.

Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix

15.1 L

$22

In Stock

3 Monitor the soil moisture levels using an analog meter to ensure the plant is not also suffering from overwatering, which can mimic nitrogen deficiency symptoms.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock

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Light Stress (Insufficient Light)

While Aglaonema are low-light tolerant, extremely low light levels can cause the plant to shed older leaves by turning them yellow. This is a way for the plant to conserve energy when photosynthesis is inefficient.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the plant has been moved to a significantly darker corner or if nearby shadows have increased.

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1 Relocate your Aglaonema to a spot with brighter, indirect light to boost photosynthesis and stop the energy-conserving yellowing.

2 If the current location lacks sufficient natural light, supplement with a full-spectrum grow light to maintain healthy foliage.

SANSI 15W Full Spectrum Grow Light

Grow Lights

$17

In Stock

3 Monitor the soil moisture closely, as insufficient light can slow down evaporation and lead to overwatering in low-light conditions.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock

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Temperature Shock

Aglaonemas are tropical plants that thrive in warmth; exposure to cold drafts or temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can cause physiological stress and leaf yellowing.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the plant is positioned near a window, air conditioning vent, or a drafty door.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Relocate your Aglaonema away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, or drafty windows to a stable environment above 60°F.

2 Monitor the soil moisture closely, as temperature fluctuations can disrupt watering needs; use a moisture meter to ensure the soil is not staying too wet during the stress period.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter SMM-V3

Water Meters

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3 If the plant shows signs of recovery, apply a light feeding of liquid seaweed to help boost nutrient uptake and mitigate environmental stress.