Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors. This keeps the plant looking tidy and prevents potential fungal issues.

Is my plant dying if it has yellow leaves?

Not necessarily, but it is a sign that your care routine needs a slight adjustment. Most plants recover quickly once you correct the watering.

Viper's bugloss: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger 2 inches into the soil to check for dampness.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Check the base of the plant for signs of rot.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch.
What to do: Let the soil dry out completely for 7 to 14 days. Ensure your pot has drainage holes and never let the plant sit in a saucer of standing water.
Nutrient Deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn a pale, sickly yellow while the veins remain green.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once in the spring. Do not overfeed, as this plant prefers lean soil.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your viper's bugloss

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

A single yellow leaf at the very base is often just natural aging. If multiple leaves turn yellow at once, you have a watering issue to address.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to the 7 to 14 day watering rhythm and only water when the top few inches of soil are dry.

Viper's bugloss: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your viper's bugloss 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 keeps the plant looking tidy and prevents potential fungal issues.
Is my plant dying if it has yellow leaves?: Not necessarily, but it is a sign that your care routine needs a slight adjustment. Most plants recover quickly once you correct the watering.

Why are my Viper's bugloss leaves turning yellow?