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 under the leaves for any tiny insects.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow starting from the bottom of the plant and the soil feels soggy.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so extra water can escape.
Nitrogen deficiency
PossibleHow to tell: The entire plant looks pale and growth slows down significantly.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Do not overfeed as this can reduce the flavor of your mint.
Find out what's wrong with your spearmint
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
It is normal for a few old leaves at the base to yellow and drop as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the whole plant.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the soil moist but never sitting in water.
Spearmint: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spearmint 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 remove the yellow leaves?
- Yes, snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage new growth.
- Can I eat leaves that are turning yellow?
- It is best to discard them. They will not taste good and may have lost their essential oils.
More problems with Spearmint
- How do I get rid of pests on my spearmint?
- What are these spots on my spearmint leaves?
- Why is my spearmint plant drooping?
- Why is my spearmint growing tall and leggy?
- Why are my spearmint leaves turning brown at the tips?
- Why is my spearmint losing its leaves?
- Why is my spearmint plant wilting and rotting?
- Why are my spearmint leaves curling?
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.