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 low light cause yellowing?

Yes, lobelia needs plenty of light to stay vibrant. Without enough sun, the leaves will lose their color and turn yellow.

Edging lobelia: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is soggy.
Check the pot for standing water.
Look at the light levels in the current spot.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow starting from the bottom of the plant and the soil feels constantly wet.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top inch of soil dry out. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so extra water can escape.
Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks pale and stretched out with yellowing leaves throughout the foliage.
What to do: Move your lobelia to a spot with more bright, indirect light or partial sun. If it is indoors, place it near a south or west facing window.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your edging lobelia

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 bottom leaves to yellow and drop as the plant matures. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the whole plant.

Stopping it coming back

Water only when the top half inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch. Keep the plant in a bright location to maintain healthy green growth.

Edging lobelia: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your edging lobelia 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 low light cause yellowing?: Yes, lobelia needs plenty of light to stay vibrant. Without enough sun, the leaves will lose their color and turn yellow.

Why are my Lobelia erinus leaves turning yellow?