Add Your Heading Text Here

Orange Tree Leaves Turning Yellow: Causes & How to Fix It

Quick answer: Orange tree leaves usually turn yellow due to nutrient deficiencies, watering stress, poor drainage, or root-related issues. In most cases, yellowing leaves are a sign of nutritional or environmental stress, not disease.

Yellow leaves are one of the most common citrus problems and are usually fixable once the underlying cause is identified. The key is recognising whether the yellowing starts between veins, affects older or newer leaves first, or is combined with leaf drop.

Most common reasons orange tree leaves turn yellow:

Nutrient deficiency (especially nitrogen, magnesium, or iron)
Overwatering or poor drainage
Underwatering or inconsistent watering
Heavy fruiting draining nutrients
Root stress or pot-bound roots

Yellowing leaves may appear gradually or suddenly. If left unaddressed, yellow leaves often drop, reducing the tree’s ability to photosynthesise and support fruit development.

519958396_18258689251303320_1048688245385922677_n (1)

517281700_18258689266303320_6235497568218820085_n (1)

Why Orange Tree Leaves Turn Yellow

Different yellowing patterns point to different problems. Understanding where and how the yellowing occurs makes diagnosis much easier.

Nutrient deficiencies

Nutrient imbalance is the most common cause of yellow leaves on orange trees. Nitrogen deficiency typically causes older leaves to turn pale yellow and drop. Magnesium deficiency often shows as yellowing between the veins while veins remain green. Iron deficiency usually affects new growth first, causing pale or yellow leaves with green veins.

These issues are especially common in potted trees and sandy soils where nutrients leach quickly. Using a balanced citrus fertiliser helps maintain steady nutrient availability and prevent recurring yellowing.

Watering problems and drainage

Overwatering restricts oxygen around roots, limiting nutrient uptake and causing leaves to yellow and fall. Underwatering stresses the tree and reduces nutrient movement, leading to similar symptoms. Poor drainage is a frequent issue for citrus grown in heavy soils or containers without adequate drainage holes.

Heavy fruiting and seasonal stress

During heavy fruiting, orange trees divert large amounts of nutrients to developing fruit. This can temporarily drain magnesium and nitrogen reserves, causing older leaves to yellow. Without replenishment, leaf drop often follows.

Root stress and pot-bound trees

Roots that are damaged, compacted, or pot-bound cannot absorb water and nutrients efficiently. This commonly leads to yellow leaves and reduced growth. Repotting into fresh, free-draining mix often resolves the issue.

476780697_18475741807058791_5110706967489815434_n (1)

448077377_759732072909750_4023706548464092198_n (1)

How to Fix Yellow Leaves on Orange Trees

Correcting yellow leaves is about restoring balance rather than forcing fast growth. Once conditions stabilise, healthy green leaves usually return.

Feed consistently: Apply a balanced citrus fertiliser during active growth to prevent nutrient deficiencies.
Support magnesium needs: If leaves yellow between veins or the tree looks drained during fruiting, a Cal-Mag fertiliser can help restore chlorophyll production and leaf function.
Fix watering: Water deeply, then allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly before watering again.
Improve drainage: Ensure pots and soil drain freely to prevent root stress.
Reduce stress: Mulch the soil and protect trees during extreme heat.

Avoid over-fertilising yellowing trees. Excess nutrients can worsen stress and delay recovery. New green growth is the best indicator that the issue has been resolved.