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.

Bodhi tree: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check 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 likely
How 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
Possible
How 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.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bodhi 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 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.

Bodhi tree: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bodhi 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

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.

Why are my Bodhi tree's leaves turning yellow?