It’s happened to all of us; you think you’re taking perfect care of your little plant baby when suddenly its leaves start to yellow, oh the humanity! Novice gardeners and certified plant moms alike can run into difficulties mastering the nuances of taking care of certain plants. There is no shame in making a mistake.
These mistakes can vary in cause. Some yellowing can be dependent on the type of plant, whereas most cases are typically the result of common gardening gaffes. Let’s take a look at several cases and see which one most likely applies to your given situation.
Are Yellow Leaves a Sign of Too Much Sunlight?
The issue of too much direct sunlight can depend on what type of plant you are keeping under direct sunlight. While most succulents and flower-bearing plants require direct sunlight, common houseplants such as Maidenhair Fern or English Ivy can suffer under too much sunlight.
It is best to keep houseplants with similar characteristics to these plants in low or indirect sunlight areas of the house. Other houseplants that tend to yellow under direct sunlight include Spider Plants, Staghorn Ferns, Bromeliads, and the Chinese Evergreen.
Are Yellow Leaves a Sign of Overwatering?
While there are certain plants that necessitate far less water than others, issues with overwatering tend to be universal among various plant owners.
Dry climate plants like succulents are notorious for requiring a very small amount of water, but humid climate plants that are known for requiring large amounts of water probably require less watering than you may think they require.
The Lily of the Valley plant, originating in some of Europe’s cooler, danker environments, only requires about an inch of water every week. If you believe that you might be overwatering your plant, the easiest way to tell is by checking the shade and tone of the yellow on your plant’s leaves. If the yellow appear dull or washed out, then your plant is likely being overwatered.
Are Yellow Leaves a Sign of Underwatering?
In contrast to the previous section, plant leaves can also turn yellow as a result of underwatering. Although most plants don’t need an excessive amount of water to survive, if you have missed a couple of days, your plant will start feeling the consequences.
As the shade and tone of the yellowing leaves indicate whether your plant is overwatered or not, the location and appearance of the yellowing leaves indicate whether your plant is underwatered or not.
If the lower leaves on your plant are the leaves that are yellowing, then your plant is likely suffering from being underwater. These leaves may also develop dry, curled edges, which can further signify underwatering.
Are Yellow Leaves a Sign of Unsafe Tap Water?
If you are watering your plants with tap water, then it is possible that the tap water is what is causing your plant’s leaves to be yellow. Some plants are sensitive to certain minerals and chemicals found in tap water, such as chlorine and fluoride.
Plants that are sensitive to these minerals and chemicals found in tap water include Dracaenas, Calatheas, and Spider Plants.
Are Yellow Leaves a Result of Overhead Watering?
In some cases, depending on the type of plant, overhead watering can cause yellow water spots to appear on plant leaves. If you have noticed these yellow water spots on your plant, they might be the result of overhead watering.
Plants such as the Gloxinia and the African Violet are commonly affected in this way as a result of overhead watering.
Are Yellow Leaves a Sign of Leaf Spot Disease?
In other cases, yellowed spots can also be a sign that your plant is suffering from leaf spot disease. Leaf spot disease is a bacteria or fungus that consumes leaves and can be identified by shades of brown within the yellow.
Fortunately, leaf spot disease is treatable. To treat leaf spot disease, combine 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1-2 teaspoons of mineral oil in a spray bottle filled with water. Spray this mixture on all areas of the plant afflicted with these yellow-brown spots every day. After several days, the bacteria should be gone.
Are Yellow Leaves a Result of Transplant Shock?
Plants are designed to stay in one place, so if you have recently relocated your plant from one place to another, this could cause an issue known as transplant shock. Transplant shock occurs when plant roots are harmed during the transplanting process.
The thin, wiry roots located furthest from the plant’s center are actually the most crucial roots to any given plant’s survival. If you believe that you have caused any damage to these roots, then it is likely that your plant is suffering from transplant shock.
It is possible for your plant to recover in its new environment, but if those tiny roots are damaged, the plant will likely perish.
Are Yellow Leaves a Sign of Nutrient Deficiency?
Although not a lot of plants require extra nutrients beyond light and water, some climates and soils might require more added nutrients than others. Most plants will benefit from additional fertilizing during the spring and summer months, so there is no real downside to additional nourishment.
The plants that tend to yellow as a result of nutrient deficiency are lacking magnesium. Therefore, fertilizers with iron or even supplements like Epson salts might resolve any yellowing issues related to nutrient deficiency.
Are Yellow Leaves a Sign of Pests?
There are several pests that might be affecting the health of your plants. A typical complement to overwatering plants is the fungus gnat, a pest that feeds on plant stems and occasionally leaves. Obvious signs that fungus gnats have infiltrated your plant, beyond yellowing leaves, include a blackened plant stem or overly wet soil surrounding the plant.
Pests such as spider mites or mealybugs might also be wreaking havoc on your plant leaves. These pests signify their presence through small holes appearing throughout the plant leaves or a fluffy, white wax-like substance appearing on the plant.
Are Yellow Leaves a Result of Cold Temperatures?
Even if you are growing your plants indoors, any cold air leaking into the room can cause certain plants to be yellow and eventually perish. This can also have to do with the location of your plant within the house. If your plant is located in a place that is cool or drafty, then it is possible that your plant is becoming waterlogged.
Although yellowing leaves are typically an issue related to cold temperatures, overly hot temperatures have been known to cause plant leaves to appear dry and yellowed too. It is best to be safe and find a location with an intermediate temperature for your plant to thrive in.
Are Yellow Leaves a Sign of Old Age?
Plants, like people, have life expectancies, and as some plants age, they exhibit signs of aging. One common sign of aging in plants is when their leaves turn yellow and fall off. This is simply a natural part of their life cycle, and it is not much you can do in this scenario. The plants that are particularly susceptible to this sign of aging are the Dracaena and the Croton.
What Can You Do About Yellow Leaves?
Unfortunately, it is unlikely that your yellow leaves will ever bounce back and become green again. The best course of action is to stop the spread of yellowing by snipping away the first yellowed leaves that appear on your plant. If you take proper care of your plant from that point on, you should see green leaves replacing those yellowed leaves in no time.