Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy new growth.

Is my plant dying if it has yellow leaves?

Not necessarily, but it is a sign that something is off with your care routine. Adjusting your watering habits usually fixes the problem quickly.

Wavy bittercress: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to see if it is soggy or bone dry.
Check the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Look at the base of the plant for signs of rot.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil will stay wet for a long time and might smell slightly sour.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top inch of soil dry out. Ensure your pot has good drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the roots.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel dry or crispy. The soil will pull away from the edges of the pot and feel very light.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the bottom of the pot. Maintain a schedule of watering every 2 to 5 days to keep the soil evenly moist.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your wavy bittercress

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 oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and drop as the plant matures. Worry if the yellowing is spreading rapidly to the new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Check the soil moisture every 2 days to ensure you are meeting the plant's needs. Use a well draining potting mix to prevent moisture buildup.

Wavy bittercress: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wavy bittercress 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. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy new growth.
Is my plant dying if it has yellow leaves?: Not necessarily, but it is a sign that something is off with your care routine. Adjusting your watering habits usually fixes the problem quickly.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are the leaves on my Wavy bittercress turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your wavy bittercress?