Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean shears. They will not turn green again and removing them helps the plant focus energy on new growth.

Could yellow leaves mean my eucalyptus needs more food?

Usually not, as eucalyptus are not heavy feeders. It is almost always a sign of a watering issue.

Eucalyptus: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is soggy or waterlogged.
Check the bottom of the pot to ensure water is draining freely.
Smell the soil for any signs of decay.

Likely causes

Root Rot
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and drop off while the soil stays wet for a long time. You might notice a musty smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and check the roots for mushy or black sections. Repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil and trim away any rotted roots with clean scissors.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft or limp. The soil surface remains damp for more than 14 days.
What to do: Wait until the top 3 inches of soil are completely dry before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your eucalyptus

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

Yellowing is serious if it happens to many leaves at once or if the stems feel soft. It is normal for a few old leaves at the very bottom to turn yellow and fall off as the plant ages.

Stopping it coming back

Always use a fast draining potting mix and never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.

Eucalyptus: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your eucalyptus 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 shears. They will not turn green again and removing them helps the plant focus energy on new growth.
Could yellow leaves mean my eucalyptus needs more food?: Usually not, as eucalyptus are not heavy feeders. It is almost always a sign of a watering issue.

Guides to these causes

Root Rot

Why are my eucalyptus leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your eucalyptus?