Should I fertilize a yellowing plant?

No, do not fertilize a stressed plant. Fix the watering or light issues first before adding any nutrients.

Is yellowing a sign of root rot?

While root rot usually causes mushy, dark stems, it can sometimes present as yellowing. Ensure your soil is not stagnant or smelling foul.

Hard rush: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it has dried out.
Check the water source you are using for the plant.
Inspect the stems for any signs of fungal rust spots.

Likely causes

Drying Out
Possible
How to tell: The stems begin to yellow from the tips downward and eventually turn brown and crispy. The soil feels dry to the touch rather than saturated.
What to do: Increase your watering frequency to ensure the soil never dries out. Keep the pot sitting in a shallow tray of water to maintain constant moisture.
Water Quality Issues
Possible
How to tell: This is less common for this plant, but usually happens when using water with high mineral content or chlorine. The stems show yellowing or spotting despite the soil being wet.
What to do: Switch to using rainwater or distilled water for your plant. Avoid using tap water that has been treated with heavy chemicals.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your hard 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

Yellowing is a sign that the plant is not getting its basic needs met. It is normal for a few older, outer stems to yellow and die back as the plant matures.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a strict watering schedule that keeps the soil saturated at all times.

Hard rush: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your hard 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

Should I fertilize a yellowing plant?: No, do not fertilize a stressed plant. Fix the watering or light issues first before adding any nutrients.
Is yellowing a sign of root rot?: While root rot usually causes mushy, dark stems, it can sometimes present as yellowing. Ensure your soil is not stagnant or smelling foul.

Why are my Juncus inflexus stems turning yellow?