Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Feel the soil 3 inches deep to see if it is wet.
- Check the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Inspect the base of the stem for any signs of rot.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow starting from the bottom of the plant and the soil feels constantly damp. You might notice the stems feeling soft or mushy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 3 inches of soil dry out completely. Ensure your pot has large drainage holes and use a gritty, fast draining soil mix.
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant sits in a saucer of water or the soil stays heavy and wet for days after watering. Proteas hate having wet feet.
What to do: Repot the plant into a mix specifically for Proteas or native plants that includes plenty of sand or perlite. Never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.
Find out what's wrong with your sugarbush
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
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and drop as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing is spreading rapidly across the entire plant.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top few inches of soil are dry and always use a well draining potting medium.
Sugarbush: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sugarbush 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
- Should I fertilize my yellowing Protea?
- No, do not fertilize a stressed plant. Wait until it shows signs of recovery and new growth.
- Can I save a plant with yellow leaves?
- Yes, if the roots are still healthy and firm. Adjust your watering schedule and improve drainage to help it bounce back.
More problems with Sugarbush
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.