Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off to keep the plant looking tidy. It will not hurt the plant to remove them.

Can I use a general purpose fertilizer?

It is better to use one designed for acid loving plants like azaleas or camellias to keep the pH correct.

Indian hawthorn: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger 3 inches into the soil to check for dampness.
Check the drainage around the base of the plant.
Look for signs of pests on the yellowing leaves.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy. The soil stays wet for a long time after watering.
What to do: Wait until the top 3 inches of soil are dry before watering again. Ensure your soil has good drainage and is not sitting in a low spot.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green. This often happens if the soil pH is too high.
What to do: Apply a balanced fertilizer formulated for acid loving shrubs. Test your soil pH to ensure it is in the 5.5 to 6.5 range.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your indian hawthorn

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

It is normal for a few older leaves to yellow and drop in the spring. Worry if the yellowing is widespread across the whole plant.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a consistent watering schedule of every 7 to 14 days and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.

Indian hawthorn: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your indian hawthorn 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

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can snip them off to keep the plant looking tidy. It will not hurt the plant to remove them.
Can I use a general purpose fertilizer?: It is better to use one designed for acid loving plants like azaleas or camellias to keep the pH correct.

Why are my Indian hawthorn leaves turning yellow?