African daisies (Osteospermum spp.) look a lot like common daisies, with petals radiating around a center disk. They are even members of the Asteraceae family, along with Shasta daisies and zinnias.
But, their vivid coloring is not at all like the classic daisy. African daisies come in a variety of stunning shades including white, cream, pink, yellow, purple, and blue.
These flowers are best planted in the spring after the threat of frost has passed, usually at around 25 degrees Fahrenheit. While African daisies can survive a surprise frost, they cannot tolerate repeated frosts.
African daisies have a fairly quick growth rate, blooming about two months after sprouting from seeds. Reliably hardy in zones 10 to 11, these tender perennials are planted as annuals in other climate zones. On average, African daises live 2 to 3 years as perennials.
Opening your curtains in the morning to see your beautiful African daisies brightening up your garden is a joy. But noticing those sunny yellow blooms fading to a sickly, muted yellow can feel like a punch in the gut. If your African daisies’ leaves are turning yellow, don’t panic. With a little detective work, you can get to the bottom of what’s ailing your plant babies and get them back to their vibrant best.
Overwatering – The Smothering Hug
Overwatering is the number one reason African daisy leaves turn yellow. I like to think of overwatering as a smothering hug for your plants. While we all need hugs sometimes too many tight squeezes can leave us gasping for air. The same goes for African daisies. Their roots desperately need oxygen to thrive. But when they’re drowned in too much water rot sets in.
To check if overwatering is to blame, stick your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels like a soggy sponge, you have your culprit. Cut back on watering and only moisten the soil when the top few inches become dry. Make sure your plant’s container has good drainage holes too. Adding extra perlite or gravel to the soil creates air pockets for better oxygen flow.
Lack of Sunlight – Fading the Blooms
African daisies thrive on full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for vigorous growth. Without enough sunlight, photosynthesis slows, leaving fewer resources for your plant to make food. The leaves respond by fading to yellow.
Check if your daisies get sunlight for most of the day. If they’re stuck in shade, try moving them to the brightest spot in your garden. You can also prune back overhanging branches and leaves to open up the canopy. Installing a grow light is another option for boosting your daisy’s sun exposure.
Nutrient Deficiencies – Poor Soil Health
Ever skipped a meal and felt your energy fade? Your African daisies experience the same when lacking key nutrients like nitrogen, iron, or magnesium. Without a balanced diet, leaves can’t manufacture enough chlorophyll to stay vibrantly green.
Test your soil’s nutrient levels with a home kit. Follow package directions to correct any deficiencies with organic fertilizers. But don’t overdo it! Too much fertilizer can burn the roots. For best results, feed every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer.
Pests – Tiny Tormentors
Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids – these tiny terrors suck away plant juices, leaving yellowing leaves in their wake. Check the undersides of leaves for clusters of pests or signs like sticky honeydew or webbing. Treating infestations early prevents major damage.
Insecticidal soap or neem oil sprayed on leaves and stems can annihilate most soft-bodied pests. For tougher customers like spider mites, try gentle horticultural oils. Maintaining optimal growing conditions also prevents pests from getting a foothold.
Environmental Stress – Windburn and More
Steady breezes are nice for people, but they zap moisture from tender African daisy leaves. Low humidity plus wind is a recipe for leaf scorching and yellowing. Other environmental stressors like temperature swings, poor ventilation, and compacted soil can also take a toll.
Shield plants from harsh winds and direct drafts from heaters or air conditioners Group pots together to boost humidity, Make sure soil drains well and has enough aeration Acclimate plants slowly to any changes in lighting or temperatures, Protect from frost and heat waves,
The Age Factor – A Natural Decline
As part of the natural life cycle, lower African daisy leaves gradually yellow and drop off as the plant ages. But excessive leaf loss indicates trouble. However, limited yellowing on just older growth is no cause for concern.
To sustain blooming and prevent leaf loss, divide congested plants in spring or fall. Replant the divisions in fresh soil enriched with compost. Also prune old flowering stems back to their base to encourage new growth. Destroy any diseased or pest-infested plant parts.
Parting Thoughts
While yellowing leaves may seem like a death knell, don’t give up hope! Armed with some troubleshooting wisdom, you can nurse your African daisies back to robust health. Just take a deep breath and tackle problems one step at a time. With attentive care and ideal growing conditions you’ll be rewarded with vibrant blossoms for months on end. Those sunny yellow petals will once again be a sight that makes you smile each morning.
Temperature and Humidity
African daisies prefer mild weather, which is when they bloom most profusely. They can handle nighttime temperatures down to about 40°F, though frost will damage or kill them. Humidity typically isnt an issue for them, as long as they have good air circulation, proper watering, and soil drainage.
How to Get African Daisies to Bloom
African daisies generally bloom easily on their own, but several conditions can cause reduced blooming. Here’s how to get your African daisies to bloom:
- Deadhead spent flowers to prompt additional blooming.
- Fertilize every two to three weeks. Potted plants require more fertilizer.
- Shade African daisies from extreme heat and add extra water during dry periods.
- Move them to a sunnier location if the plants are leggy and not blooming fully.
How to Deadhead African Daisies – QG Day 87
FAQ
How do you fix yellowing leaves on flowers?
How often should you water African daisies?
How do you take care of yellow African daisies?
Why are my leaves turning yellow during flowering?
Why are my Daisy leaves turning yellow?
The most common reason for yellow leaves in daisies is overwatering. The excess water prevents the roots from absorbing nutrients from the soil, and due to this reason, the daisy plant can fall sick, and its leaves start turning yellow. Pests infestation can also be a cause of yellow leaves.
Why are my Gerbera Daisy leaves turning yellow?
Several pests can infest Gerbera daisy leaves, causing damage and discoloration. Here are some common pests to look out for: Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can appear in large numbers on the leaves. They suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to become distorted and yellowed.
What causes black spots on Gerbera Daisy leaves?
Ensure proper watering practices and consider using a humidifier to increase humidity levels. Black spots on Gerbera daisy leaves are a sign of a fungal disease called leaf spot. This disease is caused by overwatering, poor air circulation, and high humidity levels. To remedy black spots, remove any affected leaves and dispose of them.
Why are my gerbera daisies leaves wrinkled?
Wrinkled leaves are a sign of dehydration in Gerbera daisies. This can be caused by underwatering or improper watering practices. To remedy wrinkled leaves, ensure the plant is receiving enough water. Water the plant thoroughly, ensuring the soil is evenly moist. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.