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Hi i notice my lily pillies are yellowing. I have a photo of the darker green they usually are and comparison pf the yellowing on some plants. Can so advise what may
cause this?
Hello @nikki4455
The yellowing on your lily pillies looks like a nutrient deficiency, most likely iron or nitrogen, and possibly linked to soil conditions or watering habits rather than disease. Since some leaves remain dark green and others turn yellow (especially newer growth), here’s what’s likely happening and how to fix it.
When the new leaves turn yellow, but veins remain green, it’s a sign of iron deficiency. This usually occurs when the soil is too alkaline (high pH) or poorly drained, which locks up iron in the soil so the plant can’t absorb it. If the older leaves are yellowing first, then it’s more likely nitrogen deficiency, where the plant is drawing nutrients from old leaves to feed new ones.
To help your plants recover, start by checking drainage and watering. Lily pillies prefer evenly moist soil, but if they sit in soggy conditions, their roots can suffocate and stop taking up nutrients. If your soil feels compacted or heavy, consider gently loosening the top layer and adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure.
Next, give them a feed with a balanced fertiliser that includes trace elements, especially iron and magnesium. From Bunnings, excellent options include:
- Yates 3kg Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver And Plant Fertiliser – an organic-based fertiliser with a broad nutrient profile.
- Seasol + Iron – a liquid tonic that provides a quick iron boost and helps plants recover from stress.
- Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers or All-Purpose Concentrate – for nitrogen and balanced nutrients.
Apply the fertiliser as directed, water it in well, and repeat every few weeks through the growing season. Over the next month, you should see new growth emerge greener and stronger.
Lastly, if your soil tends to be alkaline, adding sulphur granules or Iron Chelate can help lower pH and make nutrients more available to the roots.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Hello @nikki4455
Yes, seasol is a lawn fertilizer and its iron content will help your plant. If you have over watered, I propose changing your watering schedule so that the soil will dry out properly.
Eric
Hello @nikki4455
My apologies, I meant to say to use Seasol 20L Plus Iron not the lawn variety. But if this quantity is too much, I suggest going for the Yates 500mL Leaf Greener Iron Chelate which is just the right amount for single plants. Yes, you can continue using Seasol as directed on the packet. But if it appears that it is going to be raining the next few days I would hold off on any applications until the soil has properly dried out.
Eric
Hello @nikki4455
It all depends on the uptake of the plant, I'm guessing a few weeks until it absorbs the nutrients from the soil and the yellow leaves start to fade, and the next batch of leaves should be nice and green.
Eric
