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Marsh violet · Viola palustris

Why are my Marsh violet leaves turning yellow?

This is less common for this plant, but yellowing usually happens when the soil stays too wet or lacks nutrients. Check the soil moisture first to see if it is waterlogged.

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yellow leaves on a plant
Photo: Trio3D, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil to see if it is saturated.
  2. Check the drainage holes for blockages.
  3. Inspect the roots for signs of decay.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil may smell slightly sour or swampy.

    What to do: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.

  2. Nutrient deficiency

    Possible

    How to tell: The older leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green. This happens when the plant has been in the same soil for over a year.

    What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during spring and summer. Repotting into fresh, moisture retentive soil can also solve this.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your marsh violet

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.

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When to worry

It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and drop as the plant ages. Be concerned if the yellowing spreads rapidly to the newer growth.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and use a well draining potting mix that holds moisture without becoming soggy.

Marsh violet: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your marsh violet 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.

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Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?
Yes, you can remove yellow leaves as they will not turn green again. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth.
Is my water quality causing this?
Marsh violets prefer soft water. If you have very hard tap water, try using filtered or rainwater to see if the condition improves.

More problems with Marsh violet

Back to the Marsh violet guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.