Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for aphids.
- Check the water level to ensure the pot is submerged but the leaves can rise above the water.
- Examine the soil to see if it needs a fertilizer tablet.
Likely causes
Aphid infestation
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see small clusters of green or black insects on the leaves or stems. They suck the sap and cause the foliage to lose its vibrant color.
What to do: Gently spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. If they persist, use a mild insecticidal soap specifically labeled for aquatic plants.
Nutrient deficiency
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow uniformly while the veins remain green. This usually happens if the plant has exhausted the nutrients in its soil container.
What to do: Add an aquatic plant fertilizer tablet into the soil near the roots. Use one tablet per gallon of soil every 3 to 4 weeks during the growing season.
Find out what's wrong with your sacred lotus
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and die back as the plant grows. Worry if the new, emerging leaves are yellowing.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your lotus in full sun and maintain a regular fertilization schedule throughout the summer.
Sacred Lotus: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sacred lotus 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I use regular garden fertilizer for my lotus?
- No, regular garden fertilizer will pollute your water and can kill fish or other aquatic life. Always use fertilizer tabs specifically designed for aquatic plants.
- Will yellow leaves turn green again?
- Once a leaf has turned yellow, it will not turn green again. It is best to trim it off near the base to keep the plant looking tidy.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Sacred Lotus
Back to the Sacred Lotus 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.