Should I fertilize yellow leaves?

No, do not fertilize a stressed plant. Fix the watering or light issue first before adding nutrients.

Will the yellow leaves turn green again?

No, once a leaf turns yellow, it will not recover. It is best to let it drop naturally or trim it off.

Wild potato: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is dry or wet.
Check the light levels in the current location.
Look for signs of pests on the yellowing leaves.

Likely causes

Improper Watering
Most likely
How to tell: Leaves turn yellow and may feel limp or drop off if the plant is too dry or too wet. The soil will feel either bone dry or constantly soggy.
What to do: Check the top inch of soil before watering, and only water when it feels dry to the touch. Depending on conditions, this will often be roughly every 3 to 7 days.
Insufficient Light
Possible
How to tell: The plant looks pale and the lower leaves turn yellow as they lose energy. Growth will be slow and stretched out.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with bright indirect light. Avoid direct midday sun which can scorch the leaves.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your wild potato

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

Worry if many leaves turn yellow at once or if the stem feels mushy. It is normal for the oldest bottom leaves to yellow and drop as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering rhythm and ensure the plant gets enough bright indirect light.

Wild potato: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wild potato 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 fertilize yellow leaves?: No, do not fertilize a stressed plant. Fix the watering or light issue first before adding nutrients.
Will the yellow leaves turn green again?: No, once a leaf turns yellow, it will not recover. It is best to let it drop naturally or trim it off.

Why are my wild potato leaves turning yellow?