What Causes Yellow Leaves in Bonsai?

If it’s autumn and your deciduous bonsai is shedding tired leaves, yellowing may be a natural process. However, if your evergreen is sporting yellow leaves throughout and not just the old leaves, it’s time to investigate further.

Yellow leaves can signal a wide array of issues with your green buddy, from nutrient deficiencies to pests and diseases. It’s important to identify the cause of your bonsai’s discoloration in order to provide the correct care to remedy it.

Insufficient light is one common cause of yellowing. Bonsais thrive in bright, but not direct sunlight. They want gentle morning sun-soaking sessions (think a nice, gradual wake-up instead of a blaring alarm clock), not the sun’s constant opera of light play. This can cause leaves to turn yellow, or even begin to drop off entirely.

Overwatering is another common culprit. With their teeny-tiny pots, bonsais can only take in so much water at once. Think refreshing spritzes, not a chugging contest. If you overwater your bonsai, it will quickly become dehydrated and its roots won’t be able to access all the oxygen they need, leading to root rot, which of course, can cause yellow leaves.

Incorrect pH levels can also be a problem. Bonsais love slightly acidic to neutral soil. Anything more and they’re locked in a high-security vault, unable to access the nutrients their bodies crave. This can also lead to yellow leaves, as well as a host of other problems like powdery mildew and root rot.