Have you ever noticed your what-was-once-green plant having yellow leaves? If yes, then do read this article to know the causes, symptoms, and remedies. Don’t worry your plant will be as good as new in a few days if you follow these tips:

 1. Overwatering

Watering problems are usually the most frequent reasons behind plant leaves yellowing. When your plants are overwatered, the look and strength of the plant are reduced. Oxygen is being expelled from the soil and the roots are only ‘under aerated’ and starving to death. With this little airflow, the roots will start suffocating and decaying. 

Overwatering also results in a variety of fungal diseases. The other thing that should be checked is the moisture status of the soil. Prune the plant by removing a few inches from the stem of the plant. You want to take a small portion of the soil and then compress it between your fingers. If it feels wet or chilly you don’t need to water it as often as you would if the soil is dry. 

Signs and Treatment

The older leaves of the overwatered plants are pale brown to yellow, and some of the symptoms that the plant shows when being overwatered are wilting, the appearance of limp or soft, and a spongy texture. There are black spots and lumps on the stem and leaves of the plant and the fruit will crack due to water logging. 

First of all, it is crucial to minimize the frequency of watering. Water less frequently and more deeply. Also, allow aerification of the soil by using a screwdriver to create holes deep around the root zone. If your plants are in a container, poke a hole in the bottom of the pot and make sure that the soil used has good drainage.

2. Cold Stress

Due to cold stress, the health and color of leaves reduce with temperature changes. If chilly temperatures persist or late spring cold drafts are experienced, your plants will lose their color especially tender vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers.  Also, make sure to have a look at evening temperatures too. When there is a possibility of a late frost, protect your plants from the frost at night. 

Signs and Treatment 

Leaves turn yellow and in some cases, the edges of the leaves appear scorched. In most cases, it is only a matter of waiting and time. Cloudy rainy weather will bring your plants back and chlorophyll to the leaves as well. If there is frost, then use a frost blanket or put a bucket over your plants at night. Read more about the Best Winter Care Tips for the House Plants.

 3. Dehydration

Although over-watering plants are as damaging as under-watering plants, the latter will sometimes kill your plants much quicker. Stunted plants are visually less healthy and they lack the liveliness that healthy plants have. It decreases with under-watered plants and fruits may not develop properly. 

Plants usually wilt during the day because they get scorched and cannot move elsewhere. To check that your plants are not getting enough water, try checking the soil about a couple of inches deep preferably in the morning or the evening. If it is warm or dry then it has to be watered. 

If you devise an effective watering plan, you should know that the amount of water may depend on the climate, the month, and the temperature. Keep on observing your plants and feel the soil for moisture content throughout the growing season. Read more about Planting Trees In Summer - How to Make It Work. 

 Signs and Treatment

The newest, and youngest leaves shrivel and change their color to yellow. As for tomatoes, the plants can get blossom-end rot. Water more deeply and less frequently. Deep waterings are much more effective than frequent, less-volume, water infiltrations. They prefer a good drink rather than a light shower. 

 4. Nutrient Deficiencies

Another cause of the yellowing of leaves is when a plant gets inadequate nutrients in the soil. Those plants that do not receive these minerals show different signs of ill health, but all-round they are off-color, weak, or, in a word, poor growers. These nutrients are taken up from the ground and plants have their own needs of the particular minerals. Make sure that each plant requires and puts the right amount of nutrients by conducting a test on the soil from time to time. Read more about Pruning Tips for Pro Gardeners-Ultimate Guide.

Calcium Deficiency

Leaves are yellow and distorted with a very crispy feel about them. If the soil is acidic, have it tested and if it is acidic, add lime; if on the other hand it is alkaline add gypsum. 

Iron Deficiency

The leaves generally get chlorosis; the leaves are yellow with greenish midribs. Diseased plants are smaller and it’s often evident on young parts of the plant. Check the pH level of the soil and make it below 7. 

Nitrogen Deficiency

Bright yellow leaves specifically during the early spring and new growth at the tip of the plant. It starts with the center vein and tips of the leaves becoming yellow while the growth of the plant is generally dwarfed. Introducing manure-based compost or used coffee grounds in the soil. 

5. Sunlight

Yellow leaves occur from low light exposure in the plant and in the case of partial shade varieties; excessive light exposure.  When a plant grows thorny and spreads out it restricts light for growing and lower leaves. Such leaves lose their ability to photosynthesize and chlorophyll formation stops. The leaves are non-productive, which is why the plant does not need them anymore. Lettuce and other cole crops as well as other partially shaded plants are likely to scorch and turn yellow in case of intense summer heat. Ideally, these foods (or beautifiers) should be planted early in spring or fall or where there is partial shade.  Signs of 

Sunlight Problems and Solutions

Older leaves of a generally sturdy plant turn yellow and are situated at the lower or inner parts. When subjected to heat stress, the leaves of the plant will wilt and have a scorched or burnt appearance. Just prune off non-productive yellowing leaves. The plant will not require their presence to grow and give out the fruits they have been producing so far. If some plants do not grow well in the strong sun, provide shade in the middle of the day to avoid the plants getting scorched. If they are placed in a pot or any container, you should transfer them to a shady area of the yard, when outside temperatures are high. 

Conclusion

As to the nature of the yellowing leaves, it is not a very easy task to diagnose, and may even need some experimentation. One can therefore solve some of the problems like watering, light, and nutrient problems and enable the plants to get back to the healthy green color. Yellowing leaves require constant observation and appropriate interferences to be controlled in the best manner possible.