Should I remove yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean shears. This keeps the tree looking tidy and prevents potential fungal issues.

Can too much sun cause yellow leaves?

No, Chinese tallow trees love full sun. If your leaves are yellow, it is almost certainly a water or soil issue.

Chinese tallow: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top few inches of soil.
Check the drainage holes for blockages.
Inspect the leaves for signs of pests.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or limp. The soil stays soggy for days after watering.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 3 inches of soil dry out. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green. This often happens if the tree has been in the same pot for a long time.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season. If the tree is in the ground, add a layer of organic compost around the base.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your chinese tallow

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 older leaves at the bottom of the tree to yellow and drop in late summer. Worry if new growth is yellowing or if the tree is losing leaves rapidly.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and provide a balanced fertilizer during the spring and summer.

Chinese tallow: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chinese tallow 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 remove yellow leaves?: Yes, you can snip them off with clean shears. This keeps the tree looking tidy and prevents potential fungal issues.
Can too much sun cause yellow leaves?: No, Chinese tallow trees love full sun. If your leaves are yellow, it is almost certainly a water or soil issue.

Why are my Chinese tallow leaves turning yellow?