Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. They will not turn green again.

Does my eucalyptus need more sun to stop the yellowing?

If the yellowing is accompanied by weak, leggy growth, it might need more direct sunlight. Ensure it gets at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun daily.

Cider gum: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger 2 inches deep.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Look for signs of standing water in the saucer.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves feel soft and limp before turning yellow, and the soil stays wet for more than a few days.
What to do: Let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape freely.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: Older leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green, often occurring when the plant has been in the same pot for a long time.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season. If the plant is severely root bound, repot it into a slightly larger container with fresh potting mix.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your cider gum

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

Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the whole plant or if the stems start to turn mushy. It is normal for a few older leaves at the bottom of the plant to yellow and drop as the tree grows.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and ensure the soil is well draining to prevent moisture buildup.

Cider gum: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cider gum 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

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. They will not turn green again.
Does my eucalyptus need more sun to stop the yellowing?: If the yellowing is accompanied by weak, leggy growth, it might need more direct sunlight. Ensure it gets at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun daily.

Why are my Eucalyptus gunnii leaves turning yellow?