Why Are My Star Jasmine Leaves Turning Yellow?

Yellowing leaves on star jasmine usually point to stress from watering problems, nutrient deficiencies, or poor drainage. Seasonal changes and ageing leaves can also cause yellow patches, but widespread yellowing in spring or summer signals an issue that needs fixing. The fastest recovery comes from correcting soil moisture and feeding with a balanced fertiliser like CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid NPK 20-20-20 at 4 ml per litre.

At a Glance: Causes of Yellow Leaves

Overwatering: Soggy roots cause base leaves to yellow and drop
Drought stress: Dry soil leads to uniform yellowing across foliage
Nitrogen deficiency: Older leaves yellow first while new growth is pale
Iron deficiency: Young leaves turn yellow with green veins (chlorosis)
Potassium shortage: Leaf edges yellow or brown, especially in pots
Natural ageing: Older leaves yellow before dropping in late seasons

Quick Fix: Check watering depth, improve drainage, and feed with CompleteGrow 20-20-20 to restore green growth within weeks.

Why Leaves Lose Their Green Colour

Chlorophyll — the pigment that makes leaves green — breaks down under stress. This happens when roots can’t access oxygen (from overwatering), when nutrients are missing (like nitrogen, iron, or potassium), or when soils are too dry. Star jasmine can tolerate short stress periods, but ongoing yellowing signals the plant is struggling and needs correction.

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Main Reasons Star Jasmine Leaves Turn Yellow

1. Overwatering or Poor Drainage

Constantly wet soil suffocates roots, reducing nutrient uptake. Leaves near the base usually yellow first. In pots, saucers that hold water are a common cause. Improve drainage and water only when the top 3–4 cm of soil feels dry.

2. Drought Stress

Star jasmine enjoys consistent moisture but dislikes drying out completely. Extended dry spells lead to uniform yellowing followed by leaf drop. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and stabilise root conditions.

3. Nutrient Deficiencies

Nitrogen shortage makes older leaves fade yellow while new shoots remain small. Iron deficiency produces interveinal chlorosis (yellow leaves with dark green veins), common in alkaline soils. Potassium lack shows up as yellow-brown edges. These issues are most common in pots or sandy soils where nutrients leach out quickly.

4. Seasonal Ageing

It’s normal for some older leaves to yellow and drop at the end of a growth cycle. If only a few scattered leaves are affected and new growth is healthy, this isn’t a concern.

The best way to prevent nutrient-driven yellowing is to feed consistently with a complete fertiliser. CompleteGrow 20-20-20 provides balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — fixing multiple deficiencies at once instead of targeting only one nutrient.

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Fixing Yellow Leaves on Star Jasmine

Check watering habits: Deep water during hot spells, but let the soil partially dry between irrigations.
Improve drainage: Use raised beds, sandy loam, or quality potting mix to avoid soggy roots.
Feed regularly: Apply CompleteGrow 20-20-20 at 4 ml per litre every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer.
Mulch roots: A 5–8 cm layer of mulch reduces evaporation and protects soil structure.
Monitor soil pH: Star jasmine prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6–7). Alkaline soils lock up iron, worsening yellowing.

CompleteGrow Recommendation

If your star jasmine leaves are turning yellow, the most reliable fix is balanced feeding. CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid NPK 20-20-20 restores green growth by providing immediate nutrients and correcting nitrogen, potassium, and iron-related deficiencies. Used every 4–6 weeks in active growth, it keeps foliage lush and resilient.

Extended FAQs

Why are my star jasmine leaves yellow at the base? Often caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Roots suffocate and can’t deliver nutrients properly.
Why are young star jasmine leaves yellow? Usually an iron deficiency or pH problem in the soil. Feeding with CompleteGrow 20-20-20 helps restore balance.
Can too much sun cause yellowing? Yes — especially if water is inconsistent. Sun scorch combined with drought often turns leaves yellow before browning.
Will fertiliser fix yellow leaves? Yes, if deficiency is the cause. CompleteGrow’s balanced profile corrects multiple nutrient gaps at once.
Is it normal for star jasmine to drop some yellow leaves? Yes — ageing leaves naturally yellow and fall, especially in late summer and autumn.
How quickly will the plant recover? With corrected watering and fertiliser, new green shoots often appear within 3–4 weeks.