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 the plant focus its energy on healthy growth.

Can low light cause yellowing?

Yes, if the plant does not get enough light, it may struggle to process nutrients and turn yellow. Move it to a brighter spot with indirect sun.

Common hedgenettle: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to check for dampness.
Inspect the drainage holes for blockages.
Look for signs of pests on the undersides of leaves.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves feel soft or mushy and the soil stays wet for more than a week.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: Older leaves turn pale yellow while the veins remain green.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season. Do not overfeed, as this can burn the roots.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common hedgenettle

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

It is normal for the very bottom leaves to yellow and drop as the plant ages. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to the upper foliage.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a consistent watering schedule and only water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Common hedgenettle: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common hedgenettle 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 snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth.
Can low light cause yellowing?: Yes, if the plant does not get enough light, it may struggle to process nutrients and turn yellow. Move it to a brighter spot with indirect sun.

Why are my Common hedgenettle leaves turning yellow?