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Yew pine · Podocarpus macrophyllus

Why are my Podocarpus leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves on your Yew pine usually point to a watering issue or a lack of nutrients. Check the soil moisture first to see if you are overwatering or underwatering.

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

Check these first

  1. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger one inch deep.
  2. Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
  3. Look for small bumps on the stems that might indicate pests.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil stays wet for a long time.

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

  2. Nutrient deficiency

    Possible

    How to tell: The older leaves turn a pale yellow while the plant growth slows down. This happens when the soil has been depleted of minerals.

    What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season. Do not fertilize during the winter months.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your yew pine

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.

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When to worry

It is normal for a few older leaves near the base to turn yellow and fall off as the plant ages. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the whole plant.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a consistent watering schedule and only water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Yew pine: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your yew pine 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.

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Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?
Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. It will not hurt the plant.
Can too much sun cause yellow leaves?
Yes, if the plant is moved suddenly into intense direct sun, the leaves can bleach or yellow. Gradually acclimate it to brighter light.

More problems with Yew pine

Back to the Yew pine 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.