Can I use tap water if I let it sit out?

No, letting tap water sit does not remove minerals like calcium or magnesium. These minerals will build up and kill your Waterwheel plant.

Does yellowing mean it needs fertilizer?

Absolutely not. Never fertilize this plant, as it gets all its nutrients from catching tiny aquatic prey.

Waterwheel plant: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Test your water with a TDS meter to ensure it is below 50 ppm.
Observe the light intensity in your plant's current location.
Check for any debris or algae clouding the water.

Likely causes

Mineral buildup
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn pale yellow or white while the plant stops growing. Tap water contains dissolved solids that quickly poison this carnivorous plant.
What to do: Switch immediately to distilled, reverse osmosis, or rain water. Flush the container by replacing the water entirely with a fresh, mineral free supply.
Insufficient light
Possible
How to tell: The leaves look washed out and yellow, and the stems appear weak. This plant needs intense light to maintain its vibrant green color.
What to do: Move the container to a brighter spot with more indirect sunlight. If natural light is low, add a dedicated LED grow light for 12 to 14 hours a day.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your waterwheel plant

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the whole plant. It is normal for the oldest, bottom leaves to fade slightly as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Always use distilled or rain water and provide consistent, bright light.

Waterwheel plant: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your waterwheel plant and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I use tap water if I let it sit out?: No, letting tap water sit does not remove minerals like calcium or magnesium. These minerals will build up and kill your Waterwheel plant.
Does yellowing mean it needs fertilizer?: Absolutely not. Never fertilize this plant, as it gets all its nutrients from catching tiny aquatic prey.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are my Waterwheel plant leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your waterwheel plant?