Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Feel the soil depth to check for dampness.
- Inspect the pot for standing water in the saucer.
- Check the calendar to see if the plant is entering its dormant phase.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves feel soft or mushy and the soil stays wet for too long. You might notice a musty smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Dormancy
PossibleHow to tell: The plant naturally turns yellow as it prepares for its rest period after the growing season. This happens gradually across the whole plant.
What to do: Reduce your watering frequency to allow the soil to dry out more between sessions. You can trim away the yellow foliage once it is completely brown and dry.
Find out what's wrong with your squill
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
It is normal for older leaves to yellow as the plant enters dormancy. Worry if the yellowing is sudden or affects new growth.
Stopping it coming back
Always check the soil moisture with your finger before adding more water.
Squill: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your squill 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Should I cut off yellow leaves?
- Wait until the leaf is fully brown and crispy before removing it. This allows the plant to pull back any remaining nutrients.
- Can low light cause yellowing?
- Yes, if the plant is in a dark corner, it may struggle to maintain its foliage. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.
More problems with Squill
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.