Moisture
The most common cause of yellowing leaves among Pilea plants is improper soil moisture–in particular, overwatering. Only water your Pilea when the top 25% of the soil in the pot is dry. Soil should remain damp, but not wet. In the winter, you can allow your plant to dry out a little more between waterings, but be sure to boost humidity with regular misting, a humidifier, or pebble tray.
When you water your Pilea, make sure you provide enough water so that liquid flows from the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and into the saucer. It’s extremely important to discard any excess water in the saucer and not to let your plant sit in any standing water. Your Pilea will not respond well to “wet feet,” which will cause the roots to rot and lead to the eventual death of the plant.
Providing proper and consistent soil moisture is important in caring for a Pilea. Alternating between bone dry and wet soil from ill-timed waterings can create stress and cause your Pilea to yellow.
Your humidity level
Low humidity and dry soil cause leaves to droop and brown on their edges, later followed by entire yellowing, browning, and leaf drop. Misting the leaves of your Pilea often will increase the humidity.
Improper Light
Pilea will grow best when placed in bright indirect sunlight. Even though your Pilea is part of the sun-loving succulent family, when exposed to direct sunlight for too long, the foliage will burn. While Pilea can adapt to low light areas, their growth turn darker green and the leaves will become less compact. If placed in very low light, yellow leaves may develop.
Pests
A weakened or stressed Pilea is more susceptible to insect infestations. Sap-sucking bugs like spider mites can drain your plant of moisture. This problem quickly manifests itself by yellowing leaflets and fronds. Scale, mealybugs, and spider mites occur frequently in indoor conditions. If not killed early on, these small pests proliferate and move all along frond parts into nooks and crannies. The piercing mouths of the insects exhaust your plant and accelerate yellowing, especially if your Pilea is already unhealthy from poor lighting, a nutrient deficiency or improper soil moisture.
Some yellowing is natural
Is your Pilea pushing out new growth? If there is new growth on your plant and the yellowing leaves are older, particularly at the bottom of the plant, this yellowing is natural. Your plant sheds its old leaves and sends energy to new growth.
