When plants get yellow leaves, the question that arises for most hobby gardeners is: What is the cause and what can be done? Can yellow leaves actually turn green again? The possible causes of yellow leaves, brown tips and/or brown spots are many. We list the most common ones and explain how to use themTreat houseplantsshould.
First of all, we should clarify: All plants sometimes get several yellow leaves. This usually happens when the...Flower formation is imminentor when the plants sprout again. The old leaves are then gradually shed and replaced by new ones. Sometimes the process is also seasonal.
Yellow leaves on houseplants are unusual when there are a lot of them. If more than half of the leaves have turned yellow or the leaves are falling off, you should definitely stop the process and treat the houseplant.
If plants get yellow leaves: Too much or too little water
A possible cause of the discoloration is the irregular and, above all, incorrectWatering the plants. Check whether:
- there is mold on the soil in the pot. If the roots smell unpleasant, this is a possible sign of rot. In this case, you have overwatered the plant.
- If the substrate is too dense and dry, then you haven't watered the plant enough.
By the way, special watering indicators are sold in garden centers. You can measure the moisture of the potting soil. This allows you to set a suitable watering time.
If the plant doesn't get enough water: Gradually water the plant more. But don't water too much all at once, as this could lead to root rot.
Also check regularly whether the excess water can drain away through the drainage holes. If you water the plants from below and notice that water is collecting in the base pot, then you should stop watering for a while. Check whether the drain holes in the bucket are blocked. In the worst case scenario, you can repot the plant and mix expanded clay or pebbles with the potting soil. If some roots rot, you should cut them off before repotting.
If plants get brown tips in winter: Check the humidity
Brown tips and brown edges are a sign that humidity needs to be regulated.
What do yellow leaf tips mean?Yellow leaf tips can indicate high humidity.
Especially in winter, the air in the rooms dries too quickly. In combination with an unfavorable location (for example right next to the heater), the low humidity means that the soil quickly dries out completely. Then the leaves begin to dry out and fall off.
What can you do if the plants get yellow leaves in winter? Measure the humidity. If necessary, you can fill a spray bottle with water and mist the plants every 2-3 days.
Brown leaf tips on houseplants: Too much water, temperatures too low
However, it is much worse if the leaves or their tips turn brown. The possible cause of this is that the humidity is too high and the houseplants are being overwatered. Too much water in the potting soil is particularly harmful to the roots. If they are no longer able to absorb nutrients, the plant will slowly die. So you should definitely avoid waterlogging. Especially in unheated rooms where the water evaporates more slowly.
Yellow leaves on plants: nutrient deficiency as the cause
An iron deficiency is also one of the possible causes of yellow leaves. A new potting soil contains important nutrients and minerals and can provide the houseplant with them over a certain period of time. Over time, however, these nutrients are either absorbed by the plant through the roots or washed out through watering. That’s why regular fertilization is an absolute must. It is best to use iron fertilizer and use it to provide plants with yellow leaves.
Anyone who waters their plants with hard water from the tap can actually make the situation worse. Lime can increase the pH value of the potting soil and impair the plant's nutrient absorption. That's why you should first descale the water and then use it to water the plants.
Yellow leaves may indicate chlorosis (jaundice).
Chlorosis, popularly known as jaundice, is a disease. Affected plants cannot produce chlorophyll, severely reducing their ability to absorb sunlight. First their leaves turn yellow or brown and then they all fall off. If you don't treat the plant, it will die.
Clinical picture:Fortunately, chlorosis can be quickly recognized by its typical clinical picture. When jaundice occurs, the young leaves change color first.
A possible causeIron deficiency is responsible for chlorosis. As already mentioned, watering with hard water can increase the pH of the potting soil. So the first thing you should do is determine the pH of the soil.
Determine the pH value of the soil:You can find special pH test strips at garden centers. Alternatively, you can also carry out the following experiment: fill a bowl with a tablespoon of distilled water and add a tablespoon of baking soda. Pour a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into another bowl. Add a teaspoon of substrate to each bowl. If the vinegar reacts with the potting soil and forms foam, then it is alkaline. If the baking soda reacts with the potting soil and hisses, then it is acidic.
Treat chlorosis in plants:If it is chlorosis, you should first lower the pH in the soil. You can do this by mixing coniferous soil and special compost with the potting soil. Water the houseplants with rainwater or descale the tap water. Use iron fertilizer to provide the plants with nutrients.
In addition, you should definitely check whether you are watering and fertilizing the plant properly. If you overfertilize, repotting them will help. If the soil is compacted, you should loosen it. Because that could also help with chlorosis. Do not use fungicides as they canharm the environment.
If the plant develops yellow leaves with brown spots, then fungi are to blame
If the houseplant suddenly gets yellow leaves with brown spots, fungi are usually to blame. They are the most common triggers of the so-called leaf spot disease. The first signs of fungal infection are the many small brown spots on the surface of the leaves. Many small spore containers can be seen on the lower side of the leaf.
How to treat the sick plants? Theyellow leavesremove with brown spots
If you notice leaf spot, you should remove the yellow leaves. Cut off the affected parts of the plant, disinfect the secateurs and gloves. Seal the plant parts in an airtight bag and dispose of them with household waste. Place the houseplants at a distance from each other. Only water the diseased plants from below to prevent the fungi from spreading. Try using the plantsStrengthen fertilizer.
Can yellow leaves turn green again?
They have identified a problem and are currently treating the plant. But what about the yellow leaves - should they be removed or will they turn green again? If it is an illness, umErrors in careor a deficiency, then the plant will most likely recover. Its yellow leaves will also turn green again. To get a better idea of the plant's condition, check the leaf base on the trunk. If it is green, you can save the leaf. However, if it is yellow or brown, then the leaf will most likely fall off.
