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What Does It Mean When Your Houseplant's Leaves Turn Yellow & Brown?

When a houseplant's leaves turn yellow or brown, it can signify any one of a number of problems, or a combination of more than one problem. Many symptoms of sick houseplants can be prevented with proper care. But once symptoms appear, determining the cause is the first step toward restoring the health of the plant.

  1. Watering

    • Different types of plants have different watering requirements. Root rot is a common problem among houseplants and it is caused by over-watering. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing of leaves along with small leaves or an appearance of stunted growth. Brown leaves or wilting of the entire plant may be a sign of under-watering.

    Light

    • One of the most common reasons for brown or yellow leaves on houseplants is improper amounts of light. Each species of houseplant has specific lighting needs. Some species will do poorly if they are not placed in direct sunlight or under artificial light. When a plant begins to appear sickly, try adjusting the amount of light it is receiving.

    Nutrients

    • Plants with yellow or brown leaves may have problems with inadequate nutrients. Yellowing of leaves frequently indicates deficiency in nitrogen or iron. Try adding a nitrogen fertilizer for a few days. If leaves don't appear to improve from this treatment, try chelated iron. If treatment with these nutrients doesn't help yellowing leaves or browning leaves, consider repotting plants.

    Soil

    • According to the North Dakota State University, the soil that houseplants are placed in has to be porous enough to allow for adequate drainage. When the lower leaves of a houseplant turn yellow, it could be a sign of inadequate drainage caused by soil which has hardened in a pot. Proper soil mixture is important for houseplants because roots are restricted by the pot. A good soil mixture is approximately equal parts of organic matter, good garden loam and perlite or sand.

    Other Causes

    • There are many other possible causes of yellowing or browning houseplant leaves. Houseplants can be sensitive to fluctuating temperatures and may appear sickly if they are too hot or too cold. Infestation of insect pests, such as spider mites or aphids, can cause poor growth or yellowing of leaves. Objects rubbing against the tips of leaves can cause leaf tips to turn brown. If plants are subject to high humidity or frequent misting, foliage diseases can occur, leading to browning or yellowing of leaves.

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