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 monitor if the yellowing is continuing to spread.

Does yellowing mean I need to fertilize?

Usually not, as this plant thrives in poor soil. Check your watering habits first before adding any nutrients.

Sulphur-flower buckwheat: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil at least two inches deep to check for dampness.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Check the base of the stem for any signs of mushy tissue.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. You might also notice a damp, musty smell coming from the soil.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the soil stays wet for more than a few days, repot the plant into a well-draining mix with extra perlite or pumice.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: Older leaves turn yellow while the veins stay green, often appearing after the plant has been in the same pot for years. This happens when the soil is depleted of minerals.
What to do: Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer once in early spring. Do not over-fertilize, as this plant prefers lean, rocky soils.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your sulphur-flower buckwheat

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 a few older leaves at the bottom to yellow and die back as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Always allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings and use a gritty, fast-draining soil mix.

Sulphur-flower buckwheat: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sulphur-flower buckwheat 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 cut off the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps you monitor if the yellowing is continuing to spread.
Does yellowing mean I need to fertilize?: Usually not, as this plant thrives in poor soil. Check your watering habits first before adding any nutrients.

Why are my sulphur-flower buckwheat leaves turning yellow?