Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil moisture with your finger.
- Look at the drainage holes for blockages.
- Assess the light levels in the current spot.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and may feel soft or mushy. The soil stays wet for a long time.
What to do: Let the soil dry out more between waterings. Ensure the pot drains well and never let the plant sit in standing water.
Low light
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves turn yellow slowly, starting from the interior of the plant. Growth becomes sparse.
What to do: Move the plant to a brighter spot with indirect sunlight. A south or west facing window is usually best.
When to worry
A single yellow leaf at the bottom of the plant is normal aging. Worry if many leaves yellow at once or if the yellowing spreads rapidly.
Stopping it coming back
Water only when the top inch of soil is dry and provide plenty of bright, indirect light.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your bodhi tree.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Should I cut off yellow leaves?
- Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors. They will not turn green again.
- Can fertilizer cause yellow leaves?
- Too much fertilizer can burn roots and cause yellowing. Only fertilize during the growing season.
More problems with Bodhi tree
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.