Why Is My Kangaroo Paw Plant Dying? The Real Reasons Behind Decline

When a kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos) begins to wilt, yellow, or collapse, the issue almost always traces back to its roots—literally. These native perennials thrive on sunlight, airflow, and lean soils. Too much water, phosphorus, or shade quickly turns a healthy clump into a dying one. Understanding the cause is the first step toward saving it.

1. Root or Rhizome Rot

Overwatering and poor drainage cause soft, brown rhizomes that smell sour and break apart easily. Once rot sets in, the plant loses turgor pressure—leaves flop, tips brown, and fans collapse. Fix: Uproot the clump, trim away all mushy tissue, dust with sulfur or cinnamon, and replant into a fast-draining native or succulent mix. Resume watering only after the top 3 cm dries.

2. Phosphorus Burn from Incorrect Fertiliser

Kangaroo paw roots are highly sensitive to phosphorus. Standard garden or lawn fertilisers (even many “flower boosters”) overload the plant, causing leaf tip die-back and eventual rhizome death. Fix: Switch immediately to a low-phosphorus fertiliser such as CompleteGrow Cactus & Succulent Plant Food (2-7-7). Its safe 2-7-7 ratio provides potassium for flowering and iron-rich micronutrients to restore green leaves.

3. Ink Spot Disease & Fungal Leaf Blight

Black or reddish blotches on leaves signal Alternaria or Ink Spot infection, common in humid or overcrowded clumps. Fix: Cut affected leaves to the base, thin dense fans for airflow, water soil only (never foliage), and sterilise shears after use. Feed lightly after pruning to help regeneration.

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4. Sun, Heat, or Transplant Shock

Newly planted or divided kangaroo paws often droop for a few weeks while re-establishing roots. Sudden exposure to intense summer sun can scorch leaves before rhizomes stabilise. Fix: Provide partial shade for 7–10 days, water deeply once, then allow soil to dry slightly. Apply a diluted 3 mL/L feed of 2-7-7 after one week to stimulate new root growth.

5. Nutrient Deficiency (Yellowing Without Rot)

Pale leaves with green veins indicate iron or magnesium deficiency, usually in sandy or alkaline soils. Fix: Feed with CompleteGrow 2-7-7—its chelated Fe & Mg restore chlorophyll quickly. Maintain monthly feeding through the warm months to keep leaves vivid and flower stalks strong.

6. Old Age & Lack of Division

After several seasons, old fans die off naturally while the centre thickens and loses vigour. Fix: Every 2–3 years, divide clumps. Replant healthy outer fans into fresh soil and discard woody centres. Water in with diluted fertiliser to reduce stress.

Reviving a Struggling Plant

Cut away all blackened or dead foliage to the base.
Lift and inspect rhizomes; remove any soft or rotten parts.
Replant in airy, sandy mix and water once to settle soil.
After 7 days, feed with half-strength CompleteGrow 2-7-7.
Maintain bright sun and minimal humidity until new shoots appear.

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Preventing Future Die-Back

Use native or succulent potting mix—never compost-rich garden soil.
Water deeply but infrequently; soggy conditions trigger rot.
Feed monthly with low-phosphorus 2-7-7 fertiliser during growth season.
Prune spent flower spikes to the base and remove old leaves promptly.
Divide clumps regularly to maintain airflow and root space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the leaves on my kangaroo paw turning brown?
Usually from over-watering, fungal infection, or high-phosphorus fertiliser. Improve drainage and switch to 2-7-7 for balanced recovery.

Can I save a rotting kangaroo paw?
Yes—remove rotten tissue, replant in dry mix, and feed lightly once new leaves emerge.

My plant died after flowering—why?
Old fans die naturally post-bloom. Cut them away and feed the remaining rhizomes to trigger new shoots.

Should I use seaweed or compost?
Avoid rich organic amendments; they increase phosphorus and moisture retention. Use a lean mineral feed like 2-7-7 instead.

Final Recommendation

Most dying kangaroo paws can recover once water, light, and nutrients are balanced. Replant in free-draining soil, cut back dead growth, and feed monthly with CompleteGrow Cactus & Succulent Plant Food Fertiliser Concentrate (2-7-7). Its low-phosphorus formula protects roots while high potassium and micronutrients restore leaf colour and stimulate fresh flowering spikes.