Check these first
- Touch the soil to see if it is dry.
- Check the light levels at the plant's current location.
- Inspect the undersides of leaves for pests.
Likely causes
Drying soil
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow and crispy starting from the edges or tips. This happens when the soil dries out between waterings.
What to do: Keep the soil constantly moist or keep the pot in a shallow tray of water. Ensure the soil never dries out completely, as this plant thrives in wet conditions.
Insufficient light
PossibleHow to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and eventually fall off while the plant looks stretched. This occurs when the plant does not get enough full sun.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with direct, full sun. If growing indoors, place it in a south facing window or use a high intensity grow light for 10 to 12 hours daily.
Find out what's wrong with your winged primrose-willow
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
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When to worry
Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the entire plant. It is normal for the very oldest leaves at the base to yellow and drop as the plant matures.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent water level by keeping the pot in a shallow water tray. Provide as much direct sunlight as possible.
Winged primrose-willow: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your winged primrose-willow 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
- Can I let the soil dry out slightly?
- No, this plant prefers to be constantly moist or even submerged in shallow water. Drying out will quickly stress the plant.
- Does yellowing mean I have aphids?
- Aphids usually cause distorted new growth rather than overall yellowing. Check the tips of the stems for small insects if the yellowing is accompanied by curling.
More problems with Winged primrose-willow
Back to the Winged primrose-willow 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.

