Check these first
- Touch the top inch of soil to check for dampness.
- Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Look at the undersides of leaves for any signs of pests.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil stays wet for more than a few days.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Nutrient Deficiency
PossibleHow to tell: Older leaves turn yellow while veins remain green, often indicating a lack of nitrogen. This happens if the plant has been in the same soil for a long time.
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.
Find out what's wrong with your siberian rocket
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
It is normal for the very bottom leaves to yellow and drop as the plant ages. Be concerned if the yellowing spreads rapidly to the upper foliage.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and provide well draining soil to keep roots healthy.
Siberian rocket: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your siberian rocket 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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 energy on healthy growth.
- Can too much sun cause yellowing?
- Yes, intense direct sun can bleach leaves, making them look pale or yellow. If your plant is in a very hot spot, try moving it to partial shade.
More problems with Siberian rocket
- What are these spots on my Siberian rocket?
- Why is my Siberian rocket getting so leggy?
- Why is my Siberian rocket drooping?
- Why is my Siberian rocket suffering from root rot?
- Why are the tips of my Siberian rocket turning brown?
- Why is my Siberian rocket losing its leaves?
- Why is my Siberian rocket not blooming?
- What are these bugs on my Siberian rocket?
Back to the Siberian rocket guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.

