Why Are Your African Milk Plant Leaves Turning Yellow? Causes and Solutions

African milk plants with their unique thick leaves and sculptural shape, are gaining popularity as houseplants. However, those gorgeous green leaves sometimes turn yellow, sending plant parents into a panic.

Yellowing leaves on your African milk plant likely indicate underlying issues with care or environment. The good news? Identifying the cause is the first step to getting your plant back to perfect health.

In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons for yellow leaves on African milk plants and give tips to restore your plant to its former green glory.

Overwatering

The #1 reason African milk plant leaves turn yellow? Too much water.

African milk plants are native to semi-arid regions and don’t need as much hydration as tropical jungle plants Their succulent-like leaves and stems store water

If you give your African milk plant drinks too often the soil stays soggy. This leaves no room for oxygen around the roots, leading to rot and other fungal issues.

How to fix overwatering:

• Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Test with your finger to ensure the first 1-2 inches of soil are dry before adding water.

• Ensure the pot has drainage holes to let excess moisture escape.

• Repot in fresh, well-draining soil if root rot is present. Trim off any brown, mushy roots before repotting.

Underwatering

While overwatering is most common, going too long between drinks can also cause yellowing leaves.

If the soil dries out past the point of moisture retention, the roots don’t get the hydration needed for photosynthesis and nutrient uptake.

Signs of underwatering:

• Soil is bone dry more than 2 inches down

• Leaves are dried out and crisp or dropping

• Plant looks droopy or wilted

How to fix underwatering:

• Water whenever the top few inches of soil are dry. For African milk plants, aim to water every 7-14 days.

• Mist leaves daily for a humidity boost.

• Add mulch to help the soil retain moisture longer.

Nutrient Deficiencies

A balanced diet is just as crucial for plants. Without key nutrients, African milk plants can’t properly produce chlorophyll, leading to yellowing.

Signs of nutrient deficiencies:

• Yellowing starts at leaf edges and tips

• Yellowing occurs between veins

• Slow growth

• Leaves easily fall or drop

How to prevent and treat deficiencies:

• Fertilize every 2-4 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer.

• Switch to a fertilizer with more nitrogen if yellowing persists. This is the #1 nutrient African milk plants need.

• Test soil pH and amend if needed – nutrients won’t be available to plants if the pH is off.

Insufficient Light

African milk plants need bright, indirect light to flourish. Without enough sunlight, the leaves can’t produce enough chlorophyll, causing yellowing.

Signs of insufficient light:

• Yellowing starts closest to the base or center of the plant

• Few new leaves grow

• Plant becomes leggy as it reaches for light

How to provide more light:

• Place the plant near an east or west-facing window. South-facing may be too intense.

• Use a grow light to supplement natural sunlight in darker rooms.

• Rotate the pot weekly so all sides get evenly illuminated.

Pests

Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids – what plant isn’t plagued by these tiny menaces? Pest infestations cause yellow speckling and mottling on African milk plant leaves.

Signs of pests:

• White cottony deposits or tiny bugs on leaves

• Fine webbing covering leaves

• Clusters of eggs on stems and undersides of leaves

How to control pests:

• Wipe leaves down weekly with a damp cloth to remove pests.

• Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays targeting the offenders.

• Release beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings to feast on bad bugs.

Temperature Stress

African milk plants thrive in average home temperatures around 65-80°F. If your plant is exposed to temperatures higher or lower than this range, yellowing can occur.

Signs of temperature stress:

• Sudden leaf yellowing following hot or cold spells

• Yellow spots matching up with hot windows or AC vents

• Crispy, dried leaf edges

How to regulate temperature:

• Move plants away from hot radiators, AC vents, or drafty windows.

• Provide shade if placing an African milk plant outdoors in summer.

• Use a portable heater or grow light to maintain warmth in colder rooms.

Age or Seasonal Yellowing

Some yellowing of African milk plant leaves can actually be totally natural. As the plant matures or seasons change, older leaves yellow and drop to allow new growth.

Signs this is natural yellowing:

• Older leaves at the base of stems yellow first

• No other signs of stress like pests or drought

• Happens following a growth burst or cyclically each year

What to do:

• Remove the yellow leaves promptly to conserve the plant’s energy.

• No other intervention needed! This is the plant’s normal growth habit.

• Reduce water and fertilizer slightly to help the plant rest after flowering.

Prevention is Key

While diagnosing and treating yellow leaves is important, prevention is ideal to keep African milk plants lush and green.

Follow these tips for a healthy, thriving African milk plant:

• Allow soil to dry between waterings and drain well after.

• Fertilize monthly during spring through fall.

• Provide bright, indirect light near an east or west window.

• Keep away from hot and cold air currents.

• Inspect frequently for pests and treat promptly if found.

• Remove spent leaves as the plant naturally sheds them.

The Green Road Ahead

Yellowing leaves on your beloved African milk plant may cause dismay, but armed with knowledge, you can nurse it back to health.

Diagnosing the cause and implementing the right fixes will have those leaves green again in no time. With the proper care routine, you can prevent yellowing leaves and keep your African milk plant thriving for years to come!