If you've been having trouble with your indoor plants and their leaves are turning yellow, don’t worry - you're not alone. This is a common problem that a lot of people face, and there are many reasons why this might be happening. If you are trying to find ways to fix the issue, we're here to help! In this blog post, we will discuss some of the more common reasons why leaves turn yellow and how to fix the problem.
Causes of Yellow Leaves
A Lack of Nutrients
One of the most common reasons for yellow leaves is a lack of nutrients. If your plant isn't getting enough nutrients, then its leaves will start to turn yellow. This is usually due to a lack of sunlight or plant food. Make sure that you're giving your plant enough sunlight and plant food every few times you water it - if you're not sure how much it needs, check the instructions that came with it as you should only be feeding your plants during growing seasons (overfeeding in dormant seasons will burn the leaves also!). You can also add some fertilizer to help give it an extra boost.
Overwatering
Although water is vital for a plant’s survival, too much moisture can lead to root rot, which can cause leaves to turn yellow. Make sure you are only watering your plants when the top couple inches of soil are dry to avoid overwatering. Generally, plants can handle a lack of water better than an excess of it.
Underwatering
Similarly, underwatering your plant could be another reason why its leaves are turning yellow. If you stick your finger into the soil up to your knuckles and find that it is dry deeper down, it’s time to give it water. You might want to change up your watering schedule to give it water more often too.
Pests or Diseases
Another reason why leaves might turn yellow is because of pests or diseases. If you see any insects on your plant, or if the leaves are starting to look diseased, then this could be the problem. Treating pests or diseases should solve the issue.
The Wrong Temperature
Another common reason why indoor plant leaves turn yellow is that it is too cold. Most plants thrive in a more tropical climate, and where you put your plants that are sensitive to temperature could make a massive difference. Avoid placing a tropical plant nearby a door or window that is not well insulated. Instead, think about putting them in the most humid areas in your house like the bathroom, laundry, kitchen, or somewhere that is temperature controlled like the bedroom.
Compact Roots
Compact roots could lead to the root system becoming inefficient at delivering nutrients around the plant. Without the ability to transport these essential nutrients, your plant’s leaves might start to turn yellow. To check for compact roots, gently work your plant out of its pot with clean hands. If the roots are rotten, they will have a foul smell, and it might be time to consider getting a new plant baby. If they are too compact, you can work them loose gently and prune them. If they are a whitish yellow colour and relatively loose, it means they are healthy, and the leaves are turning yellow for a different reason.
If you're still having trouble with your indoor plants, then don't hesitate to contact a team member at Plant Addicts Anonymous on 0414 345 901. We would be happy to help determine what the issue is and give you some solutions for how to get your plant back to its healthiest.
We hope this blog post has been helpful! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Happy planting!