Does my milkweed need more iron?

Yellowing due to nutrient deficiency is rare in garden soil. It is almost always a watering issue.

Should I cut off yellow leaves?

You can trim them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy, but it is not strictly necessary for the plant's health.

Showy milkweed: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil moisture a few inches down.
Check if the yellowing is concentrated at the bottom of the plant.
Look for signs of standing water around the base.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and may feel soft or mushy. The soil stays wet for a long time after you water it.
What to do: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Ensure your planting site has excellent drainage and is not in a low spot where water pools.
Natural Senescence
Possible
How to tell: Only the oldest leaves at the very bottom of the stem are turning yellow and eventually dropping off. The rest of the plant looks healthy and green.
What to do: This is a normal part of the plant life cycle. You can simply leave the leaves to fall off on their own or remove them if they look unsightly.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your showy milkweed

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 to the upper leaves or if the stems start to look dark and squishy. A few yellow leaves at the base are usually fine.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a consistent watering schedule of every 7 to 14 days, and always check the soil moisture before adding more water. Good drainage is the best defense against yellowing.

Showy milkweed: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your showy milkweed 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

Does my milkweed need more iron?: Yellowing due to nutrient deficiency is rare in garden soil. It is almost always a watering issue.
Should I cut off yellow leaves?: You can trim them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy, but it is not strictly necessary for the plant's health.

Why are my Showy milkweed leaves turning yellow?