Can I fix yellow leaves with more sunlight?

No, yellowing caused by nutrient deficiency or overwatering will not improve with more light. You must address the soil chemistry or moisture levels first.

Will the yellow leaves turn green again?

Usually, no. Once a leaf has lost its chlorophyll, it will not recover, but correcting the issue will stop new leaves from emerging yellow.

Jungle Geranium: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Test the soil pH with a home kit.
Check the soil moisture level with your finger.
Inspect the undersides of leaves for pests.

Likely causes

Iron Chlorosis
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green. This usually happens when the soil pH is above 6.5.
What to do: Apply a chelated iron supplement to the soil. You should also use an acidifying fertilizer designed for acid loving plants to lower the pH over time.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy. The soil stays wet for more than a week.
What to do: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your jungle geranium

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

Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the whole plant. A single old leaf turning yellow at the base is just part of the natural aging process.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil slightly acidic by using fertilizers formulated for azaleas or gardenias. Avoid using tap water that is high in lime or calcium.

Jungle Geranium: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your jungle geranium 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 fix yellow leaves with more sunlight?: No, yellowing caused by nutrient deficiency or overwatering will not improve with more light. You must address the soil chemistry or moisture levels first.
Will the yellow leaves turn green again?: Usually, no. Once a leaf has lost its chlorophyll, it will not recover, but correcting the issue will stop new leaves from emerging yellow.

Guides to these causes

Chlorosis

Why are my Jungle Geranium leaves turning yellow?