What to Do When the Leaves of a Potted Cuban Oregano Turn Yellow? Causes and Solutions
Cuban oregano is also known as "Chu Liuxiang" and "Yi Mo Xiang." It gets this name because as soon as a person's hand touches the plant, a fragrance is left on the fingers. This is a lightly fragrant plant that is very well suited to growing in pots, and its scent is as pleasant as the fresh fragrance of an apple. During the actual care of Cuban oregano, what should you do when its leaves turn yellow? Let's investigate together.
I. Causes of Yellowing Leaves in Cuban Oregano
1. A change in environment
If a newly purchased Cuban oregano shows yellowing leaves, it is very likely due to a change in environment. Every home differs in ventilation conditions, humidity, temperature and care methods, and this is what causes the phenomenon.
2. Too much fertilizer
If a potted Cuban oregano is given too much fertilizer, the old leaves will show yellowing from the edges toward the middle, caused by excess nutrients.
3. No light for a long time
Many people keep Cuban oregano indoors in a place with no light or very dim light, so the leaves cannot carry out photosynthesis and will slowly turn yellow and even drop off.
4. Overwatering
Many people go all out watering their plants, not realizing that overwatering causes water to accumulate in the potting soil, so the roots cannot breathe and rot away, and the leaves naturally cannot absorb water and nutrients and slowly turn yellow, drop off and die.
5. Too little watering
Although Cuban oregano should not be overwatered, being in a state of water shortage for a long time is like a person not drinking water, and it will also endanger its life. At first the leaves wilt, and then they slowly begin to turn yellow and drop off.
6. Compacted soil
If the soil is compacted, the roots cannot breathe, and the change gradually starts from the surrounding leaves; in fact, it is caused by a lack of oxygen.
II. Solutions for Yellowing Leaves in Cuban Oregano
1. Yellowing leaves caused by a change in environment: There is no need to worry too much. With normal care, it will generally recover when placed in a spot with bright, indirect light and good ventilation; it may take about 3-5 days.
2. Yellowing leaves caused by too much fertilizer: When fertilizer is applied too heavily at one time, the plant absorbs it but cannot digest it, just as a person cannot get fat in one meal. So water immediately to dilute it, loosen the soil and wait for the water to drain out. Usually, be careful not to apply fertilizer too concentrated.
3. Yellowing leaves caused by no light for a long time: Move it to a place with better light for care. First give it a little light slowly, then gradually increase it, and pay attention to watering. Do not expose it to scorching sun in summer; giving it appropriate light is enough. In winter, it is best to maintain 3-4 hours of light per day.
4. Yellowing leaves caused by overwatering: Dig out its root system, cut off the rotted roots, treat the wounds, repot it, and then place it in a cool, ventilated place. Do not expose it to light or water it for the first three days, then slowly return to normal care.
5. Yellowing leaves caused by too little watering: Replenish the water, but do not pour in too much at once; instead, add it little by little slowly. Be sure not to pour a whole basin of water over it; instead, let it seep in slowly from the edge of the pot. The number of waterings and the amount of water should be decided according to how moist the potting soil is.
6. Yellowing leaves caused by compacted soil: This requires paying more attention to the moisture level of the soil in normal times. If this phenomenon has already occurred, repot it, and usually pay more attention to ventilation to reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases.
In summary, although caring for Cuban oregano is not difficult, a little carelessness can cause yellowing leaves. So in our normal care, we must pay attention to details such as watering only when the soil is dry and watering thoroughly when we do, applying fertilizer frequently but lightly, ventilation, and sufficient light.