Yellow leaves are one of the most common concerns for indoor plant owners, often sparking worry that something is seriously wrong with their plant. Whether it's overwatering, underwatering, insufficient light, or even root rot, these yellowing signs can indicate that a plant is in distress. But while yellow leaves might seem alarming, not all are a reason to panic.

Plant expert Tanner Mitchell, a well-known figure in the plant community who shares tips on social media as @tannertheplanter, offers a refreshing perspective: not all yellowing leaves are bad news. In fact, if the yellow leaves appear in a specific area, they might signal a perfectly natural process.

In one of his popular Instagram reels, Mitchell showcases an anthurium hookerai with yellowing leaves near the base of the plant, just above the soil. According to him, this is completely normal. "These yellow leaves you're seeing down here are actually a good thing," he explains while pointing to the lower leaves of the plant. The reason? These yellowing leaves are simply the oldest ones, naturally dying off as new growth emerges from the plant's center.

This process is part of the plant's lifecycle. The newest leaves, located at the center, are the focus of a plant’s energy, while the older ones, nearest the soil, eventually fade and drop off. It happens in many types of houseplants, from trailing varieties to upright ones and even trees. So, if you're seeing yellow leaves at the bottom of your plant, it's simply shedding old growth and making room for new.

But what if the yellow leaves are in the center of the plant, where new growth should be thriving? That’s where concern kicks in. Central yellow leaves often signal a more serious issue, like root rot, which can severely impact the health of your plant if not addressed.

To keep your plant looking its best, Mitchell suggests simply removing the yellow leaves when they appear at the base. However, it's important to sanitize your pruning shears with isopropyl alcohol before cutting to prevent spreading any potential plant diseases. Cut the yellow leaves as close as possible to the base of each stem for a clean, healthy trim.

Mitchell also addresses common beginner plant-owner anxieties by reminding us that some plant "problems" are completely normal. For instance, dead leaves at the base, scars on leaves, and flowers dying are all part of a plant's natural lifecycle. Rather than stressing over these issues, embracing them allows plant owners to better enjoy the process of caring for their greenery.

What’s fascinating here is the deeper perspective on plant care. Many new plant owners often rush to conclusions at the sight of any imperfection, but plants—like all living things—go through cycles. Yellowing, scars, and even occasional flower loss are reminders of this natural progression. By taking a more relaxed approach to indoor gardening and understanding these processes, plant owners can foster healthier and happier plants.

In essence, plant care is about balance. While yellow leaves are often a sign of trouble, they are also a reminder that every plant is growing and evolving. Being mindful of where these yellow leaves appear can help you determine whether your plant is just shedding old leaves or if it's calling for extra care. Either way, this insight highlights the need for plant owners to stay attentive yet calm—creating a more enjoyable and less stressful plant-care journey.

By shedding light on these "normal problems," Mitchell encourages us to see indoor plant care not as a series of challenges but as an opportunity to better understand the natural rhythms of our green companions. So, if you're seeing yellow, don’t rush to worry. Your plant may just be growing—like you.