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Apricot · Prunus armeniaca

Why are my apricot tree's leaves turning yellow?

It is less common for apricot trees to have yellow leaves, which usually points to a nutrient deficiency or poor drainage. Check the soil drainage and leaf color patterns to identify the cause.

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

Check these first

  1. Look at the undersides of the leaves for small insects.
  2. Check if the yellowing is between the veins or affects the whole leaf.
  3. Inspect the soil to ensure it is not waterlogged.

Likely causes

  1. Iron Chlorosis

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green.

    What to do: Test your soil pH, as high alkalinity prevents iron uptake. Apply a chelated iron supplement to the soil according to the package instructions.

  2. Aphid Infestation

    Possible

    How to tell: Leaves look yellow, curled, or sticky with honeydew, and you see small insects on the undersides.

    What to do: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. For heavy infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil applied in the early morning.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your apricot

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

A few yellow leaves in late autumn are a normal part of the tree preparing for winter. If the yellowing happens in spring or summer and spreads rapidly, it requires attention.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the tree healthy with balanced soil and monitor for pests early in the season.

Apricot: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

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

Can overwatering cause yellow leaves?
Yes, if the soil stays too wet, the roots cannot breathe and will begin to yellow. Ensure your soil drains well and avoid standing water.
Are yellow leaves a sign of a disease?
Sometimes, but it is more often related to nutrients or pests. Look for other symptoms like spots or wilting to rule out fungal infections.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Apricot

Back to the Apricot 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.