Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps you see if the yellowing is continuing to spread.

Is my plant getting too much sun?

Veronica montana prefers partial to full shade. If it is in a spot with too much direct afternoon sun, the leaves may bleach or yellow from heat stress.

Wood speedwell: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture to see if it is too dry or too wet.
Look for signs of pests like aphids on the undersides of the yellowing leaves.
Examine the soil to see if it has become compacted.

Likely causes

Inconsistent Watering
Most likely
How to tell: Leaves turn yellow and crispy if the plant gets too dry, or yellow and limp if it stays too wet. This often happens when the plant experiences extreme swings between drought and saturation.
What to do: Establish a regular watering rhythm every 3 to 7 days. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist like a wrung out sponge.
Nutrient Deficiency
Possible
How to tell: Older leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green, suggesting the plant is lacking magnesium. This is common if the plant has been in the same soil for a very long time.
What to do: Apply a balanced, water soluble fertilizer at half strength during the growing season. Do this once every 4 to 6 weeks to replenish the soil nutrients.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your wood speedwell

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 leaves at the base of the plant to yellow and drop as the plant grows. You should worry if the yellowing is spreading rapidly across the new growth or affecting the whole plant.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a steady watering routine and provide a light feeding of fertilizer during the spring and summer months.

Wood speedwell: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wood speedwell 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 also helps you see if the yellowing is continuing to spread.
Is my plant getting too much sun?: Veronica montana prefers partial to full shade. If it is in a spot with too much direct afternoon sun, the leaves may bleach or yellow from heat stress.

Why are my wood speedwell's leaves turning yellow?