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Do Something About Plant Leaves Turning Yellow
Plant leaves turning yellow causes gardeners to worry. It’s natural to feel concerned when this happens too. Foliage discoloration may imply the presence of issues. Even if this occurs when autumn arrives, it isn’t typical when plants turn yellow out of the blue. But, many times, remedies for leaf yellowing are available. So it matters to understand why leaves are yellow sometimes. It’s to figure out which occurrences are common and unusual.
Things happen when plants turn yellow. We need to leave them when the discoloration is seasonal. There’s a problem when our plants have yellow leaves when they shouldn’t. They often look weaker than the average, with their parts wilting. Stay tuned for specific information on why plant foliage turns yellow.
Seasonal Plant Leaves Turning Yellow
In the fall or autumn months, chlorophyll breaks down. It explains why leaves are yellow at that time. This pigment handles the green color of plant foliage. It’s crucial in plants as it facilitates sunlight absorption and processing. Because of it, photosynthesis happens. Late in the year, daylight is shorter, and it turns colder. It means that there’s a lesser need for plant food production. Deciduous trees get rid of their leaves to respond to environmental changes. It explains why a lot of forested areas display lush and bright-colored foliage. It’s the time of the year when plants turn yellow to orange. So changing colors is a natural way for shrubs or trees to preserve themselves.
The more leaves there are, the higher the energy demand. Since days are short in wintertime, plants can’t make enough food. Their metabolism turns slow. Nutrients go and stay in the center of the plants and roots more. To thrive, a lot of them shed their foliage. Before they fall off, plants salvage whatever resources they can. Hence, there isn’t always a problem when plants turn yellow.
Plant Leaves Turning Yellow From Incorrect Soil
The soil type is why leaves are yellow sometimes. When plants aren’t in their ideal environment, they may not function well. It means that their nutrient absorption could become poor. Some micronutrients turn less soluble when the pH is high, meaning the ground is alkaline. An acidic environment can introduce surplus elements that cause toxicity. Because of it, dark spots, discoloration, and necrosis may ensue in the leaves. What’s worse is that plants could become stunted and have withered foliage. Thus setting the soil pH is crucial. It could help folks avoid nutrient deficiencies and toxicity in plants.
For this matter, a soil meter may help. It’s a gadget that can measure soil acidity or alkalinity. Gardeners and agricultural experts use it to grow healthy and full of life. Yet having the device can only check the soil to diagnose an issue. Researching where plants thrive best is imperative. Remember that each of them has unique requirements. Broccoli, blueberries, willow oak, and azaleas love acidic soil. Asparagus, pomegranate, field maple, and lavender thrive in an alkaline environment. Still, others favor being in a neutral or pH 7 area. Hence, it explains why many gardeners add lime to raise the pH and sulfuric acid to lower it.
Foliage Yellowing From Moisture Stress
It’s common to see plant leaves turning yellow from too much watering. The leaves of indoor plants often become yellowish or brown for this reason. But it’s the same for feeding too little water too. Take note that wet soil suffocates the roots. Drought makes plants deficient in oxygen. It explains why leaves are yellow due to moisture stress. Water is essential for photosynthesis. Plants need it when their soil turns dry. But never overdo watering, even if plants need hydration. So remember to spray water often, but consider timing it right.
Aside from watering plants, try to use well-draining soil or potting mix. Put drainage holes on your pots too. These things will prevent water accumulation that can result in drowning plants. It allows room for continuous and safe irrigation. Also, when watering, consider doing it less during the winter months. During autumn, potted plants and large trees prepare for the cold and short daylight. They store water and nutrients in their roots as part of their preparation. Thus it’s not always necessary to hydrate them. They need water the most in spring and summer when the days are long.
Pests and Diseases Cause Yellow Leaves
Plant leaves turning yellow may result from small critters feeding on plant sap. But different kinds of plants get sick too. Bacteria and fungi destroy the chlorophyll they have. Thus these are possible reasons why leaves are yellow. Caterpillars, aphids, mites, and more may feed on plants to survive. Plants may experience chlorosis due to root damage or rot. To address these things, using natural pesticides can help. Removing affected roots can stop plant diseases from progressing and spreading. So having tiny insects that nibble on your plants is a problem with a solution. Non-toxic insecticides and chemicals to kill bacteria, fungi, and nematodes are also available.
Especially when plants turn yellow, look at your garden from time to time. See if there are any signs of pest infestation and plant diseases. Aside from foliage discoloration, wilting branches and dropped leaves may occur. The edges of the leaves may have spots or faint hues. There’s also a problem when the plants don’t yield crops right or have flowers that don’t bloom as well as usual. Thus taking care of plants demand regular observation. Do this even if some are low-maintenance houseplants to help them thrive.
Low Sunlight and Temperature Turn Leaves Yellow
It’s possible to see plant leaves turning yellow with inadequate sunlight exposure. Cold temperature also contributes to plant foliage losing its green hue. Plants demand water and sunlight for photosynthesis. Without either, they could suffer. Freezing temperatures bring dryness. Their metabolism slows down due to the low temperature too. It’s natural for plants to appreciate and grow well in well-lit and warm spaces. So, whether outdoors or indoors, we need to keep them cozy and provided to stay alive.
Plants with thick leaves, like succulents, often need shorter daytime exposure. They can thrive on artificial light too. They are usually adaptable outside and within a house. Moving them away from spaces susceptible to freezing during wintertime is helpful. So, despite their flexibility, it’s not strange why leaves are yellow on some of them. Evergreen plants like lavender are hardy. They can handle limited sunlight but can grow in full sun. Hence, studying the light requirements and hardiness of plants is helpful. Such information may allow you to react well when plants turn yellow.
What To Do When Yellowing Foliage Happens
Know what caused the problem after discovering plant leaves turning yellow. Doing so will determine the appropriate actions to take to address the issue. Also, try to see the extent of the yellowing. Plants can recover when only a few leaves fall or turn yellow. If most foliage is gone, a plant may be dying and beyond saving. So there must be constant care and attention to prevent problems or save a plant from dying. Don’t panic right away and, instead, know why leaves are yellow on your plants.
Think about what may have caused the problem to surface. If you checked the soil and it’s too dry, pour water on the leaves and roots. See if less than an inch deep in the soil is hard. While at it, see if the moisture drains well from the pot. Also, look at the leaves to check for the presence of pests. Remove them by manual extraction if needed. If it wasn’t long before you finished fertilizing the soil, wait for a day before watering. This strategy reduces the chances of plants becoming stressed. Still, try putting your plants where they can get sunlight and stay warm. Yet, if you need help, you can ask your local gardener, horticulturist, or botanist. Sometimes, it pays to have another set of eyes to diagnose and treat a problem. Hence, you have plenty of options available when plants turn yellow.
At The End Of The Day
Because plant leaves turning yellow can be natural and a sign of a problem, we must keep watch. Deciduous plants may change and lose their foliage to make it through the winter. Yet abnormal plant discolorations can happen and show some things. They may reflect the neglect of a gardener. They may also be evidence of the inability of a person to meet specific gardening demands. But sometimes the plants themselves aren’t able to cope. Why leaves are yellow depends on people and the plants they handle. Thus gardeners should focus on plants and provide for them to keep the leaves green.
Some plants can recover from dying when their leaves start yellowing. Others can no longer get back up. It’s the way things are. But, at least proper care can make the lives of our garden companions longer. Thanks for reading, and we hope you enjoyed reading our post about plant leaves. If you have ideas to share and some questions, feel free to reach us.
