Citrus aurantifolia Yellow Leaves - Causes & Fixes

error

Nitrogen Deficiency

Nitrogen is a mobile nutrient in citrus; when lacking, the tree redistributes it from older leaves to new growth, causing uniform yellowing (chlorosis) of older foliage first.

Very Common

lightbulb

How to confirm: Observe if the yellowing begins on the oldest leaves at the bottom of the tree while new growth remains green.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply a nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer to replenish the soil nutrients and stop the redistribution of nitrogen from older leaves.

Back to the Roots Blood Meal & Gypsum (4 Pack)

Organic Fertilizer

$40

Out of Stock

2 Monitor the soil moisture levels using a moisture meter to ensure the roots can effectively absorb the new nutrients without being waterlogged.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock

3 Ensure the plant is in a well-draining container or soil mix to prevent nitrogen leaching and root rot.

error

Overwatering and Root Hypoxia

Key Limes are highly sensitive to 'wet feet.' Excess moisture displaces oxygen in the soil, leading to root suffocation and an inability to transport nutrients, resulting in yellowing leaves.

Very Common

lightbulb

How to confirm: Check if the soil stays saturated for long periods and feel the roots for any dark, slimy texture.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Immediately check the soil moisture levels using a meter to confirm if the root zone is saturated.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock

2 Repot the lime tree into a well-draining medium, incorporating perlite to improve aeration and prevent future oxygen displacement.

3 Ensure the plant is in a pot with adequate drainage and use a saucer to catch excess water, making sure not to let the pot sit in standing water.

Bleuhome 10" Plant Saucer 6-Pack Black

Pot Saucers

$20

In Stock

warning

Iron Chlorosis

Common in alkaline soils, iron deficiency prevents chlorophyll production. This is characterized by bright yellow leaves with distinct, dark green veins (interveinal chlorosis).

Common

lightbulb

How to confirm: Look closely at the leaf pattern to see if the veins remain dark green while the rest of the leaf turns yellow.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an iron-rich supplement to the soil to correct the deficiency and restore chlorophyll production.

FoxFarm Bush Doctor Cal Mag Liquid Fertilizer 1 Gallon

3.8 L • Organic

$88

In Stock

2 Check the soil pH to ensure it is in the acidic range (5.5–6.5), as alkaline soil prevents iron uptake.

YAMRON 4-in-1 Digital Soil Tester

Water Meters

$33

In Stock

3 Amend the existing soil with organic matter to help lower the pH and improve nutrient availability.

Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix

15.1 L

$22

In Stock

warning

Citrus Leafminer Damage

Larvae of the Phyllocnistis citrella moth tunnel through the leaf tissue, which can cause localized discoloration and eventual widespread yellowing and leaf drop due to stress.

Common

lightbulb

How to confirm: Inspect the surface of young leaves for silvery, serpentine tracks or trails.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Inspect leaves for silvery, serpentine trails and apply an organic insecticide to eliminate larvae and prevent further tunneling.