When it comes to houseplants, philodendrons are a popular choice due to their easy maintenance and robustness. However, one of the most common issues that arise with these plants is yellowing leaves.
If you’re noticing your philodendron’s foliage turning yellow, don’t panic – there are steps you can take to save your plant! In this article, we’ll cover why your philodendron’s leaves might be turning yellow, as well as how to fix the problem and prevent it from happening again in the future.
So if you’re looking for an epic guide on fixing philodendron leaf-turning-yellow syndrome, then read on!
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Why is my Philodendron Leaf Turning Yellow?
There are several reasons why your philodendron’s leaves might be turning yellow. The most common cause is overwatering, which can lead to root rot and deprive the plant of oxygen, nutrition, and other essential minerals necessary for healthy growth. Too much direct sunlight can also cause leaves to turn yellow by burning them or scorching them.
Underwatering is another possible cause of yellowing leaves. If you’re not providing enough water for your plant, it will become stressed and appear wilted and discolored. Poor soil quality can also be a contributing factor – if the soil doesn’t have enough nutrients or drainage, then it won’t be able to support the plant’s growth properly. Finally, certain pests and diseases, such as mealybugs or leaf spots, can also cause leaves to turn yellow.
More detail about Why are the Leaves on my Philodendron Turning Yellow?:
Over- or underwatering.
Philodendrons require moist soil and regular watering, but not too much. If you’re providing too little or too much water, it can cause the plant to become stressed, resulting in yellowing leaves.
The Fix:
Underwatered Split-Leaf Philodendron.
To fix an underwatered philodendron, make sure the soil is evenly moist before watering. If the soil is too dry, soak it in a bowl of lukewarm water until fully saturated. Make sure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.
Overwatered Split-Leaf Philodendron.
If your philodendron is overwatered, reduce the amount of water you’re providing, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. If the plant is in a pot without drainage holes, repot it into one with drainage holes and use a well-draining soil mix.
Too much or too little light.
Philodendrons require bright, indirect light, but not too much. Too little light can cause leaves to yellow, while too much direct sun can damage and scorch the leaves.
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The Fix:
Adjust your plant’s position so it receives enough light without being in direct sunlight. If you need to move it further away from the window, add a sheer curtain or blinds to filter out some of the light.
Nutrient Deficiency (Chlorosis Conundrum).
A lack of essential nutrients can cause yellowing leaves, as the plant won’t be able to absorb enough of what it needs for healthy growth. This is often caused by poor soil quality or an incorrect pH level.
The Fix:
Improve the soil quality with a nutrient-rich fertiliser and/or compost. Test the soil’s pH level to make sure it is not too alkaline or acidic.
Different Nutrient Deficiencies.
Different nutrient deficiencies can lead to different types of yellowing leaves. Iron deficiency, for example, will cause yellowing between the veins of the leaves (interveinal chlorosis), while nitrogen deficiency causes yellowing at the edges of the leaves (marginal chlorosis).
The Fix:
Provide a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to correct nitrogen deficiency or an iron-rich one for iron deficiency.
Low temperatures.
Philodendrons prefer warm temperatures and will suffer in cold drafts. Low temperatures can cause yellowing leaves, as the plant won’t be able to absorb enough of what it needs for healthy growth.
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The Fix:
Keep your philodendron away from any areas that are prone to draughts or low temperatures. If possible, provide additional warmth with a small space heater or electric blanket.
Temperature fluctuations.
Philodendrons also don’t like drastic changes in temperature. If temperatures fluctuate too much, it can cause the plant to become stressed and yellow leaves will develop as a result.
The Fix:
Monitor indoor temperatures and keep your philodendron away from any large windows or doors that could cause sudden fluctuations.
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Over-fertilization.
Too much fertilizer can also cause yellowing leaves, as the excess nutrients in the soil can become toxic to the plant.
The Fix:
Flush out any excess fertilizer by thoroughly watering your philodendron and emptying the drainage tray. Then reduce or stop fertilizing until signs of yellowing have disappeared.
A Lack of Humidity.
Philodendrons prefer humid environments, so dry air can cause yellowing leaves.
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The Fix:
Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it regularly or placing a humidifier nearby. If you live in a particularly dry climate, consider investing in an indoor greenhouse to keep your philodendron happy.
How Long Can Philodendron Go Without Water?
Philodendrons are hardy plants and can go for a few weeks without water in the right conditions. During this time, however, their leaves may start to yellow or droop. To prevent this from happening, make sure you’re providing adequate water and humidity.
The Fix.
Check your philodendron’s soil regularly and water it whenever the top layer feels dry to the touch. You can also increase humidity around your plant by misting it or using a humidifier. If you live in a particularly dry climate, consider investing in an indoor greenhouse to keep your philodendron happy.
Pests/Diseases.
Finally, certain pests and diseases can cause yellowing leaves. Mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and other common houseplant pests can all feed on the plant’s sap, leaving yellow spots on the leaves.
The Fix:
Check your plants regularly for signs of pests and remove them quickly to prevent damage. If you already have an infestation, use a pesticide or insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
Common Pests That Are Eating Philodendron Leaves.
Mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, thrip, and whiteflies are the most common pests that attack philodendrons. Mealybugs leave a sticky residue on leaves, while aphids produce honeydew as they feed on the sap. Spider mites create webs between the leaves and stem, and thrip and whiteflies cause discoloration and yellowing of leaves.
Root rot.
Root rot is a fungal disease that can cause rapid yellowing and wilting of leaves. Root rot is caused by over-watering, poor drainage or waterlogged soil, so it’s important to make sure your philodendron has adequate drainage.
The Fix:
Check the roots of your philodendron for any signs of rot and remove them if necessary. Make sure you’re not over-watering, as this can cause root rot to develop. If the soil is waterlogged, repot your philodendron in a fresh potting mix with improved drainage.
Potting Soil.
Philodendrons prefer well-draining potting soil that is slightly acidic. If the soil has become too compacted or alkaline, it can cause yellowing leaves.
Potting Soil Too Compact.
If the soil is too compacted, it can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots, causing yellowing leaves.
Poor soil nutrition.
Philodendrons require specific nutrients to thrive, so if the soil doesn’t have adequate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium your plant may suffer from yellowing leaves.
The Fix:
Loosen up compacted soil by adding perlite or sand to the potting mix. Alternatively, consider repotting your philodendron with a fresh potting mix. You can also supplement the soil with a liquid fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to ensure your plant is getting all of the nutrients it needs.
Oversized Pot.
If your philodendron is in an oversized pot, it may be lacking the nutrients and water it needs to stay healthy. When plants are given too much space to grow, they can become root-bound, which prevents them from absorbing enough water and nutrients.
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The Fix.
Repot your philodendron in a pot that’s just slightly larger than the root ball. Make sure the pot has good drainage, so water doesn’t get trapped in the soil and cause root rot.
Pot With No Drainage.
Philodendrons need soil that is well-drained, so pots without drainage holes can cause serious problems. If the pot has no drainage holes, water will become trapped in the soil and lead to root rot and yellowing leaves.
The Fix:
If your pot doesn’t have a drainage hole, consider repotting your philodendron with a new pot that does have good drainage. You can also add a layer of gravel or small stones to the bottom of the pot to help improve drainage.
Fungal diseases.
Fungal diseases like mildew, black spot and leaf spot can cause yellowing leaves. Fungal diseases thrive in warm, moist environments and are often caused by over-watering or poor air circulation.
The Fix:
Keep the area around your philodendron free from excess moisture and humidity and provide good air circulation by keeping the leaves away from walls and other objects. If you do find signs of a fungal disease, remove any affected leaves immediately. You can also use a fungicide to prevent further spread of the fungus.
Some yellowing is natural.
Philodendron leaves naturally turn yellow as they age and die, but if this happens in a large number of leaves at once, it could indicate an underlying issue.
Aging.
Philodendrons produce new leaves to replace old ones that naturally turn yellow and die. If the plant is healthy, it should be producing new leaves regularly and replacing the old, yellowing ones.
normal shedding and regrowth.
Philodendrons may shed some of their older leaves, which is a normal part of the plant’s life cycle. However, if you notice large numbers of yellowing leaves all at once, it could be a sign that something else is going on.
What Happens At Root Level?
Take a look at the roots of your philodendron to see if they’re healthy. If you find that they are black or mushy, then this could be an indication of root rot and may require repotting with fresh soil.
Seasonal Factors.
Philodendrons may experience yellowing leaves during the winter months due to low light levels. To prevent this, make sure that your plant gets enough light and avoid over-watering it during this time.
Overpotting.
If your philodendron is in an oversized pot, it can prevent the plant from getting enough water and nutrients. The fix for this is to repot your philodendron into a smaller pot that’s just slightly larger than the root ball.
Incorrect watering.
Make sure you’re properly watering your philodendron. If you water the leaves instead of the soil, this can cause yellowing and wilting. Water your plant at the soil level and avoid getting the leaves wet.
Bonus: Tips to Avoid Philodendron Leaves Turning Yellow:
• Choose a pot that is just slightly larger than the root ball
• Water at the soil level, avoiding wetting the leaves
• Repot with fresh soil if needed
• Provide plenty of indirect light and air circulation
• Check for signs of fungal diseases and remove any affected leaves immediately
• Make sure not to over-water or under-water your plant
• Pruning old leaves can help stimulate new growth.
• Keep your philodendron in an area with consistent temperatures and humidity levels.
Remember, by following these tips you can help prevent Philodendron leaves from turning yellow. With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your plant healthy and looking its best!
If you’re still having problems with yellowing leaves, it’s best to consult a professional plant specialist for help. They can provide additional advice on how to keep your philodendron healthy and make sure that any underlying issues are addressed.
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Conclusion of Philodendron Yellowing.
Philodendron leaf yellowing can be caused by a variety of factors, including overpotting, lack of drainage, fungal diseases, and incorrect watering. To prevent the yellowing of the leaves, one should report the philodendron in a smaller pot that’s just slightly larger than the root ball and ensure good drainage. Additionally, one should keep the area around the plant free from excess moisture and provide good air circulation. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the further spread of the fungus. Moreover, yellowing leaves may naturally occur due to aging or normal shedding and regrowth, but if large numbers of leaves turn yellow all at once it could indicate an underlying issue. Finally, during the winter months, one should make sure that their philodendron gets enough light and avoid over-watering.
FAQ.
Is Having a Philodendron Yellow Leaf a Concern?
Yes, having a philodendron yellow leaf is something to be concerned about as it could indicate an underlying issue with the plant. It's important to identify the cause of the discoloration in order to take steps to fix it. This may include repotting, providing better drainage, and providing good air circulation. Additionally, one should keep the area around the plant free from excess moisture and humidity and use a fungicide to prevent the further spread of the fungus. Finally, yellowing leaves may naturally occur due to aging or normal shedding and regrowth.
What Is The Best Way To Fix Philodendron Leaf Yellowing?
The best way to fix philodendron leaf yellowing is to identify the cause and take steps to address it. This may involve repotting, providing better drainage, and providing good air circulation. Additionally, one should keep the area around the plant free from excess moisture and humidity and use a fungicide to prevent the further spread of the fungus. Finally, during the winter months, one should make sure that their philodendron gets enough light and avoid over-watering.
What Should I Do To Prevent Philodendron Leaf Yellowing?
To prevent philodendron leaf yellowing, one should repot the plant in a smaller pot with good drainage, keep the area around the plant free from excess moisture and humidity, provide good air circulation, and use a fungicide to prevent further spread of the fungus. Additionally, during the winter months, one should make sure that their philodendron gets enough light and avoid over-watering.
How do you fix yellow leaves on a philodendron?
The fix for philodendron yellow leaves depends on the cause of the discoloration. If it is due to overpotting, then one should repot their plant into a smaller pot that's just slightly larger than the root ball. In terms of incorrect watering, make sure to water your plant at the soil level and avoid getting the leaves wet. Additionally, one should keep the area around the plant free from excess moisture and humidity, provide good air circulation and use a fungicide to prevent the further spread of the fungus. Finally, during the winter months, one should make sure that their philodendron gets enough light and avoid over-watering.
Will yellow Philodendron leaves turn back green?
It is possible for philodendron leaves to turn green again, depending on the cause of the yellowing. If it is due to overpotting or incorrect watering, repotting and adjusting your watering routine should help. Additionally, one should keep the area around the plant free from excess moisture and humidity, provide good air circulation and use a fungicide to prevent the further spread of the fungus. Finally, during the winter months, one should make sure that their philodendron gets enough light and avoid over-watering.
Should I remove the yellow leaves from Philodendron?
Removing yellow leaves from a philodendron is not necessary and can actually cause more damage to the plant. Ripping off the yellowing leaves can leave wounds that may be susceptible to disease and pests. Instead, it is best to identify the cause of the discoloration and take steps to address it. This may involve repotting, providing better drainage, and providing good air circulation.
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