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Treasure flower · Gazania linearis

Why are my Gazania linearis leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves on a treasure flower often point to trouble with your watering routine. Check the soil moisture level first to see if you are overwatering.

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yellow leaves on a plant
Photo: Trio3D, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Stick your finger 3 inches into the soil to check for dampness.
  2. Look for white, powdery spots on the undersides of the leaves.
  3. Verify that your pot has functional drainage holes.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil stays damp for more than 14 days and may develop a sour smell.

    What to do: Let the soil dry out completely for 2 to 3 weeks. Ensure your pot has drainage holes and never let the plant sit in a saucer of standing water.

  2. Powdery Mildew

    Possible

    How to tell: This is less common for this plant, usually caused by poor air circulation or high humidity. You will see yellow patches on the leaves followed by a white, dusty fungal growth.

    What to do: Improve airflow by spacing plants further apart or moving them to a breezier area. Wipe away the mildew with a damp cloth and avoid getting water on the leaves when you irrigate.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your treasure flower

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.

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When to worry

It is normal for the very oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and die back as the plant grows. Be concerned if the yellowing is spreading rapidly across the entire plant.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a strict watering schedule where you allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely before adding more water.

Treasure flower: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your treasure flower 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.

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Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?
Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors. This keeps the plant looking neat and prevents any potential fungal issues from spreading.
Can I save a plant with yellow leaves?
If the roots are still firm and white, the plant will likely recover once you adjust your watering habits. If the roots are mushy and brown, it may be too late.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Treasure flower

Back to the Treasure flower guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.