Having vibrant, healthy houseplants is a great way to bring life to any living space. Sometimes our beloved houseplants end up with red leaves. Red leaves can be caused by environmental stress, nutritional deficiencies, or insect infestations.
Knowing what is causing the red leaves is the key to resolving the issue and getting your houseplants back in tip-top shape. Read on to learn more about what causes houseplants to have red leaves and how to prevent them.
Causes
Houseplants can have red leaves for a variety of different reasons. Environmental stress, nutritional deficiencies, and insect infestations are the most common causes. Environmental stress can come from too much or too little water, wrong light requirements, or incorrect potting soil.
Nutritional deficiencies are caused by not feeding the plant enough food or not giving it the right kind of food. Insect infestations can also cause red leaves, especially if the insects are feeding on the plant for too long.
Preventing red leaves in houseplants is all about forming good habits. When watering, make sure the soil is damp, but not too wet.
Give the plant the right amount of light according to its needs.
If the plant needs bright light, make sure to keep it near a window. Make sure the potting soil is the right kind for your houseplant. Taking these steps can help prevent red leaves in a variety of houseplants. If you keep up with regular maintenance and pay attention to the signs of issues, you can keep your houseplant healthy and green.
Environmental Stress
Environmental stress is one of the main causes of red leaves in houseplants. If you’re unsure of the exact cause, it’s always best to check the temperature, humidity, and light of your houseplant.
If you’re keeping your houseplants in a particularly hot or cold environment, or in an environment with very little light, this can cause the leaves to turn red. It’s important to keep the environment of your home stable to keep your houseplant healthy. If you’ve checked the environment and it’s suitable, there may be a nutritional deficiency causing the red leaves.
A deficiency in nitrogen is the culprit, but houseplants may also need phosphorous, magnesium, and other minerals to keep their leaves healthy. You can give your houseplants a boost of nitrogen by using a fertilizer formulated for houseplants.
It’s also a good idea to check the pH of the soil, as houseplants prefer a slightly acidic soil. In some cases, insects may also be responsible for red leaves.
To check for insects, use a magnifying glass to examine the underside of leaves and the stem of the plant. If you find any pests, it is important to use an insecticide designed for houseplants to treat the infestation. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label for the best results.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies can be the cause of red leaves in houseplants. You may want to check the soil to check for the nutrients that are lacking from the soil and then add them. The best way to do this is to use a soil testing kit, which can be found at most garden centers.
You can also supplement the soil with slow-release fertilizer, which will provide your plant with all the essential nutrients it needs. It’s important to make sure that you are properly watering your houseplants, as too much or too little water can cause nutritional deficiencies.
Insect Infestations
Insect infestations can be a common cause of red leaves on houseplants. In order to prevent an infestation, you should inspect your plants regularly for any signs of bugs or eggs. If you find any, remove them by hand.
You should also spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent future infestations. Make sure to keep your houseplants away from any sources of drafts or moisture, as these can attract insects.
If you’re noticing red leaves on your houseplants, it’s important to make sure you’re not overfertilizing.
Too much fertilizer can cause a buildup of salts, which can cause red leaves. Try to stick to using a balanced fertilizer, and don’t add extra fertilizer more than once a month. You should flush the soil of excess fertilizer every couple of months.
Insects thrive in moist, humid conditions, so it’s important to make sure your houseplants are in a location with good air circulation. Consider placing a fan nearby your plants, and make sure to water them only when the soil is dry. This will help reduce the humidity, and make it less likely for insects to take up residence in your houseplants.
Prevention
To keep houseplants healthy, start with the basics and make sure they’re getting enough light, water, and the right type of soil. When it comes to watering, it’s important to water your plants deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Keeping an eye on soil moisture will help ensure plants don’t become too stressed. When it comes to soil, make sure to use a well-draining potting mix and provide adequate drainage at the bottom of the pot. For additional care, use a fertilizer specifically designed for houseplants.
Houseplants need different types of nutrients, so make sure to select a fertilizer tailored to the type of houseplant you have. A mild fertilizer can be used during the growing season and can be skipped during dormancy.
Adding a light layer of mulch to the top of the soil can help to keep the soil moist and prevent weeds from popping up. Keep an eye out for pests.
Insect infestations can cause red leaves and wilted plants. Check plants over thoroughly, and if you find any pests, treat with an insecticidal soap or insecticide. Regularly check the leaves of plants for any signs of damage or discoloration and take the appropriate action.
Watering
Watering is a key factor in keeping your houseplants healthy. Overwatering can be as bad as not watering enough, so finding the right balance is important. Check the soil of your plant to determine if it needs water; if it feels dry to the touch, water your plant until the water runs out of the bottom of the pot.
Make sure to never leave the plant sitting in water for long, as this can lead to root rot. Look into the particular needs of your plant, as some plants may require less water than others.
Light Requirements
Light is essential for houseplant health, so it’s important to make sure that your plants are getting the correct amount of light for their particular species. Place your plants in locations that get bright, indirect light from a window or other source.
Avoid placing your plants directly in windows that face south, as the intense sunlight can damage their leaves. If you don’t have enough natural light in your home, you can consider supplementing with a grow light.
Try to keep your plants in the same area, as moving them can also disturb their ability to photosynthesize. To ensure your plants stay healthy, check the leaves regularly for signs of discoloration or drooping. This can indicate an issue with the amount of light they are getting, and you may need to make some adjustments. If you notice a change in the color of the leaves, move the plant to a different location and/or adjust your light source.
Potting Soil
Choosing the right potting soil is very important for ensuring healthy houseplants. The soil should be light and well-draining, while also able to hold moisture and nutrients. Utilizing a soil mix specifically designed for indoor plants will help to ensure that your plant has the right balance of nutrients.
You may want to add a few tablespoons of sand or perlite in order to make sure that the mix is light enough for optimal drainage. You should also periodically check your potting soil for nutrient deficiencies.
Nutrient deficiencies can be identified through soil testing, which can be done with a simple soil pH test.
If you find that your soil is lacking in any of the necessary nutrients, you can supplement your mix with fertilizers. Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and do not apply more than the recommended amount. It is important to make sure your potting soil is kept clean and free of pests.
Regularly remove any dead leaves or roots, and use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the pot. If you find any pests, such as fungus gnats or spider mites, it is best to discard the soil and start over with a new mix. With the right potting soil and regular maintenance, your houseplants will be sure to thrive.
Conclusion
To keep your houseplants looking their best and ensure that red leaves don’t appear, it is important to properly care for them. Start by making sure that your houseplants are in an environment that is suited to their needs.
This means that you should be aware of their light requirements, water needs and optimal soil type. Make sure that you are not over or under watering them, as this can cause red leaves to form. Make sure to provide your houseplants with the proper nutrients they need.
Regularly applying fertilizer will help with this. Keep an eye out for any signs of insect infestations such as pests, molds, and fungi.
If you notice any of these, treat them quickly to prevent red leaves from forming. By following these simple steps, you will be able to keep your houseplants healthy and prevent red leaves from appearing. With careful attention, you can keep your houseplants looking their best and enjoy their beauty for many years to come.