Cat grass provides a beneficial, fibrous snack for feline companions, aiding their digestion and potentially deterring them from other houseplants. This natural behavior offers psychological satisfaction for cats, especially indoor ones, by mimicking outdoor grazing. However, yellowing cat grass is a common concern, signaling underlying problems with the plant’s care that can be easily addressed to restore its vibrant green appearance.
Common Reasons Your Cat Grass is Turning Yellow
Watering Mistakes
Improper watering, encompassing both overwatering and underwatering, is a frequent cause of yellowing cat grass. Overwatering saturates the soil, leading to a lack of oxygen for the roots and potentially causing root rot. When roots are waterlogged, they cannot properly absorb nutrients, resulting in limp, pale green, or yellow blades. Conversely, insufficient water causes the grass to dry out and turn yellow due to dehydration. Cat grass has shallow roots, making it particularly susceptible to drying if not watered adequately.
Inadequate Light
Light is essential for photosynthesis, which produces chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for their green color. If cat grass receives too little light, its ability to photosynthesize is hindered, leading to weak, pale, and yellowing blades. While cat grass needs sufficient light, it generally thrives in bright, indirect sunlight rather than intense direct sun, which can scorch the blades. A bright yellow color starting near the roots can indicate a lack of light.
Nutrient Imbalances
Cat grass requires a nutrient-rich environment, and yellowing can signal a deficiency in essential nutrients. Nitrogen is particularly important for promoting green, leafy growth, and a lack of it leads to yellowing. This yellowing typically begins in the older, lower leaves as the plant prioritizes sending available nitrogen to new growth. Soil in small containers can quickly become depleted of nutrients, contributing to these deficiencies.
Environmental Stress
Environmental factors can also contribute to cat grass turning yellow. Extreme temperatures, whether too cold or too hot, can stress the plant. Sudden changes in its environment, such as moving it from a warm, bright spot to a cooler, darker one, can also induce stress and cause yellowing. Additionally, cat grass has a natural lifespan, after which it naturally begins to wilt and turn yellow.
Reviving Yellowing Cat Grass and Future Care
Adjusting watering practices is a primary step in reviving yellowing cat grass. If the soil is soggy, allow it to dry out significantly before the next watering to prevent root rot. For dry grass, increase watering frequency, ensuring the top inch of soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Soaking the pot in about an inch of water for an hour, twice per week, can be effective.
Providing adequate light is crucial for recovery and ongoing health. Move the cat grass to a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight, such as a windowsill with filtered light. If nutrient deficiency is suspected, repot into fresh, high-quality potting mix rich in organic matter. A balanced, mild fertilizer formulated for grasses can be applied sparingly if nutrient issues persist.
To prevent future yellowing, select the right growing medium and ensure proper drainage. Water consistently, keeping the soil moist but avoiding standing water. Place the grass where it receives consistent, indirect sunlight and is protected from extreme temperature fluctuations. Since cat grass has a limited lifespan, typically two to three weeks, regularly replanting new seeds ensures a continuous supply of fresh, vibrant grass for your cat.