Will my yellow leaves turn green again?

Usually, leaves that have turned yellow due to chlorosis will not return to green. Focus on treating the soil so that new growth comes in healthy.

Does overwatering cause yellow leaves?

Yes, overwatering is a common culprit. Star magnolias need moist soil, but they do not like to sit in standing water.

Star magnolia: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil pH with a home testing kit.
Feel the soil to see if it is soggy or waterlogged.
Inspect the leaves for signs of pests like scale.

Likely causes

Iron Chlorosis
Most likely
How to tell: The veins of the leaves remain green while the tissue between them turns yellow. This happens when the soil pH is too high, preventing the plant from taking up iron.
What to do: Test your soil pH and aim for a range of 5.5 to 6.5. Apply a chelated iron supplement to the soil according to the package instructions to help the plant recover.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and may feel soft or mushy. This occurs when the roots sit in waterlogged soil for too long.
What to do: Ensure the area around your magnolia has good drainage. If the soil is heavy clay, amend it with organic matter or consider moving the plant to a slightly elevated spot.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your star magnolia

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 entire canopy. It is normal for a few interior leaves to yellow and drop in late summer as the plant prepares for dormancy.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain slightly acidic soil and ensure the planting site drains well to keep roots healthy.

Star magnolia: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your star magnolia 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

Will my yellow leaves turn green again?: Usually, leaves that have turned yellow due to chlorosis will not return to green. Focus on treating the soil so that new growth comes in healthy.
Does overwatering cause yellow leaves?: Yes, overwatering is a common culprit. Star magnolias need moist soil, but they do not like to sit in standing water.

Guides to these causes

Chlorosis

Why are my Star magnolia leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your star magnolia?