Skip to content

Kohuhu · Pittosporum tenuifolium

Why are my Kohuhu leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves on a Kohuhu often point to issues with moisture or drainage. Check the soil moisture first to see if you are overwatering or underwatering.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

yellow leaves on a plant
Photo: Trio3D, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Check the soil moisture with your finger.
  2. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.
  3. Look for spots on the yellowing leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and may feel soft or mushy. The soil stays wet for a long time and the plant may look wilted despite the damp soil.

    What to do: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.

  2. Leaf spot

    Possible

    How to tell: This is less common for this plant, but it usually happens during high humidity. You will see yellow halos around dark fungal spots on the foliage.

    What to do: Remove the infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kohuhu

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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

A few yellow leaves at the bottom of the plant is normal as it ages. If many leaves are yellowing rapidly, it is a sign of a watering issue that needs immediate attention.

Stopping it coming back

Water only when the top inch of soil has dried out, rather than on a strict schedule, and ensure the plant has plenty of airflow.

Kohuhu: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

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

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Does this plant flower?
Yes, it produces small, dark purple flowers in late spring. It needs full sun and a stable environment to bloom well.
How do I know if I am watering enough?
Check the top inch of soil every week. If it is dry, give it a deep soak until water runs out the bottom of the pot.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Kohuhu

Back to the Kohuhu 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.