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Check these first
- Check if the soil is soggy or waterlogged.
- Smell the soil for any signs of rot or sour odors.
- Verify that your pot has drainage holes.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy. The soil stays damp for a long time after watering.
What to do: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Ensure your pot has excellent drainage and never let the plant sit in a saucer of water.
Nutrient deficiency
PossibleHow to tell: The older leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green. This usually happens slowly over time.
What to do: Apply a balanced, water soluble fertilizer at half strength once during the growing season. Do not overfeed, as mugwort does not require heavy fertilization.
Find out what's wrong with your mugwort
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
It is normal for the very bottom leaves to yellow and fall off as the plant matures. Worry if the yellowing is moving rapidly up the stem or affecting new growth.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and ensure the plant has plenty of light to help it process water efficiently.
Mugwort: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mugwort 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can yellow leaves turn green again?
- No, once a leaf has turned yellow, it will not return to green. It is best to let the plant shed it naturally or snip it off.
- How often should I check the soil?
- Check the soil moisture every few days, especially during hot weather. Only water when the top inch feels dry to the touch.
More problems with Mugwort
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.