Can I cut off the yellow stems?

Yes, you can trim them back to the soil line with clean scissors. This keeps the plant looking tidy.

Will my plant recover if it turned yellow from drying out?

Usually yes, if you rehydrate it quickly. The yellow parts likely won't turn green again, but new growth will emerge healthy.

Jointleaf rush: 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.
Look at the light levels in your current spot.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch and the stems start to lose their vibrant green color. You might notice the tips turning brown as the yellowing progresses.
What to do: Saturate the soil immediately until water runs out of the drainage holes. Keep the pot sitting in a shallow tray of water to ensure the soil stays consistently wet.
Lack of Light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks pale and yellow, especially on the lower stems that are shaded. The stems may also look weak or thin.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with more direct sunlight. Aim for at least 6 hours of bright light every day to help it regain its color.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your jointleaf rush

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

If the yellowing spreads rapidly across the entire plant despite keeping the soil wet, it might be suffering from severe root stress. It is normal for the oldest, lowest stems to yellow and die back occasionally.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil constantly waterlogged by using a pot without drainage holes or by keeping the plant in a tray filled with an inch of water.

Jointleaf rush: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your jointleaf rush 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

Can I cut off the yellow stems?: Yes, you can trim them back to the soil line with clean scissors. This keeps the plant looking tidy.
Will my plant recover if it turned yellow from drying out?: Usually yes, if you rehydrate it quickly. The yellow parts likely won't turn green again, but new growth will emerge healthy.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Juncus articulatus leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your jointleaf rush?