Have you ever experienced buying a beautiful plant, bringing it home, and noticing that its leaves gradually turn yellow? In severe cases, we witness the slow demise of the plant, feeling helpless.
The yellowing of leaves has a name: chlorosis. It occurs when the leaf lacks chlorophyll, the nutrient responsible, among other things, for the plant’s color.
Before panicking, resigning, and discarding the plant, try to identify the cause of the leaf yellowing and apply one of the following methods to bring it back to life.
Improper Watering
If almost all the leaves of your plant have turned intensely and uniformly yellow, you might be overdoing it with the water.
The amount of water to irrigate the plant depends on its type. It’s crucial to find out how much water the plant needs, considering the climate and temperature.
If you have watered the plant correctly, but the leaves are still turning yellow, touch the soil. If it’s still damp, it means it’s not draining correctly.
Lighting Issues
For photosynthesis to occur, plants need light. If a species requires light and receives too little, the leaves will become pale yellow, almost white.
Conversely, excessive light is a problem for plants that need a shadier place. The amount of light depends on the plant type. It’s essential to research how much light it needs based on the species.
Iron Deficiency
If the soil in which the plant is cultivated has a pH incompatible with the plant’s needs, it may be absorbing insufficient iron. In this case, the leaf will turn yellow, but its veins will remain green.
In this situation, balancing the plant’s soil is necessary. You can add iron powder or use a specific fertilizer for plants that require soil with a more acidic pH.
Nitrogen or Other Nutrient Deficiency
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the main nutrients absorbed by plants. Nitrogen enhances the green color of leaves and contributes to plant growth. Phosphorus and potassium act directly on the roots and flowering.
If the problem is a nitrogen deficiency, apply a fertilizer rich in this nutrient.
Remember to tailor your approach to the specific needs of your plant, and you’ll increase the chances of restoring its vibrancy.
