Can I use regular fertilizer to fix this?

No, regular fertilizer might actually make it worse if it contains lime. Always use a fertilizer labeled for acid loving plants like camellias or azaleas.

Will the yellow leaves turn green again?

Usually not. Once a leaf has turned yellow due to chlorosis, it will likely stay that way or drop off, but your new growth should come in healthy green.

Camellia: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Test your soil pH using a home kit.
Inspect the undersides of leaves for pests.
Check if the soil is staying too wet.

Likely causes

High Soil pH
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves look pale or yellow between the veins while the veins themselves remain dark green.
What to do: Apply a soil acidifier like elemental sulfur or aluminum sulfate according to the package instructions. You can also mix in peat moss or pine bark to help lower the pH over time.
Iron Deficiency
Possible
How to tell: Yellowing appears on the newest leaves first while the rest of the plant looks stunted.
What to do: Use a chelated iron supplement specifically formulated for acid loving plants. Apply it as a soil drench or foliar spray during the active growing season.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your camellia

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

It is serious if the yellowing spreads to the entire plant and growth stops. Older leaves naturally yellow and drop in the spring, which is normal.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain acidic soil by mulching with pine needles or pine bark every year.

Camellia: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your camellia 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 this?: No, regular fertilizer might actually make it worse if it contains lime. Always use a fertilizer labeled for acid loving plants like camellias or azaleas.
Will the yellow leaves turn green again?: Usually not. Once a leaf has turned yellow due to chlorosis, it will likely stay that way or drop off, but your new growth should come in healthy green.

Guides to these causes

Chlorosis

Why are my common camellia leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your camellia?