Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Check if the soil is waterlogged.
- Inspect the roots for mushy or dark areas.
- Look for yellowing patterns on the leaves.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil is constantly soggy and the leaves start yellowing from the bottom up.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out slightly before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so water does not sit at the roots.
Mimosa Wilt
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves turn yellow and drop rapidly, often starting on one side of the plant.
What to do: This is a serious fungal infection. Remove and discard the affected plant immediately to prevent spread to others.
When to worry
If the yellowing spreads rapidly across the whole plant, it is likely a disease. A single yellow leaf at the base is usually just an old leaf dying off.
Stopping it coming back
Use well draining soil and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your sensitive plant.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with Mimosa wilt?
- Unfortunately, there is no cure for this fungal disease. It is best to remove the plant to protect your other greenery.
- How often should I fertilize?
- Feed your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Do not overfeed as this can cause leaf burn.
More problems with Sensitive plant
Back to the Sensitive plant guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.