Why does your Ficus religiosa have yellow leaves? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Ficus religiosa is highly sensitive to stagnant water; excess moisture in the substrate deprives roots of oxygen, leading to chlorosis (yellowing) and potential root rot. This is the most frequent cause of yellowing in indoor or poorly drained specimens.
Rapidly growing Ficus religiosa requires consistent nitrogen and micronutrients like iron to maintain chlorophyll production. Yellowing that begins on older leaves typically indicates nitrogen deficiency, while new leaves turning yellow with green veins suggests iron chlorosis.
As a tropical species, sudden drops in temperature or exposure to cold drafts can trigger a stress response in Ficus religiosa, causing leaves to lose chlorophyll and turn yellow before dropping.
While Ficus religiosa can tolerate some shade, insufficient light prevents the tree from performing efficient photosynthesis, leading to a gradual yellowing of the foliage as the plant struggles to maintain its energy levels.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: