I’m sure you’ve noticed that your dumb cane leaves are turning yellow, but what does this mean? Dumb cane is a type of invasive plant that is native to South America. This plant can be found in Florida and grows quickly in shady areas with moist soil.

The leaves are often used for decorative purposes because they change colors depending on the season. This article will explain why your dumb cane leaves are turning yellow and how to fix it!

Why Are My Dumb Cane Leaves Turning Yellow?

Your dumb cane leaves are turning yellow because the plant has been overwatered, it hasn’t received enough light, or the environment is causing stress.

Let’s now explore the most common causes of yellowing leaves on a dumb cane and what you can do about them.

Yellow Dumb Cane from Overwatering

One of the most common reasons why dumb cane leaves are turning yellow is that you’re overwatering your plant. Make sure to only water the plant when it’s dry and never leave standing water in its pot.

As a tropical plant, the plant likes moist soil that is watered every 5-7 days during the summer months and every 10-14 days during the colder months.

The best way to tell if the dumb cane needs more water is to test the top inch of soil with your finger. Simply push your finger into the soil to feel if it’s moist. If you can’t tell, use a moisture meter to help you out!

To fix the issue of yellowing leaves on a dumb cane due to overwatering, simply reduce the amount of water you’re putting in. This will stop the risk of root rot and other issues.

If root rot has already kicked in, you need to act immediately by removing all of the soil from the pot and removing any rotten roots with a pair of sterilized scissors. Next, repot the plant in fresh soil and make sure to follow a strict watering schedule.

To give yourself the best chance of success, only use soil that drains well. Oh, and use pots that have drainage holes at the bottom so that excess water can flow out.

Yellow Dumb Cane from Too Little Sunlight

Another common cause of yellowing leaves on a dumb cane is that it isn’t receiving enough light.

To fix this, make sure to move the plant in front of an east or west window where they will receive sunlight for at least six hours per day. If you aren’t getting six hours of sunlight, consider adding full spectrum grow lights indoors near your dumb cane.

I use grow lights on nearly all of my houseplants to make sure they receive enough light, especially during the dark winter months.

It’s important that the sunlight it receives is not direct sunlight because this can cause sunburn. If the plant is in direct sunlight for more than an hour, move it to a shadier area so that it doesn’t get burned leaves!

Yellow Dumb Cane from Environmental Factors

Finally, dumb cane plants will sometimes experience yellowing leaves due to environmental factors, such as fluctuating temperatures or dry air.

To fix these issues, make sure your plant isn’t near any heat sources and never place it next to drafty windows where cold air may be blowing through the glass.

Sometimes doing nothing is the best solution in this case. In fact, many people make the mistake of re-potting their stressed dumb cane plant, which only makes the problem worse…

Dumb Cane Leaves FAQs

I will now discuss some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to yellowing leaves.

Should I cut yellow leaves off my dumb cane?

Yes, you should always cut off leaves when they are turning yellow because this will encourage new growth. Use sterilized scissors to make the cut right below where the plant turns yellow.

Will the yellow leaves spread to other plants?

No, your other plants will be okay. The only risk is if your dumb cane is suffering from a fungal affection. Use neem oil on all infected plants if this is the case.

Does the type of water matter?

Yes, use filtered water that is free from chlorine. If you don’t have access to that, let the water sit overnight in a container before using it on your plant.

Will too little light cause my dumb cane to turn yellow?

Yes, if your dumb cane isn’t receiving enough light it will turn yellow, so make sure to place the plant in a sunny area. Consider using grow lights indoors if you live in an area where there is less sunlight during winter months or if you have north-facing windows.

Will too much water cause my dumb cane leaves to turn yellow?

Yes, your dumb cane plant will turn yellow if it’s overwatered. Be sure to only water your plant when the soil is dry and never leave standing water in its pot.

Will yellow dumb cane leaves turn green again?

No, it is very unlikely that yellow dumb cane leaves will turn green again. If the plant is healthy, the yellowing leaves should eventually fall off and new ones will grow in their place.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the most common causes of yellowing leaves on a dumb cane are overwatering, not enough light, or environmental factors.

As long as you fix the issue by reducing water and making sure your plant is getting enough sunlight during the winter months, it will return to its healthy green color.

Thank you for reading and please feel free to leave a comment below if I missed anything or if you have another question. Let me know how it goes after following one of these tips!