Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off at the base with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth.

Does yellowing mean my plant is dying?

Not necessarily, but it is a sign that the roots are unhappy. Address the moisture issue quickly to prevent further damage.

Western blue-eyed grass: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Poke your finger into the soil to check for dampness.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Look for signs of standing water in the saucer.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The base of the plant feels mushy and the leaves turn a pale, sickly yellow.
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.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: Older leaves turn yellow while the plant looks generally stunted.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once in the early spring. Do not overfeed, as this plant prefers lean soil.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your western blue-eyed grass

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

Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the entire clump. It is normal for a few older, bottom leaves to yellow as the plant cycles through growth.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a strict watering schedule of every 7 to 14 days and only water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Western blue-eyed grass: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your western blue-eyed grass 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 at the base with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth.
Does yellowing mean my plant is dying?: Not necessarily, but it is a sign that the roots are unhappy. Address the moisture issue quickly to prevent further damage.

Why are my Western blue-eyed grass leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your western blue-eyed grass?

Likely causes

Overwatering

Nutrient deficiency

Find out what's wrong with your western blue-eyed grass

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Western blue-eyed grass: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

More problems with Western blue-eyed grass