Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage new growth.

Can too much sun cause yellow leaves?

Usually, too much sun causes scorched or bleached spots rather than yellowing. If the leaves are yellow, it is almost always a watering issue.

Geranium: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Poke your finger an inch into the 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 yellowing leaves.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil stays wet for a long time.
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.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: Older leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green. This often happens if the plant has been in the same pot for a long time.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4 weeks during the growing season. If the plant is root bound, repot it into a slightly larger container with fresh potting mix.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your geranium

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

It is normal for the oldest leaves at the base of the plant to yellow and drop as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing is widespread or moving quickly toward the new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a consistent watering schedule and only water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Geranium: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your geranium 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage new growth.
Can too much sun cause yellow leaves?: Usually, too much sun causes scorched or bleached spots rather than yellowing. If the leaves are yellow, it is almost always a watering issue.

Why are my fancy-leaf geranium's leaves turning yellow?