Why are the leaves on my Mother of Thyme turning yellow?

Check these first

1. Check the soil moisture level with your finger.
2. Look for signs of pests on the undersides of the leaves.
3. Ensure the plant is not sitting in a saucer of standing water.

Likely causes

1. Overwatering

   Most likely

   How to tell: The yellow leaves appear soft and the soil feels constantly wet.

   What to do: Hold off on watering until the soil is bone dry. Ensure the plant has excellent airflow to help the soil dry out faster.

2. Nutrient Deficiency

   Possible

   How to tell: The leaves turn a pale yellow while the plant looks generally weak.

   What to do: Apply a balanced, water soluble fertilizer at half strength once during the spring. Do not overfeed, as this plant prefers lean soil.

Yellow leaves on other plants

When to worry

A few yellow leaves at the very bottom of the plant are normal as it ages, but widespread yellowing is a sign of stress.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a strict watering schedule and ensure the plant gets plenty of direct sunlight.

Questions people ask

Should I remove the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can gently pluck them off to keep the plant looking tidy and prevent potential rot.

Does yellowing mean my plant needs more water?

Usually, it means the opposite. Always check that the soil is dry before adding more water.

More problems with Mother of Thyme

• Why is my Mother of Thyme rotting at the base?
• Why is my Mother of Thyme growing long and leggy?
• Why are my Mother of Thyme leaves getting brown tips?
• Why is my Mother of Thyme drooping?
• Why is my Mother of Thyme losing its leaves?
• Why is my Mother of Thyme not flowering?