Can too much sun cause yellow leaves?

Yes, intense direct sun can bleach the leaves. Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light if it looks washed out.

Will yellow leaves turn green again?

No, once a leaf has turned yellow, it will not recover. It is best to remove it so the plant can focus energy on new growth.

Cabbage tree: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is soggy.
Check the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Look for signs of pests on the undersides of the leaves.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil stays wet for a long time and the leaves look limp or mushy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out. If the soil is waterlogged, repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix.
Nutrient Deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn pale yellow uniformly across the plant.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season. Do not fertilize during the winter months.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your cabbage tree

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

A single lower leaf turning yellow is usually just natural aging. If multiple leaves turn yellow at once, it is a sign of a deeper health issue.

Stopping it coming back

Always allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again. Use a pot with good drainage to prevent water from pooling at the roots.

Cabbage tree: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cabbage tree 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 too much sun cause yellow leaves?: Yes, intense direct sun can bleach the leaves. Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light if it looks washed out.
Will yellow leaves turn green again?: No, once a leaf has turned yellow, it will not recover. It is best to remove it so the plant can focus energy on new growth.

Why are my Cabbage Tree's leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your cabbage tree?

Likely causes

Overwatering

Nutrient Deficiency

Find out what's wrong with your cabbage tree

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Cabbage tree: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

More problems with Cabbage tree