What Causes Clivia Leaves to Turn Yellow?

Yellow leaves on clivias are a warning sign that the plant is under stress. The most common causes are overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies — especially nitrogen and potassium. Environmental stress, such as too much sun or cold, can also contribute. While some older leaves naturally yellow and die back, widespread yellowing suggests that conditions need correction. The fastest recovery comes from improving watering practices, checking soil health, and feeding with a balanced fertiliser like CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid NPK 20-20-20.

Natural vs Problem Yellowing

Clivias naturally shed their oldest leaves by yellowing from the base upwards. This is not a problem and is part of their growth cycle. However, when younger or multiple leaves yellow at once, the plant is experiencing stress that requires attention.

Quick At-a-Glance Causes

Overwatering: Waterlogged roots starve the plant of oxygen.
Nutrient deficiency: Lack of nitrogen or potassium weakens leaf colour.
Excess sun: Harsh midday rays can scorch and yellow foliage.
Cold stress: Exposure to frost or very low temperatures damages leaves.
Old age: Lower leaves naturally yellow and die back over time.

Tip: Always check soil moisture before watering. Clivias prefer evenly moist, not soggy, soil.

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Watering and Soil Issues

Overwatering is the number one cause of yellowing leaves in clivias. These plants are forest perennials with thick roots that store water, so they do not tolerate soggy soil. If roots sit in waterlogged conditions, they suffocate and start to rot, leading to widespread yellowing. Always plant clivias in free-draining soil, and allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry out before watering again. In winter, reduce watering dramatically to mimic their natural dormancy cycle.

Nutrient Deficiencies and Feeding

Yellowing can also be traced to nutrient imbalance, especially nitrogen deficiency, which causes uniform pale-yellow leaves. Potassium deficiency shows up as yellowing around leaf margins or tips, sometimes followed by browning. To prevent this, feed clivias with a balanced fertiliser such as CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20. Applied at 4 ml per litre every 4–6 weeks during the growing season, it provides the exact balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium required for deep green leaves and consistent flowering.

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Environmental Stress Factors

Clivias thrive in dappled shade. When exposed to full midday sun, leaves can bleach and turn yellow or even burn brown at the edges. Likewise, frost and extreme cold damage leaf cells, causing yellow or translucent patches. For outdoor clivias, choose a sheltered spot under trees or in filtered light. Indoors, place them in bright, indirect light away from direct glass-filtered sun.

Treatment and Prevention

Check drainage: Ensure soil and pots allow water to flow freely.
Feed regularly: Use CompleteGrow 20-20-20 through spring and summer to maintain nutrient balance.
Adjust light: Avoid harsh direct sun; provide dappled shade or filtered light.
Protect from cold: Move pots indoors or cover plants during frosty nights.
Remove yellow leaves: Trim at the base to keep plants tidy and prevent fungal spread.

FAQs

Why are my clivia leaves pale all over? Likely nitrogen deficiency or overwatering — correct with balanced feeding.
Should I cut off yellow clivia leaves? Yes, remove them cleanly at the base to improve appearance and reduce disease risk.
Can clivias recover from yellowing? Yes, if the cause is corrected early with drainage, light adjustment, and fertiliser.
Do older clivia leaves always yellow? Yes, bottom leaves naturally age and die back as the plant produces new foliage.