Should I remove the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors. This keeps the plant looking tidy and helps you monitor for new yellowing.

Is my plant dying if it has a few yellow leaves?

Not necessarily, as long as the rest of the plant looks firm and healthy. Just adjust your watering schedule to be more cautious.

Deptford pink: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger two inches into the soil to check for dampness.
Ensure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
Check the base of the stems for any signs of mushiness.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy. The soil stays damp for a long time after watering.
What to do: Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings, usually every 7 to 14 days. Ensure your pot has drainage holes and never let the plant sit in a saucer of water.
Crown Rot
Possible
How to tell: This is less common for this plant, usually caused by water pooling around the base of the stems. You will see yellowing leaves near the soil line and the base of the plant may look brown or mushy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and improve air circulation around the base. If the rot is advanced, you may need to repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil and cut away any damaged roots.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your deptford pink

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 across the whole plant. It is normal for the very oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and drop occasionally as the plant ages.

Stopping it coming back

Always let the soil dry out thoroughly before adding more water.

Deptford pink: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your deptford pink 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 remove the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors. This keeps the plant looking tidy and helps you monitor for new yellowing.
Is my plant dying if it has a few yellow leaves?: Not necessarily, as long as the rest of the plant looks firm and healthy. Just adjust your watering schedule to be more cautious.

Guides to these causes

Root Rot

Why are my Deptford pink's leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your deptford pink?