What causes yellowing leaves on the Madagascar jasmine (Stephanotis floribunda)

Flowers & Gardening Jan 1, 1970 0 views

When growing Madagascar jasmine, we may find that its leaves turn yellow. This is not normal, and there are many causes, generally including drought, lack of fertilizer, lack of light, over-fertilizing, scorching, over-watering and so on. We need to identify the specific cause, then treat it and help it recover.

1. Drought-induced yellowing

If the leaves turn yellow with the tips and edges becoming dry and withered, while the old leaves turn yellow from the bottom upward and even begin to drop, and the new leaves grow relatively well, then it can be judged to be water shortage and drought. Generally we should pay attention to watering, and each watering should be sufficient.

2. Fertilizer-deficiency yellowing

If the new leaves are very dull in color, appearing yellow or pale green, while the old leaves are normal in color or change from green to yellow, it can basically be determined to be a lack of fertilizer. We should check whether its soil has become dry and compacted; if this symptom is present, consider changing the soil. In addition, when fertilizing, the amount should be small and the frequency high, and some alum water can be added.

3. Light-deficiency yellowing

If we often place it in a very dark place, its leaves will not get sunlight and it will be difficult for them to form chlorophyll, so the leaves of the whole plant will gradually turn yellow and then begin to fall. Generally we should supplement light for it, and this way it can be relieved.

4. Fertilizer-induced yellowing

If we apply too much fertilizer or too high a concentration, it may also cause its leaves to turn yellow. Generally the tips of the newly grown leaves become dry and brown, and the leaves are relatively thick and fleshy but lack luster. In addition, they may become uneven and unable to unfold, and the old leaves are very likely to drop. At this time we should stop fertilizing, and in more serious cases, wash it with a large amount of water.

5. Scorch-induced yellowing

This one is mainly because relatively strong direct sunlight hits it. It generally shows as the leaf tips and edges becoming withered, with yellow spots on the leaves facing the sun, so we should move it to a relatively shady place.

6. Water-induced yellowing

If the new leaves are relatively yellow and lack luster, while the old leaves are relatively normal, the branches are very thin and also yellow, and the new tips have shriveled, this means too much watering. Generally we should take it out of the pot, then let it air-dry in a relatively shady place before putting it back.