Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is soggy or waterlogged.
- Check the base of the plant for signs of root rot.
- Observe if the yellowing is happening on older leaves or new growth.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves will turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. This happens when the roots cannot breathe because the soil stays wet for too long.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 to 3 inches of soil dry out completely. Ensure your planting site has excellent drainage and is not in a low spot where water pools.
Nutrient Deficiency
PossibleHow to tell: This is less common for catmint, usually caused by planting in very poor or depleted soil. The leaves turn a pale yellow while the veins may remain green.
What to do: Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring to give the plant a boost. You can also mix a small amount of compost into the soil around the base of the plant.
Find out what's wrong with your catmint
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.
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When to worry
It is normal for the oldest leaves at the base of the plant to yellow and drop as the plant matures. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to the upper, younger leaves.
Stopping it coming back
Stick to a watering schedule of every 7 to 14 days and always check that the soil is dry before adding more water.
Keep your catmint healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Should I cut off the yellow leaves?
- Yes, you can snip them off to keep the plant looking tidy. It will not hurt the plant to remove them.
- Does catmint need a lot of fertilizer?
- No, catmint actually prefers leaner soil. Too much fertilizer can make the plant floppy and less fragrant.
More problems with Catmint
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.