Stephanotis Yellow Marbling: High Soil pH / Hard Water

Diagnosis

Yellow marbling (chlorosis) on new growth, progressing to whole leaf drop, in a conservatory with hard water = iron deficiency from high soil pH.

Fix

1. Switch to filtered, distilled, or rainwater.
2. Apply chelated iron fertilizer (foliar spray for quick green-up, soil drench for lasting fix).
3. Use acidic fertilizer (e.g., for azaleas) periodically.
4. Repot in fresh, peat-based mix if soil is old.

Prevention

Never use softened water (adds sodium). Test water hardness if unsure.