The ‘Philodendron Xanadu’ is easily one of the most popular members of the Philodendron family, and for good reason! With its stunning lobed leaves, compact growth habit, and low-maintenance attitude, it’s the perfect houseplant for turning your living room into a lush, indoor jungle. But if those vibrant green leaves start turning yellow, it’s totally normal to feel a bit discouraged. Don’t worry, though—here’s the lowdown on why those leaves are changing color and how you can fix it.
Yellow Leaves on Your Philodendron Xanadu: The Watering Trap
Even though a Philodendron Xanadu likes its root ball to stay consistently moist to keep that steady growth going, it actually doesn’t need as much water as you might think. A lot of well-meaning plant parents end up loving their Philodendrons a little *too* much by watering them way too often.
If the soil stays soggy, you’re looking at a recipe for mold and standing water around the roots. This “wet feet” situation is the main culprit behind yellow leaves, which is basically your plant’s way of waving a red flag that it’s drowning. If you spot that yellow tint, your first move should be to put the watering can down immediately.
How to Treat Yellow Leaves on Your Xanadu
To keep your exotic friend happy and green, try to use soft, lime-free water. Hard tap water can actually cause the foliage to yellow over time. If the damage is already done and the leaves have changed color, here’s your step-by-step rescue plan:
- Carefully take your Philodendron out of its pot right away to check the wet roots.
- Gently shake off the soggy old soil and trim away any mushy or rotten root ends.
- Repot the plant into fresh, well-draining soil.
- Give it a “dry spell” for about 8 to 10 days to let it recover.
- Once that time is up and the soil feels dry, you can give it a light drink.
Pro tip: If you suspect hard tap water was the issue, a liquid iron fertilizer can help get things back on track. Moving forward, try using rainwater or filtered water instead.
Don’t Panic Just Yet!
If the yellowing leaves on your Philodendron Xanadu are 4 to 6 years old, there’s no need to stress. It’s totally natural for old leaves to turn yellow and drop off to make room for fresh, new growth. You can give the plant a light trim every now and then to prevent it from looking sparse as it ages. Plus, regular pruning actually encourages the plant to grow back thicker and more vibrant than ever!
