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.

Is yellowing a sign of rust?

Rust usually shows as orange pustules rather than simple yellowing. Check the undersides of the leaves for these spots.

White campion: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the light levels in your plant's current location.
Look for signs of pests on the undersides of the yellow leaves.
Evaluate your recent fertilization schedule.

Likely causes

Nutrient Deficiency
Most likely
How to tell: The older leaves turn pale yellow while the veins remain green. This often happens if the plant has been in the same soil for a long time.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Do not over fertilize as this can burn the roots.
Insufficient Light
Possible
How to tell: The plant looks stretched out and the leaves lose their vibrant color, turning a sickly yellow. This happens when the plant is kept in too much shade.
What to do: Move your white campion to a spot that receives full sun or at least 6 hours of bright light daily. Gradually introduce it to more light over a week to avoid leaf scorch.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your white campion

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 lowest, oldest leaves to turn yellow and drop as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing is spreading rapidly across the entire plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant in a sunny spot and feed it lightly during the active growing months.

White campion: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your white campion 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.
Is yellowing a sign of rust?: Rust usually shows as orange pustules rather than simple yellowing. Check the undersides of the leaves for these spots.

Why are my white campion's leaves turning yellow?