Pocket Botanist
.jpg){kind=link}
Check these first
- Observe if the plant is sitting in direct sunlight.
- Check if the soil is extremely dry or waterlogged.
- Look for signs of pests under the leaves.
Likely causes
Too Much Light
Most likelyHow to tell: Leaves lose their deep green color and turn a pale or sickly yellow.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with partial or full shade. Wintergreen prefers lower light levels and can burn in direct sun.
Nutrient Deficiency
PossibleHow to tell: Older leaves turn yellow while new growth remains small.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season. Do not overfeed, as this can damage the roots.
When to worry
A few yellow leaves at the very bottom of the plant are normal as it ages. If many leaves turn yellow at once, check your light and water immediately.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant in a shaded area and maintain a consistent watering schedule.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your wintergreen.
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
- Will yellow leaves turn green again?
- No, once a leaf turns yellow, it will not return to green. It is best to let the plant shed it naturally or prune it off.
- Does Wintergreen need a lot of fertilizer?
- It is a light feeder. A small amount of fertilizer once or twice during the spring is usually plenty.
More problems with Wintergreen
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.