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Check these first
- Check the soil moisture to see if it is waterlogged.
- Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Look for signs of pests that might be draining the plant.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow and may feel soft or mushy. The soil stays wet for a long time and might smell slightly sour.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top few inches of soil dry out. Ensure the pot has good drainage and is not sitting in a saucer of water.
Nutrient deficiency
PossibleHow to tell: Older leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green. This happens if the plant has been in the same soil for a long time.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do this once a month during the growing season to replenish nutrients.
Find out what's wrong with your spear saltbush
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
It is normal for a few old leaves at the base to turn yellow and drop as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing is widespread or affects new growth.
Stopping it coming back
Use well draining soil and always check the moisture level before adding more water.
Spear saltbush: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spear saltbush 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
- Should I cut off the yellow leaves?
- Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors. This keeps the plant looking tidy and helps you spot new issues.
- Can too much sun cause yellowing?
- Usually, this plant loves full sun. If the leaves look bleached or white, it might be getting too much intense light, but yellowing is usually water related.
More problems with Spear saltbush
- Why does my Spear saltbush have tiny bugs on it?
- Why is my Spear saltbush growing so leggy?
- Why is my Spear saltbush drooping?
- Why are my Spear saltbush leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Spear saltbush dropping its leaves?
- Why is my Atriplex prostrata suffering from root rot?
- Why are the leaves on my Atriplex prostrata curling?
Back to the Spear saltbush 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.