What to Do When Philodendron Leaves Turn Yellow? Causes and Solutions

Philodendron is a very good foliage houseplant, because its leaf shape is unusual and very much like Monstera, people often confuse the two. It is native to tropical regions such as South America, likes a warm and humid environment, and has strong adaptability. It is now widely cultivated, and in the dry climate of Xinjiang it has a certain tolerance to both high and low temperatures, but it is not cold-hardy. Quite often, growers cause philodendron leaves to turn yellow through improper care. What should be done then? Now let me explain one by one.

What to Do When Philodendron Leaves Turn Yellow

The main causes of philodendron leaves turning yellow, drying up and curling are five deficiencies in the potting soil, namely: nitrogen deficiency, phosphorus deficiency, potassium deficiency, magnesium deficiency and iron deficiency. In addition, there are other causes, such as yellowing caused by water and fertilizer, that is, watering too much leads to long-term waterlogging of the soil, poor air permeability and even partial rotting of the fibrous roots. This shows up as the young leaves of philodendron being dull yellow and lusterless, and the new shoots shrinking. Below is an analysis of the specific causes:

I. Lack of necessary elements

1. Nitrogen deficiency in the potting soil: philodendron leaves are small, the leaf color is pale yellow, the lower leaves turn yellow first, and the whole plant gradually loses its green color, with the lower part becoming more pale yellow;

2. Phosphorus deficiency in the potting soil: philodendron leaves curl, the leaf color is dark green, and the areas between the veins of the lower leaves turn yellow;

3. Potassium deficiency in the potting soil: the edges of the lower leaves turn brown and the plant easily lodges;

4. Magnesium deficiency in the potting soil: the edges and centers of the leaves lose their green color and turn white from bottom to top;

5. Iron deficiency in the potting soil: scorched brown patches appear and the leaves dry up.

Solution: The above causes are all yellowing due to a lack of necessary elements, so simply add the missing elements when fertilizing. (Growers should judge from the symptoms what type of yellowing their plant belongs to in order to treat the right cause.)

II. Other causes

1. Fertilizer yellowing, that is, too much fertilizer, which shows as the tips of the old leaves of philodendron turning yellow and falling off, while the new leaves, though thick and glossy, are generally uneven and not spreading smoothly.

Solution: If it is a valuable flowering plant, you can sow a layer of bok choy or radish seeds, and after they sprout for a few days, pull them out to consume the nutrients;

2. Drought yellowing: because of long-term failure to water thoroughly or dehydration, although the new leaves of philodendron have a normal leaf color, the lower leaves gradually dry, turn yellow and fall off from the bottom upward, aging;

Solution: Water regularly, and make sure that when you water, you water thoroughly but without waterlogging.

3. Alkaline yellowing: especially for some southern plants that like acidic soil, when the water quality in the north is on the alkaline side, the leaves gradually fade, turn yellow and even fall off.

Solution: The simplest method is to water with fermented rice-washing water or rainwater.

4. Water yellowing: watering too frequently, leading to excessive waterlogging. The drainage holes at the bottom of the pot also cannot drain effectively.

Solution: You need to change the soil and cover it again with a small tile piece or window screen.

5. The growing environment is too closed and the light is too dim; without enough light, photosynthesis and respiration cannot produce enough nutrients and chlorophyll, causing the leaves to turn yellow.

Solution: Philodendron likes light but avoids direct strong light. It is best to keep it in semi-shade or under scattered light; do not place it in a shaded environment for a long time, otherwise the leaves very easily turn yellow.

6. The air is too dry, causing insufficient moisture on the leaf surface; photosynthesis and respiration cannot produce enough nutrients and chlorophyll, causing the leaves to turn yellow.

Solution: The indoor temperature for philodendron should be kept at around 20oC, and especially in water culture it must not be lower than 10oC, and it should also be kept away from heating, air conditioning and cold drafts. Indoor air humidity should be kept between 50~75%; below 50%, the leaves easily turn yellow and the edges dry. Humidity is often increased by spraying and sprinkling water.

Philodendron Care Tips:

Key points for water culture care:

1. Nutrient solution: change the water once a week, and add nutrient solution at the same time.

2. Light  : It has strong adaptability to light, likes sunlight, and is also quite shade-tolerant. In summer, avoid direct sunlight and place it in a spot with bright, scattered light.

3. Temperature: 18-30°C is suitable, and the overwintering temperature should not be lower than 5°C.

4. Care  : Philodendron likes a warm, humid environment. It is tolerant of cold and drought. The northern climate is dry, so pay attention to maintaining a certain humidity; in summer, spray the leaf surface every day to maintain humidity.

Special reminder: In summer, pay attention to ventilation, otherwise high temperatures easily lead to soft rot.