Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to help the plant focus its energy on healthy growth. It will not help the yellow leaf turn green again.

Can too much sun cause yellow leaves?

Yes, intense direct sun can bleach the leaves and cause them to yellow. Move your plant to a spot with bright, indirect light.

Why are my boneset's leaves turning yellow? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
Inspect the underside of leaves for signs of pests.
Check the drainage holes to ensure water is not pooling.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves feel crispy or dry before turning yellow, and the soil surface feels dusty.
What to do: Water your plant immediately until liquid drains from the bottom. Maintain a schedule of watering every 2 to 4 days to keep the soil consistently damp.
Nutrient Deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The older leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green, often indicating a lack of nitrogen.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once every 4 weeks during the growing season. Ensure you are using a potting mix that has not been depleted of nutrients over time.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common boneset

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

It is normal for the very bottom leaves to yellow and fall off as the plant matures. Worry if the yellowing is spreading rapidly across the upper foliage.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist and provide a balanced feeding schedule during the spring and summer.

Common boneset: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common boneset 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 to help the plant focus its energy on healthy growth. It will not help the yellow leaf turn green again.
Can too much sun cause yellow leaves?: Yes, intense direct sun can bleach the leaves and cause them to yellow. Move your plant to a spot with bright, indirect light.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my boneset's leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your common boneset?