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Common jasmine · Jasminum officinale

Why are my common jasmine leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves on jasmine often point to issues with moisture or soil nutrients. Check the soil moisture 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. Feel the soil to see if it is soggy.
  2. Check the drainage holes for blockages.
  3. Look for signs of pests that might be draining the plant.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy. The soil stays wet for a long time after watering.

    What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before adding more water. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.

  2. Nutrient Deficiency

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves turn a pale yellow while the veins remain green. This usually happens when the plant has been in the same soil for a long time.

    What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4 to 6 weeks during the spring and summer. Do not fertilize in the winter.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common jasmine

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 a few old leaves at the base to yellow and drop. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the whole plant.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a consistent watering schedule and feed your plant during the active growing season. Use well draining potting mix.

Common jasmine: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common jasmine 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. They will not turn green again.
Does my jasmine need more sun?
If the yellowing is accompanied by leggy growth, it might need more light. Move it to a spot with more bright indirect sun.

More problems with Common jasmine

Back to the Common jasmine 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.