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 healthy new growth.

Can too much sun cause yellowing?

Yes, if the plant is in intense, direct afternoon sun, the leaves may bleach or yellow. Move it to a spot with partial shade to protect the foliage.

Ragged Robin: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the top inch of soil to see if it is dry or wet.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Check the undersides of leaves for any signs of pests.

Likely causes

Inconsistent Watering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel crispy or limp because the plant is struggling to maintain hydration. This often happens if you let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
What to do: Keep the soil consistently damp to the touch. Water every 2 to 4 days depending on the heat, ensuring the soil stays moist but never sitting in standing water.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Yellowing starts at the base of the plant and the soil smells sour or looks muddy. This indicates the roots are suffocating from lack of oxygen.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with drainage holes using a well draining potting mix. Ensure you empty any excess water from the saucer after every watering.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your ragged robin

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 very oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and drop as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to new growth or if the stems feel mushy.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a steady watering schedule that keeps the soil damp but not soaked. Use a pot with good drainage to prevent water from pooling around the roots.

Ragged Robin: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your ragged robin 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 healthy new growth.
Can too much sun cause yellowing?: Yes, if the plant is in intense, direct afternoon sun, the leaves may bleach or yellow. Move it to a spot with partial shade to protect the foliage.

Why are my Ragged Robin leaves turning yellow?