Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy new growth.

Can yellow leaves turn green again?

No, once a leaf has turned yellow, it will not return to green. It is best to remove it.

Field pansy: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the top inch of soil to check for dampness.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Observe the plant location to confirm it gets enough light.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil stays wet for more than a few days.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before you water again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so extra water can escape. Reduce your watering frequency to every 5 to 7 days.
Low Light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks pale and stretched out with yellowing lower leaves. It is not receiving enough bright light to support its growth.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot that gets full sun or at least partial shade. If indoors, place it in a south or west facing window. Ensure it gets at least 6 hours of light daily.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your field pansy

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 oldest bottom leaves to yellow and drop as the plant matures. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to the newer growth at the top.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy, and provide plenty of bright light to keep the foliage healthy.

Field pansy: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your field pansy 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. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy new growth.
Can yellow leaves turn green again?: No, once a leaf has turned yellow, it will not return to green. It is best to remove it.

Why are my field pansy leaves turning yellow?