plant-health · Beginner
Yellow leaves: a diagnostic checklist
Use location, pattern, roots, and measurements to narrow causes before treating.
Key takeaways
- Yellowing is a symptom, not a diagnosis.
- Check roots and recent changes.
- Confirm measurements before adding nutrients.
Describe the pattern
Note whether yellowing starts on old or new leaves, between veins or across the whole blade, and whether spots, distortion, or wilting are present. Photograph the whole plant and a close view under neutral light.
Check the root zone
Inspect root colour and texture, solution temperature, aeration, water level, pH, and EC. Confirm meter calibration. Root stress or unsuitable pH can limit uptake even when nutrients are present.
Review recent changes
Look for transplanting, abrupt light increases, spray applications, temperature events, and mixing errors. Avoid adding several remedies at once: correct the clearest issue, label the intervention, and observe new growth.