Can I save a plant with downy mildew?

Unfortunately, downy mildew is very difficult to treat and usually fatal for Impatiens. It is best to remove the plant to protect your others.

Is yellowing always a disease?

No, it can also be caused by poor drainage or inconsistent watering. Check your soil moisture before assuming the worst.

Busy Lizzie: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of yellow leaves for fuzzy growth.
Check the soil to see if it is waterlogged.
Look for signs of pests like spider mites.

Likely causes

Downy Mildew
Most likely
How to tell: Leaves turn yellow and you see a grayish or purplish fuzz on the undersides.
What to do: Remove and discard affected plants immediately to stop the spread. Do not compost infected material.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and the soil stays constantly soggy.
What to do: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your busy lizzie

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

If the yellowing spreads rapidly across the whole plant, it is likely a disease that requires removal. A single yellow leaf at the base is often just natural aging.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to keep the foliage dry.

Busy Lizzie: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your busy lizzie 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 downy mildew?: Unfortunately, downy mildew is very difficult to treat and usually fatal for Impatiens. It is best to remove the plant to protect your others.
Is yellowing always a disease?: No, it can also be caused by poor drainage or inconsistent watering. Check your soil moisture before assuming the worst.

Guides to these causes

Downy Mildew

Why are my Busy Lizzie leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your busy lizzie?