Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Touch the top inch of soil to check for dampness.
- Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Look for signs of pests on the undersides of the leaves.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves feel soft or mushy and the soil stays constantly wet. You might notice a sour smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Nutrient deficiency
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves turn a pale yellow while the veins remain green. This often happens if the plant has been in the same soil for a long time.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Feed the plant once every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.
Find out what's wrong with your mélisse
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
Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the whole plant. A single yellow leaf at the base is often just natural aging.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry and always provide good air circulation.
Mélisse: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mélisse 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
- Should I cut off the yellow leaves?
- Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors to help the plant focus energy on healthy growth.
- Can too much sun cause yellowing?
- Yes, if the plant is in intense direct sun, the leaves can bleach to a pale yellow or white color.
More problems with Mélisse
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.