Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage new growth.

Can too much sun cause yellowing?

Yes, if the leaves look bleached or pale yellow, the plant might be getting too much intense afternoon sun.

Dovefoot cranesbill: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Poke your finger into the top inch of soil.
Check the drainage holes for standing water.
Inspect the undersides of leaves for pests.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so water does not pool at the bottom.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: General yellowing across older leaves while the plant looks otherwise healthy.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season. Avoid overfeeding, as this can burn the roots.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your dovefoot cranesbill

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 a few old leaves at the base to yellow and die off as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a consistent watering schedule and only water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Dovefoot cranesbill: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your dovefoot cranesbill 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 and encourage new growth.
Can too much sun cause yellowing?: Yes, if the leaves look bleached or pale yellow, the plant might be getting too much intense afternoon sun.

Why are my Dovefoot cranesbill leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your dovefoot cranesbill?

Likely causes

Overwatering

Nutrient deficiency

Find out what's wrong with your dovefoot cranesbill

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Dovefoot cranesbill: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

More problems with Dovefoot cranesbill