Too much sun or a feeding gap

Pale, washed-out new leaves usually mean harsh sun bleaching them or a feeding shortfall.

Diagnosis

Too much sun or a feeding gap

What's happening

New leaves bleaching to a faded yellow-pink on the window side points to too much direct sun scorching the tender, variegated growth. Pale, weak new leaves with no recent feeding instead point to a nutrient shortfall, since young growth is the first to show a lack of food.

How to fix it

Move the plant out of any direct sun into the bright, indirect light Stromanthe prefers. If feeding is overdue, start a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength through the growing season. New leaves that unfurl after the change should come in with their proper cream, green, and pink coloring.

What fixes it

This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.

Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this