Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Feel the top 3 inches of soil.
- Check the drainage holes for blockages.
- Inspect the underside of leaves for pests.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow starting from the bottom of the plant and the soil feels constantly soggy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 3 inches of soil dry out completely. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Nutrient Deficiency
PossibleHow to tell: Yellowing occurs uniformly across the leaves while the veins remain green.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season. Avoid over fertilizing as this can burn the roots.
Find out what's wrong with your cashew
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to new growth. It is normal for a few old leaves at the base to yellow and drop occasionally.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and ensure the soil drains well between waterings.
Cashew: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cashew 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I save a yellow leaf?
- No, once a leaf has turned fully yellow, it will not turn green again. It is best to let it drop naturally or snip it off.
- Does my cashew need more sun?
- If the yellowing is accompanied by leggy growth, your tree likely needs more direct sunlight. Move it to a spot with at least 6 to 8 hours of sun.
More problems with Cashew
- Why does my cashew tree have dark spots on its leaves?
- What is eating my cashew tree?
- Why do my cashew tree leaves have brown tips?
- Why is my cashew tree drooping?
- Why is my cashew tree dropping its leaves?
- Why is my cashew tree not flowering?
- How do I fix root rot in my cashew tree?
- Why are my cashew tree's leaves curling?
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.