Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

redroot pigweed · Amaranthus retroflexus

Why are my redroot pigweed leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves often mean your plant is getting too much water or lacks proper nutrients. Check the soil drainage first to make sure it is not sitting in a puddle.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

yellow leaves on a plant
Photo: Trio3D, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Check if the soil is waterlogged.
  2. Look for signs of pests on the yellow leaves.
  3. Test the soil drainage in the planting area.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow first and may feel soft or mushy. The soil remains wet for a long time after watering.

    What to do: Stop watering until the top inch of soil is dry. Ensure the area has good drainage and is not in a low spot where water collects.

  2. Nutrient Deficiency

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves turn a pale yellow while the veins remain green. This usually happens when the plant has used up all the nutrients in the soil.

    What to do: Apply a balanced, water soluble fertilizer at half strength. Follow the instructions on the package for the best application rate.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your redroot pigweed

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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

Worry if the yellowing spreads to the top of the plant or if the leaves start falling off. A few yellow leaves at the very bottom are normal as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure the soil is well draining and avoid overwatering by checking the soil moisture before adding more water.

Redroot pigweed: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your redroot pigweed 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

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

Questions people ask

Should I cut off yellow leaves?
Yes, you can trim them off. They will not turn green again and removing them helps the plant focus energy on new growth.
Is yellowing always a sign of disease?
No, it is often just a sign of stress from watering or light issues. Check your care routine before assuming it is a disease.

More problems with redroot pigweed

Back to the redroot pigweed guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.