This message was edited Oct 29, 2005 11:10 PM
Yellowing leaves
Over/under-watering are just two of the many causes of the symptom of yellowing leaves. I wouldn't bind myself to any particular diagnosis based on the fact that leaves are yellowing, but how they yellow can offer important clues. E.g., often when oldest leaves turn yellow, it's a sign of a mobile nutrient deficiency, usually N. Newly emerging leaves that appear yellow are a sign of a deficiency of a less mobile nutrient. When using leaf color as a diagnostic tool, you'll need to look to more than one symptom to be reasonably sure your diagnosis is correct. If you see mottled yellowing, suspect insects & look carefully to confirm. Yellow leaves with dead areas on the margins could be over-fertilizing or salt build-up in soil. How firmly the yellowing leaf is attached to the plant can indicate if the yellowing is caused by natural senescence (aging) of the leaf or another cause. Leaves can yellow in response to decreasing photo-period or low light levels and chill, too (just as leaves do in autumn). If you have yellow leaves & suspect over/under-watering, simply check the moisture level in the soil. A finger works great, or you can insert the sharpened end of a pencil into the soil to gage moisture levels.
Al
This message was edited Oct 28, 2005 11:57 PM
Post a Reply to this Thread
More Indoor Gardening and Houseplants Threads
-
My poor ZZ plant
started by MomKZ
last post by MomKZAug 11, 20233Aug 11, 2023 -
Indoor led light gardening
started by ColleenThePlantLover
last post by ColleenThePlantLoverNov 19, 20230Nov 19, 2023 -
Houseplants with Large Leaves
started by econutplant
last post by econutplantMay 14, 20243May 14, 2024 -
Cultivating Exotic Flavors in Your Garden: Chaunsa Mango, Miyazaki Mango, Curry Leaf Plant, and Imli Plant
started by happyplants10
last post by happyplants10May 23, 20240May 23, 2024 -
What went wrong with my aspidistra?
started by MossyTrail
last post by MossyTrailJun 26, 20240Jun 26, 2024