Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth.

Can too much sun cause yellowing?

Yes, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause them to fade or yellow. Move your plant to a spot with partial or full shade.

Starry false lily of the valley: yellow leaves

Check these first

Feel the soil two inches deep.
Check if the pot has drainage holes.
Look for standing water in the saucer.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil will stay wet for a long time.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Ensure your container has drainage holes so extra water can escape.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and crispy at the edges. The soil feels dry and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until moisture runs out the bottom. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist every 5 to 10 days.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your starry false lily of the valley

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 whole plant, it is a sign of root stress. It is normal for the oldest bottom leaves to yellow and drop as the plant prepares for winter dormancy.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and avoid letting the soil become completely bone dry or swampy.