Should I cut off yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy and prevent potential rot.

Can too much sun cause yellowing?

Yes, if the plant is in intense, direct sun during a heatwave, the leaves may bleach or yellow.

Bulbous buttercup: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to feel for excess moisture.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Check the base of the plant for signs of rot.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves feel soft and limp, and the soil stays soggy for days.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out 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 plant looks generally pale.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season. Do not overfeed, as this can burn the roots.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bulbous buttercup

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 to yellow and die back as the plant matures. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to the younger growth.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule of every 3 to 7 days, adjusting based on the current temperature.

Bulbous buttercup: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bulbous buttercup 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 keep the plant looking tidy and prevent potential rot.
Can too much sun cause yellowing?: Yes, if the plant is in intense, direct sun during a heatwave, the leaves may bleach or yellow.

Why are my bulbous buttercup leaves turning yellow?