Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors. This keeps the plant looking tidy and helps it focus energy on new growth.

Yes, tap water is fine for marsh pennywort. Just make sure you provide it frequently so the soil never dries out.

Marsh pennywort: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to see if it is dry.
Check if the pot is sitting in a tray of water.
Assess if the plant is getting enough bright light.

Likely causes

Drying out
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch and the leaves look limp before turning yellow. This happens quickly because this plant is a bog species.
What to do: Water the plant immediately so the soil is saturated. Keep the pot sitting in a shallow tray of water to ensure the soil stays wet at all times.
Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn a pale, sickly yellow and the stems become long and stretched. This occurs when the plant is kept in a dark corner away from windows.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light or partial sun. If you are growing it indoors, place it directly on a sunny windowsill.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your marsh pennywort

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 leaves at the base to yellow and die back as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing is spreading across the entire plant rapidly.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist by using a self watering pot or keeping the container in a tray of water.

Marsh pennywort: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your marsh pennywort 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. This keeps the plant looking tidy and helps it focus energy on new growth.
Can I use tap water?: Yes, tap water is fine for marsh pennywort. Just make sure you provide it frequently so the soil never dries out.

Why are my marsh pennywort leaves turning yellow?