Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Hot Pink Yellow Leaves - Causes & Fixes

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Overwatering and Root Rot

Kalanchoe are succulents that store water in their leaves; excessive moisture causes the roots to suffocate, leading to chlorophyll breakdown and yellowing. This is the most common cause of foliage yellowing in this cultivar.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Stick your finger two inches into the soil; if it feels damp but the leaves are turning yellow, the plant is likely overwatered.

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

2 Repot the Kalanchoe in a well-draining, fresh substrate specifically designed for succulents or cacti to prevent future water retention.

3 Use a moisture meter to monitor the soil, ensuring you only water when the medium is completely dry to the touch.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock

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Nitrogen Deficiency

A lack of available nitrogen prevents the production of chlorophyll in older leaves, causing them to turn pale yellow before eventually dropping. This often happens if the succulent has been in the same potting mix for several years.

Common

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How to confirm: Observe if the yellowing starts on the oldest, bottom leaves while the new growth remains dark green.

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1 Apply a nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer to boost chlorophyll production and green up the foliage.

FoxFarm Grow Big Liquid Plant Food 1 Quart

0.9 L • 1 pcs

$30

In Stock

2 Repot the Kalanchoe in fresh, nutrient-rich potting soil to replenish depleted minerals in the substrate.

Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix

15.1 L

$22

In Stock

3 Prune away the most severely yellowed leaves to prevent further nutrient drain from the rest of the plant.

Gonicc 8" Titanium Bypass Pruners GPPS-1003

Cutting Tools

$15

In Stock

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Insufficient Light

While Kalanchoe love bright light, insufficient intensity can lead to weakened cell structures and chlorosis (yellowing) as the plant fails to photosynthesize efficiently. Low light also makes the plant more susceptible to secondary issues like rot.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the plant is located in a dark corner or away from a window, and look for 'leggy' or stretched stem growth.

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1 Increase light exposure by moving your Kalanchoe to a brighter location, such as a south-facing window, or supplement with a full-spectrum grow light.

SANSI 15W Full Spectrum Grow Light

Grow Lights

$17

In Stock

2 Monitor the soil moisture levels closely with a moisture meter to ensure the plant is not being overwatered, as low light reduces the plant's water uptake needs.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock

3 Prune any severely yellowed or mushy leaves to prevent the spread of potential rot caused by high humidity and low light.

Fiskars 5/8" Bypass Pruning Shears

Cutting Tools

$13

In Stock

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Temperature Stress

Extreme cold or sudden temperature fluctuations can cause physiological stress in Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, resulting in yellowing leaves as a defense mechanism. This species prefers temperatures consistently between 60°F and 75°F.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the plant is near a drafty window or an air conditioning vent that may be dropping temperatures too low.

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1 Relocate your Kalanchoe to a stable environment with temperatures consistently between 60°F and 75°F, away from cold drafts or heating vents.

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

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock