A Detailed Guide to the Causes and Remedies for Yellowing, Dry, Withered Leaves on the Dragon's Tongue Plant

The dragon's tongue plant (Cordyline fruticosa) is a plant with an attractive form and a relatively long lifespan, commonly also called ti plant. As an indoor foliage plant, it ranks quite high in popularity. Its leaves are sword-shaped and come in a very rich range of colors, including white, bronze, pink, bright red and more, and when they drape down over the pot they look quite spectacular. If the dragon's tongue plant is not cared for properly, it can also develop yellowing, dry, withered leaves. So what causes this? How do you treat it?

I. Causes of yellowing, dry, withered leaves on the dragon's tongue plant

1. Lighting causes

This is also the problem most likely to arise for many beginners at growing plants. No matter what kind of flowers or plants they are, they just put them straight out on the balcony, without distinguishing whether the plant prefers shade or sun. When the leaves dry out and turn yellow, they still do not know what caused it, only thinking that they had clearly taken good care of it and that this should not have happened.

It is understood that the dragon's tongue plant likes light and warmth, so many people ask, does that not make putting it on the balcony quite suitable? That is indeed so, but note that although it likes sun, it fears scorching exposure. Especially during the hottest summer period, leaves generally turn yellow after being exposed to strong sun, and the leaf stems cannot stand upright.

2. Watering causes

It is winter right now, the weather is cold, temperatures drop quickly, and there is a certain temperature difference between day and night. If you water with the usual amount at this time, the leaves of the dragon's tongue plant will turn yellow. After water accumulates and the roots rot, the leaves naturally turn yellow.

3. Fertilizing causes

Many people growing potted plants buy ready-mixed nutrient solution from the flower shop and pour it straight in, enjoying it again and again, only thinking about making the plant grow quickly. What they do not realize is that over-fertilizing can also cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out. Of course, a lack of fertilizer can also cause this. Generally speaking, with too much fertilizer the entire leaf turns yellow or brown, while with too little fertilizer the new leaves come out light green or yellowish.

4. Pests and diseases causes

Any potted plant needs pest and disease prevention and control. If the leaves of the dragon's tongue plant turn yellow and have spots, or have insect holes, then it is very likely that it has been attacked by pests or diseases, which is causing the yellowing.

II. Remedies for yellowing, dry, withered leaves on the dragon's tongue plant

1. Remedy for leaf yellowing caused by lighting: First check whether the roots have rotted. If rot is present, cut it off promptly, and treat the wound well; wood ash can be used to disinfect it. After dealing with it, loosen the soil, water moderately, and then place it in a ventilated, shady spot for a period, and it will recover and grow new leaves.

2. Remedy for leaf yellowing caused by watering: In winter, watering should be reduced in frequency and amount. In other seasons, do not water too much either. Be sure to wait until the soil has dried through, then water moderately. It is best to spray from the side when watering, not pour it into the heart of the plant.

3. Remedy for leaf yellowing caused by fertilizing: After applying a large amount of fertilizer, be sure to water to dilute it, so as not to burn the roots. There are two principles to note when fertilizing: apply frequently and apply lightly. If there is a fertilizer deficiency, replenish nutrients promptly.

4. Remedy for leaf yellowing caused by pests and diseases: First we need to understand what pests and diseases plants commonly get and what symptoms they show, so that we can prevent or treat them in time. The common pest of the dragon's tongue plant is the red spider mite, which often hides on the underside of the leaves, so it is very easy to deal with; we can just catch and remove them. Chemical pesticides are generally not recommended, but if you do use them, you can choose a 20% dicofol emulsion diluted with 800 times water and spray it on the leaves.