Can I use regular fertilizer?

Regular fertilizer often lacks the iron and acidity this plant needs. Always choose a fertilizer labeled for acid loving plants like azaleas or camellias.

Does tap water cause yellow leaves?

If your tap water is very hard or alkaline, it can raise the soil pH over time. Using rainwater or filtered water can help keep the soil acidity in the right range.

Princess Flower: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Test your soil pH with a home kit.
Check the soil moisture one inch down.
Inspect the undersides of leaves for pests.

Likely causes

Iron deficiency
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow while the veins stay bright green. This happens when the soil pH is too high.
What to do: Apply a chelated iron supplement or a fertilizer formulated for acid loving plants. Adjust the soil pH by adding elemental sulfur if it tests above 6.0.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy. The soil stays wet for too long after watering.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your princess flower

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

A few yellow leaves at the bottom of the plant are normal as it ages. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil slightly acidic and avoid letting the roots sit in standing water.

Princess Flower: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your princess flower 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

Can I use regular fertilizer?: Regular fertilizer often lacks the iron and acidity this plant needs. Always choose a fertilizer labeled for acid loving plants like azaleas or camellias.
Does tap water cause yellow leaves?: If your tap water is very hard or alkaline, it can raise the soil pH over time. Using rainwater or filtered water can help keep the soil acidity in the right range.

Guides to these causes

Chlorosis

Why are my Princess Flower leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your princess flower?