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Mirror Bush · Coprosma repens

Why are my Mirror Bush leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves on a Mirror Bush usually point to an issue with how much water the roots are getting. Check the soil moisture level first to see if you are overwatering or underwatering.

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yellow leaves on a plant
Photo: Trio3D, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Poke your finger an inch into the soil to check for dampness.
  2. Look at the drainage holes to see if water is trapped.
  3. Check if the plant has been in the same soil for years.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil stays wet for more than 2 weeks after watering.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.

  2. Nutrient Deficiency

    Possible

    How to tell: Older leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green. This happens if the plant has been in the same pot for over 2 years.

    What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do this once every 4 to 6 weeks during the spring and summer.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mirror bush

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.

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When to worry

It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and drop occasionally. Be concerned if the yellowing is happening to many leaves at once.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a strict schedule of checking the soil before you add more water.

Mirror Bush: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mirror bush 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.

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Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?
Yes, they will not turn green again. Removing them helps the plant focus energy on new, healthy growth.
Is my plant getting too much sun?
Mirror Bush loves sun, but if it is suddenly moved from shade to direct hot sun, the leaves can bleach yellow. Acclimate it slowly.

More problems with Mirror Bush

Back to the Mirror Bush 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.