Will yellow leaves turn green again?

No, once a leaf has lost its chlorophyll and turned yellow, it will not recover. Focus on preventing the yellowing from spreading to new growth.

Can I use regular fertilizer?

Avoid standard fertilizers, as they may raise the pH too much. Always use a fertilizer labeled for acid loving plants.

Sims azalea: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for lace bugs.
Check the soil pH level with a home kit.
Look for green veins on the yellowing leaves.

Likely causes

Lace bugs
Most likely
How to tell: You will see yellow stippling or white spots on the upper leaf surface. Look closely at the underside for small black specks or the bugs themselves.
What to do: Spray the entire plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Make sure to coat the undersides of the leaves thoroughly. Repeat the treatment every 7 to 10 days until the bugs are gone.
Iron deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow while the veins remain bright green. This happens when the soil pH is too high for the plant to absorb nutrients.
What to do: Test your soil pH and aim for a range of 5.0 to 5.5. Apply an acidifying fertilizer specifically for azaleas to lower the pH and provide iron.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your sims azalea

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 near the base to yellow and drop in late summer. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the whole plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your azalea healthy with acidic soil and inspect the foliage monthly for early signs of pests.

Sims azalea: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sims azalea 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

Will yellow leaves turn green again?: No, once a leaf has lost its chlorophyll and turned yellow, it will not recover. Focus on preventing the yellowing from spreading to new growth.
Can I use regular fertilizer?: Avoid standard fertilizers, as they may raise the pH too much. Always use a fertilizer labeled for acid loving plants.

Guides to these causes

Chlorosis

Why are my Sims azalea leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your sims azalea?