Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps you spot any new yellowing more easily.

Can too much sun cause yellow leaves?

Yes, if the plant gets harsh direct sun, the leaves can bleach or yellow. Move it to a spot with bright indirect light instead.

Procumbent pearlwort: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to see if it is soggy or bone dry.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Check the base of the stems for signs of mushy rot.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The foliage feels mushy and the soil stays soggy for days. You might notice a faint sour smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Stop watering until the top half inch of soil feels slightly dry. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape freely.
Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves look yellow and crispy rather than soft. The soil will feel completely dry and pull away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until moisture runs out of the bottom. Keep the soil consistently damp by checking it every 2 to 3 days.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your procumbent pearlwort

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 a few older leaves at the base to yellow as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the entire mat.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule that keeps the soil damp but never swampy.

Procumbent pearlwort: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your procumbent pearlwort 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 also helps you spot any new yellowing more easily.
Can too much sun cause yellow leaves?: Yes, if the plant gets harsh direct sun, the leaves can bleach or yellow. Move it to a spot with bright indirect light instead.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Sagina procumbens leaves turning yellow?