Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Touch the soil to see if it feels soggy.
- Check the drainage holes for blockages.
- Look at the base of the stems for signs of rot.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves feel soft and mushy, and the soil stays wet for a long time. You might notice a musty smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape freely.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: The plant sits in a saucer of water or the soil is too heavy and dense. This prevents oxygen from reaching the roots.
What to do: Repot your plant into a well draining mix containing perlite or sand. Empty the saucer under the pot within 30 minutes of watering.
Find out what's wrong with your maiden 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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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 die back occasionally.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water. Use a gritty, fast draining soil mix to keep the roots happy.
Maiden pink: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your maiden 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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 you see if new growth is healthy.
- Can too much sun cause yellowing?
- No, Maiden pinks love full sun. If they are yellowing, it is almost always related to moisture issues rather than light.
More problems with Maiden pink
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.