Willy Green
March 11, 2023
5 causes and 5 solutions for dealing with yellowing leaves
Yellowing leaves are a common problem for all plant owners, both young and old, and it can be caused by a wide variety of factors. We will explore all of the possible causes of yellowing leaves and provide some tips and techniques on how to fix them as well as how to prevent them from showing up in the first place. Lets get into 5 causes and 5 solutions for dealing with yellowing leaves!
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Overwatering: If it’s not the number one cause of yellowing leaves, it’s definitely at the top of the list. When plants are watered too frequently or too much, the roots can become waterlogged and begin to rot, which can lead to yellowing leaves. You may think you are doing your plants a favor, but in reality, you are hurting them. Plants actually prefer to dry out just a little bit before watering. Not only will you prevent the yellowing of the leaves, but you will have better overall growth by waiting that extra day or two.
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Underwatering: On the other hand, underwatering can also cause yellowing leaves as well as wilting. When plants do not receive enough water, they will begin to wilt and their leaves will turn yellow. The best way to prevent both of these situations, get yourself a soil moisture meter. They are inexpensive and they will save you all of the guesswork that comes with watering.
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Nutrient deficiencies: Plants require a balanced diet of nutrients to grow healthy and strong. If they do not receive the proper nutrients, their leaves may begin to yellow. For example, if a plant is deficient in nitrogen, its leaves will turn yellow and may even fall off. Be sure to feed your plants at least once a month or so. More often during the growing seasons. Start off by feeding them a little less than the recommended dosage to help prevent overfeeding. If you aren’t sure about which fertilizer you want to use, you may want to read this article about natural plant fertilizers.
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Pest infestation: Certain pests, such as spider mites, can cause yellowing leaves. These pests suck the sap from the leaves, which can cause them to turn yellow and eventually fall off. Be sure to check your plants for pests regularly. Check the undersides of the leaves as well as the stalk and soil. If you notice a problem and aren’t exactly sure how to handle it, you may want to read this article about natural pest solutions.
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Diseases: Plant diseases, such as fungal infections, can also cause yellowing leaves. These diseases can spread quickly and can be difficult to treat if not caught early. Not sure how to spot what this would even look like? Well of course we have an article to help you with that called plant pests and diseases. We come with solutions for you!
Tips to Fix Yellowing Leaves:
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Adjust watering: If overwatering or underwatering is the cause of yellowing leaves, adjusting the watering schedule can help. Be sure to water the plant only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch although keep in mind that some plants want to be even dryer than that. It’s important to know each plants specific needs. If the soil is still moist, wait a few more days before watering again. Again, a moisture meter will take all of the guesswork out of this.
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Check for nutrient deficiencies: If a nutrient deficiency is the cause of yellowing leaves, adding a balanced fertilizer can help. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully to avoid over-fertilizing. Always use a little less than recommended when starting out. You can always add more, but if you add too much you will burn the plants or possibly kill them.
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Remove pests: If a pest infestation is the cause of yellowing leaves, removing the pests is obviously necessary. Use an insecticidal soap or a natural pest control method to eliminate the pests.
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Treat diseases: If a plant disease is the cause of yellowing leaves, treating the disease as soon as possible is necessary. Use a fungicide to stop the spread of the disease and remove any affected leaves to prevent further spread.
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Prune damaged leaves: Finally, pruning damaged leaves can help the plant focus its energy on new growth. Be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant further.
In conclusion, yellowing leaves are definitely a common problem for plant owners, but they can be fixed with a little effort and attention. By identifying the cause of yellowing leaves and taking the necessary steps to fix the problem, you can help your plants stay healthy and vibrant. Thank you for reading 5 causes and 5 solutions for dealing with yellowing leaves. Here are some other articles you may enjoy reading.
