Should I cut off yellow stems?

Yes, they will not turn green again. Removing them helps the plant focus its energy on new, healthy growth.

Does this plant need fertilizer?

It generally does not need much. If the soil is very old, a light application of balanced liquid fertilizer in the spring can help.

Marsh horsetail: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Move the plant to a brighter spot.
Check if the water you use is very hard.
Ensure the plant is not crowded by other foliage.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems lose their vibrant green color and start to look pale or yellow, especially on the side facing away from the light source. The plant may also start to lean.
What to do: Move the plant to a brighter location with full sun or partial shade. If you are growing it indoors, place it near a south or west facing window.
Mineral Buildup
Possible
How to tell: The tips or entire stems turn yellow despite good light. This often happens if you use hard tap water with high chlorine or salt content.
What to do: Switch to using rainwater or distilled water for a few weeks to see if the color improves. Flush the soil with fresh water to remove any accumulated salts.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your marsh horsetail

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

Yellowing is a sign of stress that should be addressed quickly. Old stems at the very base may naturally yellow and die back, which is normal.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent bright light and use filtered or rainwater when possible.

Marsh horsetail: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your marsh horsetail 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 yellow stems?: Yes, they will not turn green again. Removing them helps the plant focus its energy on new, healthy growth.
Does this plant need fertilizer?: It generally does not need much. If the soil is very old, a light application of balanced liquid fertilizer in the spring can help.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are my marsh horsetail stems turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your marsh horsetail?