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Smooth hawksbeard · Crepis capillaris

Why are my smooth hawksbeard leaves turning yellow?

It is less common for this plant to have yellow leaves, but it usually happens when the roots are sitting in too much water. Check your soil moisture levels first to see if you are overwatering.

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yellow leaves on a plant
Photo: Trio3D, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Touch the top inch of soil to check for dampness.
  2. Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
  3. Look for signs of pests like aphids on the undersides of leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy. The soil stays damp for more than 10 days, and the plant may look wilted despite the wet soil.

    What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes and empty the saucer after 15 minutes so the roots do not sit in water.

  2. Nutrient Deficiency

    Possible

    How to tell: It is less common for this plant to suffer from nutrient issues, but older leaves may yellow if the soil is depleted. The veins might stay green while the rest of the leaf fades.

    What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Feed the plant once every 4 to 6 weeks during the spring and summer.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your smooth hawksbeard

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.

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When to worry

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

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a strict watering schedule of every 5 to 10 days based on soil feel. Avoid letting the soil stay soggy for extended periods.

Smooth hawksbeard: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your smooth hawksbeard 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.

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Questions people ask

Should I remove the yellow leaves?
Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors. This keeps the plant looking tidy and helps you spot any new yellowing quickly.
Does yellowing mean I have a disease?
Usually, yellowing is a sign of a watering issue rather than a disease. Check the roots for rot if the yellowing is accompanied by a foul smell.

More problems with Smooth hawksbeard

Back to the Smooth hawksbeard guide

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.