Can I save a plant with leaf scorch?

You can prune out infected parts, but there is no cure for the bacteria. If the whole plant is affected, it may need to be removed.

How often should I water my oleander?

Water every 7 to 14 days depending on the heat. Always check the soil dryness before adding more water.

Why are my oleander leaves turning yellow? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger two inches into the soil to check for moisture.
Look for yellowing starting at the tips versus the base of the leaf.
Check if the yellowing is isolated to one branch or the whole plant.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy. The soil stays wet for more than 14 days.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so water does not sit at the roots.
Oleander Leaf Scorch
Possible
How to tell: Leaves turn yellow and die back from the tips, often starting on one branch and spreading. It is caused by a bacteria spread by insects.
What to do: Prune away the infected branches well below the yellowing area. Sterilize your shears with alcohol between every cut to prevent spreading the bacteria.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your oleander

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

If the yellowing is widespread or the branches are dying back rapidly, it could be leaf scorch, which is serious. A few yellow leaves at the bottom of the plant are normal as it ages.

Stopping it coming back

Water only when the top few inches of soil are dry. Keep the plant in full sun to ensure it stays vigorous.

Oleander: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your oleander 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

Can I save a plant with leaf scorch?: You can prune out infected parts, but there is no cure for the bacteria. If the whole plant is affected, it may need to be removed.
How often should I water my oleander?: Water every 7 to 14 days depending on the heat. Always check the soil dryness before adding more water.

Guides to these causes

Oleander Leaf Scorch

Why are my oleander leaves turning yellow?