Why Are My Star Jasmine Leaves Turning Red?

Star jasmine leaves can turn red for several reasons, ranging from natural seasonal change to stress from poor watering, cold snaps, or nutrient imbalances. In Australia, it is common to see red or bronze colouring in winter, but persistent redness in spring or summer may indicate stress. The fastest way to restore healthy green foliage is to check watering, protect from extremes, and feed with a balanced fertiliser such as CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid NPK 20-20-20.

At a Glance: Causes of Red Leaves

Seasonal colour: Cooler autumn/winter nights trigger red or bronze pigment.
Water stress: Drought or waterlogging reduces chlorophyll, leading to red tints.
Nutrient issues: Low phosphorus or potassium can cause reddish or purple leaves.
Sun scorch: Harsh afternoon sun may bronze or redden exposed foliage.
Ageing leaves: Older leaves naturally redden before dropping.

Quick Fix: If redness persists in warm months, adjust watering and feed with CompleteGrow 20-20-20 to restore lush green colour.

Why Do Star Jasmine Leaves Change Colour?

Star jasmine produces anthocyanin pigments under stress or seasonal shifts. In winter, this is natural and protects leaves from cold. But if leaves are red outside cooler months, it usually points to cultural issues: water stress, nutrient deficiencies, or strong sun exposure. Identifying which factor is at play is the key to correcting it.

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Main Causes of Red Star Jasmine Leaves

1. Seasonal Temperature Drops

In many parts of Australia, star jasmine leaves turn red or bronze in autumn and winter. This is a protective response to cold weather and is completely normal. Leaves often return to green once warmer temperatures arrive in spring.

2. Water Stress (Drought or Overwatering)

Both under-watering and waterlogging cause stress that reduces chlorophyll, allowing red pigments to show. Dry roots in summer often trigger reddening at leaf edges, while poor drainage in clay soils can have the same effect.

3. Nutrient Imbalances

A lack of phosphorus or potassium can produce reddish or purplish foliage. In star jasmine, this usually happens in poor soils or pots where nutrients leach out quickly. Nitrogen shortage can also make older leaves turn yellow-red before dropping.

4. Excessive Sun Exposure

Young plants in full western sun may develop reddish or bronzed patches on leaves, especially during hot afternoons. Mulching and consistent watering reduce this stress.

5. Natural Ageing

Individual leaves often turn red as they age before falling. This is not a cause for concern if only older leaves are affected and new growth remains green.

Whatever the cause, balanced feeding helps plants recover faster. CompleteGrow 20-20-20 supplies all three major nutrients in one dose, correcting deficiencies and supporting stronger roots and shoots.

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How to Fix Red Leaves on Star Jasmine

Check watering: Deep-soak once or twice weekly in summer, reduce in winter. Avoid soggy roots.
Improve soil: Free-draining, slightly acidic soil keeps nutrients available.
Feed regularly: Apply CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid NPK 20-20-20 at 4 ml/L every 4–6 weeks in spring–summer.
Mulch: Maintain 5–8 cm mulch to stabilise moisture and protect roots from heat or cold.
Prune lightly: Trim damaged or sparse growth after flowering to encourage fresh green shoots.

CompleteGrow Recommendation

While some red leaves are natural, persistent redness in spring or summer signals stress. The best recovery strategy is steady watering and balanced feeding. Use CompleteGrow 20-20-20 through the active season to restore green foliage and maintain strong flowering performance.

Extended FAQs

Is it normal for star jasmine leaves to turn red in winter? Yes — cool nights trigger red pigments as protection, and leaves usually return to green in spring.
Why are my star jasmine leaves red in summer? This usually indicates stress from poor watering, nutrient shortage, or harsh sun.
Can fertiliser fix red leaves? Yes — if caused by nutrient imbalance. CompleteGrow 20-20-20 restores balance quickly, especially in pots or poor soils.
Do red leaves mean my star jasmine is dying? Not necessarily. If new growth is still healthy, the plant is fine. Persistent redness across the plant needs correction.
Will pruning help? Light pruning removes stressed leaves and triggers fresh green shoots when combined with fertiliser.
Can overwatering cause red leaves? Yes — soggy roots restrict nutrient uptake, often turning leaves reddish or bronze. Improve drainage first, then feed.
What if only the tips are red? This usually indicates potassium shortage, often fixed with CompleteGrow 20-20-20.