Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This helps the plant focus its energy on new growth.

Does low light cause yellowing?

Yes, if your plant is in a dark corner, it may drop leaves or turn yellow. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.

Creeping Charlie: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the top inch of soil to check for dampness.
Inspect the pot to ensure it has drainage holes.
Check the undersides of leaves for tiny white cottony pests.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves feel soft or mushy and the soil stays damp for more than a week.
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.
Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves look yellow but feel crispy or dry to the touch.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until liquid runs out of the drainage holes. Stick to a schedule of every 5 to 7 days to keep the soil consistently moist.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your creeping charlie

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 stems to yellow and drop occasionally. Worry if multiple leaves turn yellow at once or if the stems look brown and mushy.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a consistent watering schedule and always check the soil moisture before adding more water.

Creeping Charlie: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your creeping charlie 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. This helps the plant focus its energy on new growth.
Does low light cause yellowing?: Yes, if your plant is in a dark corner, it may drop leaves or turn yellow. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Creeping Charlie leaves turning yellow?