Can I save a plant with downy mildew?

Unfortunately, no. Once downy mildew takes hold, it is best to remove the plant to protect your other flowers.

Should I fertilize yellow leaves?

No, do not fertilize a stressed plant. Wait until you have identified and fixed the watering or disease issue first.

Busy Lizzie: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil.
Inspect the undersides of the leaves for white fuzz.
Check the pot for standing water.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil stays wet for more than 4 days.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before adding more water. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so extra water can escape.
Downy Mildew
Possible
How to tell: Leaves turn yellow and develop a white, fuzzy coating on the undersides. The plant may eventually collapse.
What to do: Remove and discard the infected plant immediately to prevent spread. Do not compost these plants as the spores can survive.

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 or you see white fuzz, it is likely a serious infection. A few yellow leaves at the base of an older plant are usually normal.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and provide good air circulation.

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, no. Once downy mildew takes hold, it is best to remove the plant to protect your other flowers.
Should I fertilize yellow leaves?: No, do not fertilize a stressed plant. Wait until you have identified and fixed the watering or disease issue first.

Guides to these causes

Downy Mildew

Why are my Busy Lizzie leaves turning yellow?