Yellow Kangaroo Paw Plant: Causes & How to Restore Healthy Green Growth

A yellow kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos) is a sign that something in the plant’s balance has shifted—usually in its soil nutrients, watering pattern, or sunlight exposure. While the bright foliage is one of the plant’s hallmarks, the shift to pale or yellow leaves indicates stress in its root or rhizome system. Fortunately, it’s usually reversible with small adjustments and the right fertiliser.

The Four Main Causes of Yellowing

Nutrient Deficiency: A lack of nitrogen, iron, or magnesium reduces chlorophyll production. Leaves fade from green to yellow starting at the tips.
Overwatering or Poor Drainage: Constantly soggy roots suffocate rhizomes, blocking nutrient uptake.
Phosphorus Toxicity: Common when using standard garden or lawn fertilisers. Excess phosphorus locks out iron and zinc, causing yellow leaves even in rich soil.
Insufficient Sunlight: Kangaroo paw needs full sun to photosynthesise effectively. Shady conditions lead to dull, pale foliage and fewer flowers.

The good news is that yellowing is rarely permanent. With correct feeding and drainage, new shoots quickly emerge in healthy green tones.

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Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Yellow Kangaroo Paw

Check Drainage: Water should pass through freely. If soil stays wet longer than a day, mix in coarse sand or re-pot using native/succulent mix.
Prune Damaged Leaves: Remove fully yellow or spotted foliage at the base. This prevents fungal spread and lets the plant redirect nutrients to new growth.
Improve Light: Relocate pots or garden beds to full sun for at least six hours daily.
Feed Correctly: Apply CompleteGrow Cactus & Succulent Plant Food Fertiliser (2-7-7) every four weeks during the growing season. Its moderate nitrogen revives leaf colour, while high potassium strengthens stems and bloom spikes.
Monitor Watering: Deep soak once or twice weekly, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Constant moisture is the fastest route to yellow leaves.

How 2-7-7 Fertiliser Restores Colour

Kangaroo paw plants behave like “succulent-style” natives—preferring lean nutrition and mineral-based feeding rather than organic composts. CompleteGrow’s 2-7-7 formula delivers exactly what they need:

Low Phosphorus (2% N – 7% K): Prevents root toxicity and allows steady micronutrient uptake.
High Potassium: Fuels strong pigment and vivid flower colour.
Iron, Magnesium & Zinc: Replace the minerals most responsible for yellowing (chlorosis) in native soils.
Fast Liquid Absorption: Works quickly through the root zone, ideal for stressed or potted plants.

Within two to three weeks of feeding, most kangaroo paws show greener fans and firmer stalks. Continue monthly feeding to prevent relapse.

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Preventing Future Yellowing

Always use free-draining, sandy or native soil—avoid heavy compost or clay.
Feed monthly during spring–summer; skip winter when growth slows.
Keep foliage dry; water soil only to limit fungal infection.
Divide old clumps every 2–3 years to maintain airflow and rhizome strength.
Never use lawn, rose, or citrus fertilisers—these contain excessive phosphorus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my kangaroo paw leaves yellow with green veins?
This is classic iron deficiency (chlorosis). Feed with CompleteGrow Cactus & Succulent Plant Food (2-7-7) to supply Fe, Mg, and Zn for chlorophyll restoration.

Can overwatering cause yellow leaves?
Yes. Waterlogged soil suffocates roots, preventing nutrient uptake. Let soil partly dry before the next watering.

How long until colour returns?
New growth usually appears within 2–3 weeks after improved drainage and feeding. Existing yellow leaves will not green again but can be trimmed once fresh fans develop.

Do yellow leaves mean my plant is dying?
Not necessarily—it’s usually a nutrient imbalance. Adjust watering and feed monthly with 2-7-7 for lasting recovery.

Final Recommendation

Yellow kangaroo paw leaves are a clear sign your plant needs balanced mineral support, not heavy feeding. CompleteGrow Cactus & Succulent Plant Food Fertiliser Concentrate (2-7-7) provides the precise low-phosphorus, iron-enriched nutrients these Australian natives depend on for rich green foliage, strong rhizomes, and vivid flowering spikes season after season.