We all know that leaves can turn yellow, orange and red during the fall. But the yellowing of leaves at other times of the year can be a perplexing part of being a gardener. Do you feel like you’re doing everything right and they’re still turning yellow? Below are key things to take into consideration that can contribution to yellowing leaves.
As an avid gardener and Ambius plant owner, nothing is more concerning than noticing those once lush, green leaves start to turn yellow. While some yellowing of older leaves is normal, excessive yellowing of new growth is a clear sign something is wrong with your plant. Don’t panic just yet though! By identifying the underlying cause and taking corrective action, you can nurse your Ambius plant back to excellent health.
Common Causes of Yellowing Leaves
So what causes Ambius plant leaves to turn yellow in the first place? Here are some of the most common culprits
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Overwatering – Ambius plants are sensitive to moist soil and are prone to root rot if overwatered Check that the soil isn’t soggy or waterlogged
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Underwatering – On the flip side, insufficient water prevents roots from absorbing moisture and nutrients. Leaves yellow from drought stress.
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Lighting issues – Too little light starves the plant, while excessive direct light burns the leaves. Both cause yellowing.
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Nutrient deficiency – Lack of nitrogen, iron, magnesium or other essential elements leads to chlorosis and yellowed leaves.
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Pests – Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids and other sucking insects drain juices from leaves. Inspect for signs of infestation.
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Diseases – Fungal or bacterial diseases disrupt vascular tissues, preventing water and nutrient transport.
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Cold damage – Exposure to cold drafts or temperatures under 55°F can turn Ambius leaves yellow.
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Chemical damage – Over-fertilizing and the use of improper chemicals causes chemical leaf burn.
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Transplant stress – Re-potting or moving the plant to a new location shocks the roots and causes yellowing.
Corrective Solutions
Now that we’ve uncovered why your Ambius has yellow leaves, here are some corrective solutions to restore the leaves back to a healthy green:
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Check soil moisture – Feel the top few inches of soil. Water only when partially dry. Ensure pot has drainage holes.
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Move to a bright, indirect light spot – Ambius thrives in moderate, ambient indoor light. Rotate the plant weekly.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer – Look for an all-purpose or houseplant fertilizer to provide nitrogen, iron and other nutrients.
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Treat pests with insecticidal soap – Use horticultural oils or neem oil to combat mites, aphids and other pests safely. Isolate infested plants.
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Improve air circulation – Stagnant, humid air promotes fungal growth. Improve airflow with fans or by moving outdoors.
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** Raise temperatures above 60°F** – Move plant away from cold windows and use a portable heater to maintain ideal temperatures.
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Repot with fresh soil – Transplant into a container one size bigger using new, sterile potting mix to reduce stress.
Help! My Ambius Leaves Are Still Yellowing!
Yellowing leaves that don’t respond to your corrective efforts may indicate a severe underlying issue. Here are some last ditch solutions to attempt before the damage is irreversible:
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Perform a root examination for signs of rot. Trim off dead roots and repot.
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Take stem cuttings to propagate new, healthy plants before the original dies.
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Use chelated iron supplements or sulfur to green up extremely chlorotic leaves.
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Apply a broad spectrum fungicide to combat stubborn fungal or bacterial diseases.
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Disinfect pruning shears before clipping off severely infected leaves to prevent spread.
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Consider replacing the plant if yellowing worsens despite your best efforts to diagnose and treat the issue. Some problems can’t be fixed.
While seeing those bright yellow leaves is disheartening, don’t give up hope! By troubleshooting the underlying cause and applying the appropriate solutions, you can nurse your Ambius back to a gorgeous, vibrant green again. With a little time and care, your plant will be back to brightening your indoor space.
3 Reasons Leaves Turn Yellow
Water is a tricky problem when it comes to gardening and plant health. If you’re experiencing a yellowing of leaves or branches, think about how much you are watering—both in terms of the quantity of water and the frequency. Yellowing can be a result of too much or too little water:
- Do you plants have yellow, mushy centers? Is so, you are likely over-watering your plant.
- Try cutting down the frequency with which you water and allow the soil around your plant to slightly dry out in between waterings.
- The right soil can make all the difference. Not sure which soil you should use? Speak with one of our Trusted Garden Advisors to learn more. We have the right soil for your every planting need.
- Another thing you’ll want to ensure is that your plant isn’t sitting in water runoff that’s being captured by the tray under your pot. It may take a few minutes for the runoff to appear. We recommend watering your plants and then revisiting them to make sure there’s no excess water in the tray. If there is, empty it.
- If your plant leaves are dry, crunchy and yellowing, then the problem may be due to under watering. We recommend trying the following:
- Give your plant some water a little more frequently and see how it responds.
- Ensure that the root ball of the water is getting a throughout, deep watering (avoid shallow watering).
- To learn more about watering in containers, read our blog “Common Misconceptions About Watering Plants In Containers.”
Watch out for strange yellow patterns on leaves; this could be a strong sign of nutritional issues. For example, if the veins on the leaves are green and the tissue is yellow, that is almost always a sign of poor nutrition. Follow the guide on your fertilizer to make sure your plants aren’t receiving too much or too little. For fertilizer recommendations, speak with one of SummerWinds Nursery’s Trusted Garden Advisors. We have a wide variety of fertilizers for all of your indoor and outdoor gardening needs.
Another reason your plants may be turning yellow is that even plants can get a sunburn, just like you! In Arizona, the afternoon sun can be particularly harsh. If possible, create shade or cover the leaves for a few hours during the day. However, don’t restrict all sunlight from your plants. A strategically placed shade cloth can make a big difference in your plant’s health. We recommend positioning the shade cloth around the plant to help the plant avoid mid-day or late afternoon sun.
If your plant is sunburned, it’s best not to cut back or trim any sun burned leaves at this time. The damaged leaves will protect the foliage beneath if there’s another hot day with damaging sun. Lightly trim them back when temperatures cool, but don’t do any heavy pruning until early spring.
Light also plays a part in the yellowing of leaves. As Ambius states, “This occurs because the rate of photosynthesis is limited in low light, but as the light is increased, photosynthesis increases as well.” To make sure your plant is getting the right amount of sun, read the recommendations on the labels. However, keep in mind that plant labels are general use and not designed for specific regions. It’s important to keep in mind how strong the sun can be in the Valley of the Sun and account for that in the exposure your plant receives. If you have questions, speak with one of our Trusted Garden Advisors for recommendations based on our local climate.
The health of your plant’s leaves is important and there are small, but mighty adjustments that can be made. Watch water levels, nutrition and sunlight to protect them from turning yellow. Stop by your local SummerWinds Nursery to learn more. ×
Why leaves are turning yellow I How To Fix It
FAQ
How do you fix yellowing plant leaves?
What mineral is lacking when a plant leaves turn yellow?
What nutrient should you add if your plant is turning yellow?
Why is my philodendron turning yellow?
Why are my plants turning yellow?
Water issues, either overwatering or underwatering, are the most common reason behind yellow leaves. When plants don’t receive enough water, they prioritize keeping their core functions going, often at the expense of older or less essential parts.
Do yellow leaves mean a plant is dying?
Yellow leaves on plants don’t necessarily mean the overall plant is dying. Sometimes, older leaves turn yellow and shed. If the cause for yellowing is reversible and the plant is otherwise healthy, then there’s no reason to think the plant is beyond repair.
How to stop plant leaves from turning yellow?
By doing this, you can stop your plant leaves from turning yellow. If you prefer to water your plants by hand, this watering can is a must-have and will help to prevent your plant leaves from going yellow. This smart piece of tech will allow you to control your sprinkler or irrigation system via the Eve app or Siri.
What causes leaves to fall off a plant?
In some cases, prolonged temperature stress can trigger a plant’s natural leaf senescence process. This is when a plant redirects resources away from older leaves to protect new growth. As a result, older leaves turn yellow and eventually fall off. 5. Pests and Diseases