Should I cut off yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to help the plant look better. This also allows the plant to focus energy on healthy new growth.

Does low light cause yellowing?

Yes, if the plant is in a dark corner, it may shed leaves that it can no longer support. Move it to a spot with brighter indirect light.

Why are my Redshank leaves turning yellow? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to see if it is soggy or bone dry.
Inspect the underside of the leaves for tiny pests.
Check if the pot has proper drainage.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow starting from the bottom of the plant and the soil feels constantly soggy. You might also notice a slight musty smell from the pot.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out slightly before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so extra water can escape.
Nutrient Deficiency
Possible
How to tell: Older leaves fade to a pale yellow while the veins stay green. This happens when the plant has exhausted the nutrients in its potting mix.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once every 4 weeks during the growing season. Do not fertilize during the winter months.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your redshank

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

Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to new growth. It is normal for the very oldest bottom leaves to yellow and fall off as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently damp but never waterlogged to maintain healthy foliage.

Redshank: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your redshank 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 yellow leaves?: Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to help the plant look better. This also allows the plant to focus energy on healthy new growth.
Does low light cause yellowing?: Yes, if the plant is in a dark corner, it may shed leaves that it can no longer support. Move it to a spot with brighter indirect light.

Why are my Redshank leaves turning yellow?