Causes of and Precautions Against Yellowing Leaves in Winter Flower Care
Having potted flowers at home is no longer anything unusual, and basically every household grows one or two pots to decorate the environment. Now that the relatively low-temperature winter has arrived, it is also a season that gives many flower lovers a headache. Many flower lovers report that the leaves of the flowers they grow are turning yellow - what is going on? It may be caused by the reasons below.
1. Why do leaves turn yellow when growing flowers in winter?
1. Unsuitable light
Each kind of flower has different growth habits. For example, asparagus fern (Asparagus setaceus) and Monstera deliciosa are shade-loving plants and flowers, while poinsettia, Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), and cactus are sun-loving plants and flowers, so we should give them appropriate light according to their characteristics. Otherwise, overly strong light or long-term lack of light and similar conditions will cause the leaves of the flowers to turn yellow. However, summer and winter are two extremes of light, so be sure to shade them and give them plenty of sun.
2. Overwatering or long-term lack of water
Generally, when the temperature is relatively low in winter, the amount or frequency of watering should be reduced. If you water too much, it will cause waterlogging in the potting soil and root rot, and the whole flower will be unable to absorb nutrients and water, thus showing yellowing leaves. If you do not water for a long time, the leaves will also wilt and turn yellow. In winter, watering once a week is generally enough, but the specifics should be determined by the variety of flower you are growing.
3. Indoor temperature too high in winter
This situation generally rarely occurs in southern regions. In northern regions, underfloor heating is installed, and the temperature suddenly rises to a level where you can wear short sleeves and eat ice pops, so the potting soil of the flowers will be attacked by the hot air, causing the leaves to turn yellow.
4. Poor indoor ventilation
To keep the indoors warm, many households often keep the doors and windows tightly closed without ventilation. Over time, the flowers will develop yellowing leaves.
5. Air too dry
The air in winter is too dry, and some flowers with relatively high air humidity requirements, such as azalea (Rhododendron), white magnolia (Michelia alba), and spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), will develop yellowing leaves. At this time, you can spray water around the leaves to increase air humidity.
2. What precautions are there for growing flowers in winter?
1. Be careful to prevent frost damage
If the temperature is too low in winter, plants are very likely to suffer frost damage. If frost damage occurs, it must be remedied in time, but you cannot immediately place it in a place with too high a temperature. Instead, raise the temperature gradually from low to medium, and only after it recovers can it be placed in a place with ample light and a relatively high temperature for normal care.
2. Be careful of fertilizing too much or too strongly
Many flowers enter a dormant state in winter and stop growing. At this time, if you give too much or too strong fertilizer, it will cause damage to their roots. Generally, flowers and plants that have entered dormancy do not need more fertilizer, and you should wait until spring to apply it.
3. Proper pruning
Generally, before the flowers enter winter, the branches should be pruned, mainly to reduce the excessive absorption of nutrients by the remaining branches and withered leaves and to ensure the normal growth of the main trunk.
In summary, you can check against the reasons above to see what is causing the yellowing leaves of the flowers you grow at home. I hope it is helpful to you.