Houseplants can bring a little bit of nature indoors, but sometimes their leaves can turn yellow and make them look unwell. If you’ve noticed this happening with your houseplants, don’t panic: there are a variety of causes, and fortunately, solutions. From nutrient deficiencies to too much light or water, there’s sure to be an answer to get your houseplants looking healthy and green again. Take heart – with a bit of knowledge and care, you’ll have your houseplants looking as good as new soon.
What Causes Houseplant Leaves to Turn Yellow
Houseplant leaves can turn yellow for various reasons, so it’s important to figure out the root cause of the issue before seeking a solution. Nutrient deficiency is a common issue for houseplants, and you’ll know if this is the problem if you notice yellow leaves accompanied by a lack of growth.
Yellow leaves can also be caused by too much water or too much light, so if it’s not a nutrient deficiency, that’s a good place to start. Insect infestations and diseases can also contribute to yellowing leaves, so you’ll need to make sure you’re checking for these problems as well.
The best way to diagnose the cause of yellowing leaves is to take a look at your houseplant’s overall health. Observe where the yellowing leaves are occurring and check for signs of pests or diseases.
If your plant is not getting enough nutrients, you’ll need to repot it with fresh soil and fertilize it to give it the nutrition it needs. If it’s getting too much water or light, you’ll need to adjust the levels of water or light the plant is receiving. Taking these steps should help you to figure out the root cause of the issue and find a solution that works for your houseplant.
Nutrient Deficiency
Nutrient deficiency is the most common cause of yellow leaves on houseplants. Without the right amount of nutrients, plants simply can’t thrive.
The symptoms of nutrient deficiency include yellow leaves, dry leaves, and stunted growth. If you suspect your plant is suffering from nutrient deficiency, you should test the soil for the right levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. If the soil is lacking in any of these nutrients, adding them in the form of fertilizer or compost can help.
If the soil is of good quality, adding a liquid fertilizer can also help.
Too much water can also cause yellow leaves on houseplants. If your plant is in soil that is too wet, the roots won’t be able to get enough oxygen, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow. The best way to prevent this is to be sure that the soil is not overly wet.
If the soil is already too wet, you can try repotting the plant in a new container and soil, or simply let the soil dry out before watering again.
Too much light can also cause yellow leaves on houseplants. If your plant is getting more light than it can handle, the leaves can start to turn yellow. You can reduce the amount of light by moving your plant to a shadier spot, and making sure that it’s not in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. If the amount of light is still too much, consider using a sheer curtain or other light filter to reduce the light.
Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency
If you notice your houseplant’s leaves turning yellow, this may be a sign of nutrient deficiency. A plant’s leaves can turn yellow with pale veins, yellow spots and streaks, or yellowing of the entire leaf. They can also become thin, weak, and/or wrinkled.
Other signs of deficiency include stunted growth, slow or poor flowering, discoloration of the stem, and pale coloration of the leaves.
Nutrient deficiency is relatively easy to fix. Start by using a plant fertilizer that’s specific to the type of plant you have, as different plants have different nutritional needs.
Make sure you follow the package directions for application and don’t apply too much fertilizer as this can cause more harm than good. You may also consider repotting the plant in fresh soil with added fertilizer as this can help restore nutrient levels and improve overall health. Be sure to monitor the plant and adjust your care accordingly. With the right care, you should soon see your houseplant back to its vibrant, healthy self.
How to Treat Nutrient Deficiency
In order to treat nutrient deficiency, it’s important to first identify the nutrient that’s lacking. A good way to do this is by testing the soil with a home soil test kit. Once you’ve identified the nutrient that’s missing, you can go about adding it.
If the deficiency is minor, you can use a liquid fertilizer that contains the deficient nutrient.
But if the deficiency is severe, it’s best to amend the soil with a slow-release fertilizer. If you’re not sure which nutrient is lacking, it’s best to use a balanced fertilizer to ensure that all of the necessary nutrients are present in the soil.
Another way to treat nutrient deficiency is to use foliar feeding. Foliar feeding is when you spray a water-soluble fertilizer directly onto the leaves of the plant. This is a great way to quickly get nutrients to the plant, but it should only be done as a short-term solution. Foliar feeding should not be used as a long-term solution, as it can cause nutrient burn if used too often.
Too Much Water
Too much water can be a problem for houseplants, especially when the soil is not given time to dry between watering. You may notice wilting, yellowing leaves and mushy stems, which is a sign that you’ve been over watering your plant. Over watering your houseplant can also cause root rot, which can be fatal.
To prevent this, make sure to check the soil of your houseplant with your finger and only water when the top layer is dry. Make sure to use a pot with drainage holes to allow water to escape.
You should also limit the amount of water you use, as too much can lead to root damage. If you suspect that your houseplant has been overwatered, allow the pot to dry out for a few days before watering again. Fertilizing your houseplant can help revive it from over watering.
Symptoms of Too Much Water
If you’re noticing yellow leaves and slimy stems, you may have a case of too much watering. Other signs of overwatering include yellowing between veins and wilting leaves. When the soil is constantly wet, roots aren’t able to absorb the air and nutrients they need.
This leads to a lack of oxygen which in turn stunts the growth of the plant. To fix this issue, you’ll want to make sure you’re only watering your plant when the top two inches of soil is dry.
Stick your finger in and if it feels damp, skip the water that day. Also make sure the pot has holes in the bottom for drainage, and only use soil that is specifically for houseplants.
If your plant is still looking a little worse for wear, try repotting it into a larger container. The extra room will help the soil dry out faster, reducing the amount of water you need to add. With this simple fix, your yellow leaves will be a thing of the past!
How to Treat Too Much Water
If you’ve been overwatering your houseplants, don’t panic! The solution is simple.
Stop watering the plants for a few days and let the soil dry out completely. Reduce the amount of water you give them. Make sure to use filtered or distilled water so your plants get the nutrients they need.
Always check the soil for moisture before watering – if the soil is still wet, wait until it’s dry before you water again.
Another way to prevent overwatering is to start using a self-watering pot. It’s a great way to give your plants the exact amount of water they need without worrying if you’re under or overwatering. You don’t have to worry about watering your plants while you’re away on vacation.
You should also consider investing in a moisture meter. It’s a great tool that can help you make sure your plants are getting the right amount of water. It’s easy to use and can save you a lot of time and effort – and worry – when it comes to making sure your plants stay healthy and happy.
Too Much Light
Too much light can be the root cause of yellow leaves on houseplants. If you notice the leaves of your houseplant turning yellow, especially on the sides exposed to the light, you may be giving it too much sun.
Symptoms of too much light include wilting, brown and crispy edges on the leaves or yellowing of the leaves, which can eventually lead to theleaf dropping off. You can prevent too much light by keeping the plant out of direct sunlight, or by adjusting the light levels in your home. Using sheer curtains or blinds can help reduce the amount of bright light that your houseplant is exposed to. If you’re unsure of the best place to put your houseplant, you can always ask a gardening expert at your local nursery for advice.
Symptoms of Too Much Light
Houseplants that receive too much light can suffer from several side effects, including yellowing of the leaves. One of the most common signs that your houseplant has been getting too much light is yellowing of the leaves. The leaves may also be smaller than normal and may become discolored, dry, or brittle.
If the houseplant is placed in direct sunlight for too long, the leaves may become scorched. To prevent this, keep the houseplant in an area that gets filtered sunlight or indirect sunlight. If you notice that the leaves are turning yellow, move the houseplant to a shadier spot.
How to Treat Too Much Light
Too much light can cause houseplant leaves to turn yellow. To start, you’ll want to make sure to move your plant away from direct sunlight.
If the plant is getting too much sunlight from a window, you can put up blinds or adjust the position of the pot. You can also use a sheer fabric to filter the sunlight if necessary. You can supplement the direct sunlight with fluorescent or LED grow lights, which can provide the right amount of light without the risk of burning your plant. Make sure to keep an eye on your plant and adjust the lighting accordingly to ensure its health.
Other Causes
Aside from the common causes above, yellow leaves on houseplants can also be caused by insect infestations or diseases. Insect infestations can come in the form of aphids, mites, mealybugs or scale insects and can cause yellow spots or streaks on the leaves. If your plant is being attacked by insects, you should inspect it closely and take appropriate steps to get rid of the infestation.
You may need to use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of the pests.
Diseases are caused by fungi or bacteria and can also lead to yellow leaves on your houseplants. Some of the most common diseases include powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. If your plants have any of these, you should act fast to prevent the spread.
Make sure to clean up any fallen leaves, reduce the humidity around your plants, and remove any infected leaves or stems. Using a fungicide may also help.
In any case, if you notice yellow leaves on your houseplants, it’s important to identify the root cause and take the necessary steps to address the issue. In most cases, keeping your plants in the right environment with the right amount of light and water should help them stay healthy and keep the leaves looking vibrant and green. If necessary, you may need to provide additional nutrients or take additional steps to get rid of pests or diseases.
Insect Infestations
If you find that your houseplant leaves are turning yellow, it could be due to an insect infestation. Here are some signs to look for: small white spots on the underside of the leaves, leaf curling, or the presence of insects such as whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, scale and spider mites.
To get rid of these insects, you can remove them from the plant by hand or use insecticides. Make sure to read and follow the instructions on the insecticide carefully. You can also introduce beneficial insects to your houseplant like ladybugs and predatory mites which will feed on the insects that are causing the problem.
Diseases
Diseases can be a cause for yellow leaves on your houseplants. It’s important to be alert to any signs so you can treat them quickly. Look out for signs like discoloured leaves or wilting, spots or lesions on the leaves, hairy or web-like growth on the leaves, or drooping leaves.
If your houseplant has any of these symptoms, you should take it to a local nursery for diagnosis and treatment.
In many cases, diseases can be prevented by making sure the plant is well-watered and given enough sunlight. It’s also important to regularly clean the leaves with a damp cloth, as this will reduce the risk of fungal growth.
If you keep your plants in a humid space, like a bathroom or a greenhouse, make sure there is enough ventilation. If your plant does get a disease, there are treatments available, such as fungicides, insecticides and even beneficial pests. As always, when treating a houseplant, make sure you read and follow the instructions carefully. Doing so should help to get rid of the disease and restore your plant to its former glory.