Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Feel the soil to check for waterlogged conditions.
- Inspect the drainage holes for blockages.
- Look for signs of pests on the undersides of leaves.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and the soil feels constantly soggy.
What to do: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before watering again. Ensure the pot is not sitting in standing water.
Nutrient deficiency
PossibleHow to tell: General yellowing across the plant, often starting with older leaves.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do this once every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.
When to worry
If the yellowing spreads rapidly to new growth, it is a sign of a serious problem. A few older leaves turning yellow at the base is normal as the plant grows.
Stopping it coming back
Avoid letting the plant sit in water and use well draining soil.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your cow parsley.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Should I cut off the yellow leaves?
- Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy.
- Is yellowing always bad?
- Not always, as older leaves naturally die off. If it happens to many leaves at once, investigate the watering.
More problems with Cow parsley
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.