Why are my plant leaves turning yellow?An yellow leaf does not necessarily indicate a dying plant. In most instances it is just nature of the plant speaking stress. This paper describes why plant leaves become yellow, the most frequent causes, identify the specific issue, and what you can do to revive your plant.
How to save a dying plant (step-by-step)
Yellowing Leaves: What Does it Matter?
Yellow leaves (which is referred to as chlorosis) are caused when a given plant is unable to generate adequate chlorophyll which is the green color that gives that plant the ability to perform photosynthesis. In the absence of enough chlorophyll, the leaves lose their green color and become pale yellow.
This may occur because of problems associated with:
- Watering
- Light
- Nutrients
- Soil and roots
- Temperature or stress
The pattern of yellowing and the timing of yellowing will be useful in recognizing the cause.
1. Most Common Cause: Overwatering
The first cause of the leaves turning yellow of plants is overwatering.
Why it happens:
- Roots are in constantly wet soil.
- Oxygen cannot reach roots
- Roots begin to rot
Signs of overwatering:
- Soft or mushy yellow leaves.
- Sagging despite the presence of wet soil.
- Bad smell from soil
Surface Mold or fungus on soil.
How to fix it:
- Water until the ground is dry.
- Make sure that pots have some holes to drain water.
- Take away superfluous water in trays.
- Use well-draining soil
Keep in mind: it is more difficult to bring a plant that is overwatered to life than it is to bring one that is underwatered to life.
2. Underwatering
Yellow leaves may also be a consequence of too little water.
Why it happens:
- Roots dry out
- Nutrients cannot be transported by plant.
- Leaves become dry and colorless.
Signs of underwatering:
- Brown leaves that had parched edges.
- Soil moving away on the sides of pots.
- Wilting leaves
How to fix it:
- Turn on the water until water runs out.
- Always, not haphazardly.
- Do not allow soil to dry up when water-loving plants are to be planted.
- Balanced watering is key.
3. Lack of Proper Light
Photosynthesis is dependent on light. Excessive or insufficient amount of light may lead to yellowing.
Too little light:
- Leaves turn pale yellow
- Plant grows slowly
- Stems stretch toward light
Too much light:
- Burning spots or yellow patches.
- Crispy leaf edges
How to fix it:
- Take out plants in to bright and indirect light.
- Do not expose plants to direct sunlight, unless they require it.
- Plants should be rotated to receive equal light.
- Majority of house plants like direct bright light.
4. Nutrient Deficiency
Plants require such nutrients as nitrogen, iron, magnesium, and potassium. The deficiency of nutrients may lead to yellow leaves.
Common deficiencies:
Nitrogen: The leaves at an old age change yellow.
Iron: Leaves are new and yellow in color, with green veins.
Magnesium: Yellowing among veins
Causes:
- Poor-quality soil
- Old, depleted potting mix
- Lack of fertilization
How to fix it:
- Apply equal part liquid fertilizer.
- Plant when in active growth.
- Avoid over-fertilizing
- Feed sparingly–even more fertilizer is not necessarily good.
5. Poor Drainage and Fungus on the Root.
The roots are the basis of the health of plants. Leaves tend to be yellow in case of damaged roots.
Causes:
- Pots without drainage holes
- Compacted or heavy soil
- Root rot
Signs:
- Constant yellowing in spite of proper watering.
- Plant stops growing
- Mushy or black roots
Solution:
- Plant in fresh and well-drained soil.
- Trim damaged roots
- Select drainage pots.
- Good roots produce good leaves.
6. Natural Aging of Leaves
Yellow leaves do not necessarily signify a problem.
Normal leaf aging:
- Leaves on the same tree become yellow with age.
- New growth remains healthy
- Leaf falls off naturally
- This is entirely normal and so much especially to the plants indoors.
What to do:
- Remove yellow leaves gently
- Attend to the well-being of the whole plant.
- When there are a few lower leaves that yell occasionally, then that is no problem.
7. Abrupt Environmental Change.
Plants do not favour abrupt changes.
Common stress triggers:
- Transplant of plant to a different site.
- Temperature fluctuations
- Drafts from AC or heaters
- Change in watering routine
Signs:
- The development of yellowing soon after the relocation.
- Temporary leaf drop
How to fix it:
- Give plant time to adjust
- Keep conditions stable
- Avoid frequent moving
- Plants need consistency.
- 8. Temperature Stress
- Plants can be shocked by extreme temperatures.
Causes:
- Cold drafts
- Direct sun or heaters.
- Sudden temperature drops
Symptoms:
- Yellow or brown leaves
- Leaf curling or drop
Solution:
- Plants should not be around AC vents and heaters.
- Keep room temperature appropriate to type of plant.
- The majority of house plants favor moderate temperatures that are stable.
9. Pest Infestation
The leaves may turn yellow because of sucking of the plant sap by pests.
Common pests:
- Spider mites
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
Signs:
- Yellow spots or patches
- Sticky residue on leaves
- Tiny insects or webbing
Treatment:
- Clean leaves with water
- Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Isolate infected plant
- Major damage is avoided by early treatment.
10. Poor Water Quality
Sometimes tap water may result in yellowing.
Causes:
- High chlorine
- Excess salts
- Fluoride sensitivity
Fix:
- Let tap water sit overnight
- Apply filtered or rain water on sensitive plants.
- Flush soil occasionally
- Certain plants are hypersensitive.
- Diagnosing Yellow Leaves: How to Do It.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the soil wet or dry?
- Are the leaves of the new or old ones turning yellow?
- Has the plant recently been shifted?
- Is the pot draining properly?
- Is new growth healthy?
These are the questions that will be answered to identify the cause.
- Should You Take off The Yellow Leaves?
- Yes—but gently.
- Why remove them:
- Improves plant appearance
- Prevents energy waste
- Reduces pest attraction
- Always use clean scissors and must never drag leaves.
Yellow Leaves Prevention in the Future.
Follow these simple tips:
- Water only when soil needs it
- Use pots with drainage
- Provide appropriate light
- Feed plants lightly
- Keep environment stable
- Your best tool is observation.
Stereotypes about Yellow Leaves.
Myth: Yellow leaves are a sure indication of overwatering.
Fact: Yellowing can be caused by a number of factors.
Myth: Fertilizer cures all things.
Fact: Excessive use of fertilizer may make matters worse.
Myth: When one leaf is yellow it means it is dying.
Fact: It is normal to have the occasional yellow leaves.
Conclusion
One of the most frequent and the most misinterpreted problems with plants is the presence of the yellow leaves. They are in most cases a demonstration of an imbalance, rather than a demonstration of failure. Knowing the watering schedule, needs of light, soil condition and the environment of the place you live will enable you to easily diagnose the cause and restore your plant to normalcy.Plants speak by their leaves. Learning to listen, the yellow leaves will be a sign to you, not a catastrophe. Your plant with patience and proper care will grow back to its healthy and vibrant green state.