on Why do plant leaves turn yellow?
You love your plants: you love to cuddle them, you follow gardening advice to the letter, and you panic at the thought of them dying before their time. We won’t contradict you, having plants at home is a true joy. Not only do they add a tropical touch to our interior decor, but they also help purify the air and clean the environment. Not to mention that they are relaxing and so beautiful to contemplate. The only drawback: the appearance of yellow leaves. A specific symptom of plants whose origin is not always identifiable. So much so that we feel truly helpless in the face of this phenomenon.
Of course, the most common reason for yellowing leaves, which we all know, is seasonal: the arrival of autumn makes them turn yellow and fall. It is therefore a natural phenomenon beyond our control. However, there are still many other factors that we suspect less: nutrient deficiency, excessive watering, poor location, diseases, drafts… Fortunately, a few simple actions and good habits can help anticipate the problem and avoid these yellow spots.
Don’t worry, leaves are constantly renewing themselves. But avoid certain mistakes and practice proper care to keep your plants healthy. Let’s find out what can cause yellowing leaves and how to fix it.
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Watering the plants
Water the plants
Overwatering is one of the most common problems that can lead to yellowing leaves.
It’s important to know that not all plants are the same: each plant is unique and requires special care. Unlike others, some plants don’t tolerate a lot of water. What’s more, the more you water them, the more their roots begin to rot, which quickly causes the leaves to turn yellow.
To solve this problem, immediately remove standing water and change the amount of water you usually water your plant with.
At the same time, check whether pathogenic fungi have developed: you can combat them with a mixture of water and bicarbonate that you can spray directly onto the plant.
NB: Baking soda acts as a natural fungicide. This white powder is often used to protect crops from fungi and other pests that invade plants. Baking soda also prevents fungal plant diseases, such as powdery mildew.
Lack of nutrients
yellow plant leaves
Yellowing leaves also result from a lack of nutrients.
Often the plant, especially if it is an ornamental plant, lacks nitrogen. In this case, the remedy is to fertilize in non-wet soil.
Iron deficiency is more common in other plants. Note that iron affects chlorophyll production, and in its absence, the green pigment is lost, causing leaves to turn yellow or even white.
You can remedy this by spraying the plant with iron chelate solutions or by choosing a less acidic soil for the plant.
Water
Have you been watering your plants with tap water? Well, it’s likely that the limescale has altered the acidity or composition of the soil.
A word of advice: It’s always best to use distilled or rainwater. If you use the latter, let it sit for at least 48 hours before applying it. So be careful not to use every last drop of water left at the bottom.
The sun
Yellow leaves can also be the result of excessive sun exposure.
Often, this can be due to placing the plant near a window; the glass can amplify the sun’s rays and damage the leaves. In this case, you can simply find a cooler, shadier spot for your plant.
The light
Each plant species has its own light requirements. Some, like geraniums, like full light, while others, like hydrangeas, prefer partial shade.
However, generally, when the plant doesn’t receive enough light, it doesn’t produce chlorophyll and, as a result, the leaves turn yellow. To remedy this, simply move the plant to a brighter location.
The wind
Some plants, especially ornamental ones, cannot tolerate too much wind or drafts.
These are the smallest, barely emerging leaves, the most delicate and must be protected.
Simply move the plant to a less windy location to restore the leaves to their natural color.
Parasites
harmful
Yellow leaves can also be caused by the presence of pests on your plant. Those that normally cause yellowing of leaves are mealybugs and mites.
You can repel these pests using various natural methods. One of the most effective is water and Marseille soap; spray the mixture directly onto the plant using a spray bottle. This natural insecticide, the soap popularized by our grandmothers, is particularly effective at repelling many unwanted pests such as lice and aphids. It is also effective against mealybug infestations, which cause fungal diseases such as anthrax.
You can also opt for linseed oil, which can be applied to the plant using a spray bottle or a soaked cotton ball. This 100% natural product with protective properties, generally used for wood care, is very effective at keeping pests away.
Also read: 12 Fast Growing Seeds That Sprout Easily
Advise
If you are unable to determine the exact cause of yellowing leaves, keep in mind that it is always important to keep the plant in good conditions: no direct exposure to sunlight or drafts and a sufficiently lit area.
Generally, to prevent yellowing of leaves, a common remedy is recommended: spraying the plant with a mixture of water and white vinegar. Combined, these two elements dissolve excess salt on the leaves, one of the causes of yellowing.
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