Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can trim them back to the base to keep the plant looking tidy. This also improves airflow around the crown.

Does low light cause yellowing?

Yes, if the grass is kept in deep shade for too long, it may lose its vibrant color. Move it to a spot with brighter, indirect light.

Wavy hair-grass: 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 pests or fungal rust on the yellowing blades.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The base of the grass feels mushy and the soil stays wet for too long. Yellowing often starts at the bottom of the blades.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before adding more water. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape. Reduce your watering frequency to every 7 days if the soil remains damp.
Nutrient Deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The entire plant looks pale or yellow despite having consistent moisture. This often happens if the grass has been in the same pot for over a year.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once in early spring. Do not overfeed, as this grass prefers lean soil conditions. Repotting into fresh, well draining potting mix can also provide a necessary nutrient boost.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your wavy hair-grass

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 across the entire clump, it is a sign of root distress. It is normal for a few older blades at the base to turn yellow and die back as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and ensure the soil never stays waterlogged for extended periods.

Wavy hair-grass: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wavy hair-grass 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

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can trim them back to the base to keep the plant looking tidy. This also improves airflow around the crown.
Does low light cause yellowing?: Yes, if the grass is kept in deep shade for too long, it may lose its vibrant color. Move it to a spot with brighter, indirect light.

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