Citrus Yellow Leaves - Causes & Fixes

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Nitrogen Deficiency

Nitrogen is a mobile nutrient; when lacking, the tree moves nitrogen from older leaves to new growth, causing older foliage to turn uniformly pale green or yellow.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Observe if the yellowing starts on the oldest, lowest leaves first while newer leaves remain greener.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply a nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer to replenish the soil nutrients and restore green foliage.

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

Organic Fertilizer

$40

Out of Stock

2 Supplement with a balanced liquid fertilizer to ensure rapid nutrient uptake for the tree.

FoxFarm Grow Big Liquid Plant Food 1 Quart

0.9 L • 1 pcs

$30

In Stock

3 Monitor soil moisture levels using a moisture meter to ensure the nitrogen is being effectively transported to the roots.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock

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Overwatering and Root Hypoxia

Citrus trees are highly sensitive to 'wet feet.' Excess water displaces oxygen in the soil, leading to root suffocation and preventing the uptake of essential micronutrients.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Check if the soil feels soggy or compacted and look for dark, slimy roots upon inspection.

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shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Immediately stop watering and allow the soil to dry out significantly to restore oxygen to the root zone.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter SMM-V3

Water Meters

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2 Repot the tree into a well-draining medium and ensure the container has adequate drainage to prevent future water accumulation.

Legigo Leca Clay Pebbles 10LB

Expanded Clay

$24

In Stock

3 Apply a supplement containing calcium and magnesium to help the tree recover from nutrient uptake issues caused by root stress.

FoxFarm Bush Doctor Cal Mag Liquid Fertilizer 1 Gallon

3.8 L • Organic

$88

In Stock

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Iron Chlorosis

Common in alkaline soils, iron deficiency prevents chlorophyll production, resulting in bright yellow leaves with distinct green veins (interveinal chlorosis).

Very Common

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How to confirm: Check if the veins of the yellowing leaves remain dark green while the rest of the leaf tissue 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 level; iron becomes unavailable to citrus trees if the soil is too alkaline (above 7.0).

YAMRON 4-in-1 Digital Soil Tester

Water Meters

$33

In Stock

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

Coast of Maine Quoddy Blend Lobster & Crab Compost

28.3 L • Compost Blend

$25

In Stock

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Citrus Leafminer Damage

While primarily a pest, the larvae create serpentine trails that disrupt photosynthesis and can cause localized or widespread leaf yellowing and premature drop.

Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the surface of the leaves for silvery, winding tracks or tunnels.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the leaves to eliminate citrus leafminer larvae and protect new growth.

Bonide Captain Jack's Fruit Tree Spray 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$36

In Stock

2 Prune and dispose of heavily infested or yellowing leaves to prevent the larvae from spreading to healthy foliage.

Fiskars 5/8" Bypass Pruning Shears

Cutting Tools

$13

In Stock

3 Provide a balanced nutrient boost to help the tree recover from the stress of the infestation and support new leaf production.

FoxFarm Happy Frog Citrus and Avocado Fertilizer

1 pcs • Organic

$21

In Stock

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Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium deficiency often manifests as yellowing between the veins, specifically starting at the leaf margins and moving inward.

Common

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How to confirm: Look for a 'V' shaped pattern of green at the base of the leaf while the edges turn yellow.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply a magnesium-rich supplement to the soil to correct the nutrient imbalance and strengthen cell walls.

FoxFarm Bush Doctor Cal Mag Liquid Fertilizer 1 Gallon

3.8 L • Organic

$88

In Stock

2 Monitor soil moisture levels using an analog meter to ensure the tree is not experiencing water stress, which can mimic or exacerbate nutrient deficiencies.