Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps you monitor if the yellowing continues to spread.

Can too much sun cause yellow leaves?

Usually, too much sun causes the leaves to bleach or turn crispy brown rather than yellow. This plant loves full sun, so it is rarely the cause of yellowing.

Thyme-leaved sandwort: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the top inch of soil to check for dampness.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Look for signs of mushy stems near the soil line.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil remains damp for many days after watering.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top inch of soil dry out completely. Ensure your pot has drainage holes and remove any standing water from the saucer.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The entire plant looks pale or yellowed, especially in older growth. This happens if the plant has been in the same soil for a long time.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once during the active growing season. Do not overfeed, as this plant prefers lean soil.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your thyme-leaved sandwort

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

If the yellowing spreads rapidly to the entire plant, it is likely suffering from root rot. It is normal for the very oldest, bottom leaves to yellow and drop occasionally.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water. Use a well draining potting mix to keep the roots healthy.

Thyme-leaved sandwort: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your thyme-leaved sandwort 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.

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Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps you monitor if the yellowing continues to spread.
Can too much sun cause yellow leaves?: Usually, too much sun causes the leaves to bleach or turn crispy brown rather than yellow. This plant loves full sun, so it is rarely the cause of yellowing.

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