Pocket Botanist
.jpg){kind=link}
Check these first
- Check if the soil is waterlogged.
- Ensure the pot has proper drainage.
- Assess the light levels in the current spot.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the soil feels constantly soggy or swampy.
What to do: Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly before watering again. Ensure your pot has good drainage holes.
Too much light
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves look bleached or yellow, especially on the side facing the light source.
What to do: Move the plant to a shadier location. Yellow pimpernel prefers partial to full shade.
Find out what's wrong with your yellow pimpernel
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
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Occasional yellowing of old, bottom leaves is normal, but widespread yellowing indicates a care issue.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering rhythm and keep the plant in its preferred shady environment.
Yellow pimpernel: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your yellow pimpernel 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 yellow leaves turn green again?
- No, once a leaf has turned yellow, it will not return to green. It is best to remove it.
- Is my plant dying if it has yellow leaves?
- Not necessarily, it is usually just a sign that the plant needs a change in its care routine.
More problems with Yellow pimpernel
Back to the Yellow pimpernel 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.