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 the plant focus its energy on healthy new growth.

Can too much sun cause yellowing?

Yes, if the plant is in intense, direct afternoon sun without enough water, the leaves may bleach and turn yellow. Move the plant to a spot with partial shade during the hottest part of the day.

Virginia strawberry: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger one inch deep.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Look for signs of pests on the undersides of the leaves.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil stays wet for more than a week.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so extra water can escape.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: Older leaves turn yellow while veins remain green. This happens when the plant has exhausted the nutrients in its soil.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season. Avoid overfeeding, which can burn the roots.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your virginia strawberry

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 oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and die off as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and use well draining soil to keep the root system healthy.

Virginia strawberry: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your virginia strawberry 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 keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps the plant focus its energy on healthy new growth.
Can too much sun cause yellowing?: Yes, if the plant is in intense, direct afternoon sun without enough water, the leaves may bleach and turn yellow. Move the plant to a spot with partial shade during the hottest part of the day.

Why are my Virginia strawberry leaves turning yellow?