Can I save a plant with yellow leaves?

Yes, if you catch it early. Adjust your watering habits and the plant should recover as it produces new, healthy growth.

Does too much sun cause yellowing?

Too much direct sun can cause leaves to bleach or look pale, but it usually looks more like a washed out color rather than a true yellow.

Japanese spindle: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture with your finger.
Ensure the pot has adequate drainage.
Look for signs of pests on the yellowing leaves.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil stays wet for a long time after you water it.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn a pale yellow while the veins remain green. This happens gradually over the whole plant.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season. Follow the package instructions for application frequency.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your japanese spindle

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 normal for a few older leaves at the base of the plant to yellow and drop as the plant grows. If many leaves are yellowing at once, you need to adjust your care.

Stopping it coming back

Always check the soil moisture before adding more water. Stick to a 7 to 14 day schedule, but adjust based on the current weather.

Japanese spindle: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your japanese spindle 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 save a plant with yellow leaves?: Yes, if you catch it early. Adjust your watering habits and the plant should recover as it produces new, healthy growth.
Does too much sun cause yellowing?: Too much direct sun can cause leaves to bleach or look pale, but it usually looks more like a washed out color rather than a true yellow.

Why are my Japanese spindle leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your japanese spindle?

Likely causes

Overwatering

Nutrient deficiency

Find out what's wrong with your japanese spindle

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Japanese spindle: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

More problems with Japanese spindle