Can I use regular fertilizer to fix yellow leaves?

Only if the yellowing is caused by a general nutrient deficiency. If the cause is overwatering, adding fertilizer will only stress the roots further.

Will yellow leaves turn green again?

Usually no. Once a leaf has turned yellow, it will likely drop off, but focusing on the new growth will tell you if your fix is working.

Why are my kiwifruit leaves turning yellow? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil moisture two inches deep.
Check the drainage around the base of the vine.
Inspect the leaves for signs of pests.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow starting from the bottom of the vine and the soil feels constantly wet or swampy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 3 inches of soil dry out. Ensure your planting site has excellent drainage and is not in a low spot where water pools.
Iron Deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The veins of the leaves stay green while the rest of the leaf turns yellow, often called interveinal chlorosis.
What to do: Apply a chelated iron supplement to the soil according to the package instructions. Check your soil pH, as kiwifruit prefer slightly acidic soil between 6.0 and 7.0.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kiwifruit

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

If the yellowing spreads rapidly across the entire vine, it is a serious issue that could lead to plant death. A few yellow leaves at the very base of the plant in late autumn are normal as the vine prepares for winter.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and mulch the base of the vine to keep moisture levels stable.

Kiwifruit: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kiwifruit 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

Can I use regular fertilizer to fix yellow leaves?: Only if the yellowing is caused by a general nutrient deficiency. If the cause is overwatering, adding fertilizer will only stress the roots further.
Will yellow leaves turn green again?: Usually no. Once a leaf has turned yellow, it will likely drop off, but focusing on the new growth will tell you if your fix is working.

Guides to these causes

Chlorosis

Why are my kiwifruit leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your kiwifruit?