Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Check the soil moisture with your finger.
- Look for signs of pests on the yellowing leaves.
- Check if the pot is draining properly.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow starting from the bottom of the plant. The soil feels constantly wet or soggy.
What to do: Wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage and never let it sit in a tray of water.
Nitrogen Deficiency
PossibleHow to tell: The older leaves turn a pale yellow while the veins remain green. The tree may also stop growing new leaves.
What to do: Apply a balanced, water soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season. A nitrogen rich organic fertilizer like fish emulsion works well for this plant.
When to worry
It is normal for the oldest leaves at the bottom of the tree to yellow and fall off occasionally. Worry if the yellowing is spreading rapidly across the whole plant.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering routine and feed the tree regularly during the spring and summer months.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your curry leaf tree.
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
- Should I cut off the yellow leaves?
- Yes, you can remove them as they will not turn green again. This helps the tree focus its energy on healthy new growth.
- Does my tree need more sun?
- If the yellowing is accompanied by a leggy appearance, your tree likely needs more bright, indirect light. Move it to a brighter spot gradually.
More problems with Curry leaf tree
Back to the Curry leaf tree 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.