What to Do When Potted Plant Leaves Turn Yellow? Detailed Causes and Solutions

Cuban oregano is a shrubby herbaceous plant in the genus Plectranthus of the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to regions such as the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. It is very suitable for potted ornamental use, and its scent is refreshing. It is best placed in a high spot or hung indoors, and can also serve as an accent for a table or desk. Its leaves make a wonderfully fragrant tea or wine, and can also be used in cooking, soups, stir-fries and cold dishes. Now let us take a look at what to do when the leaves of Cuban oregano turn yellow!

Improper Lighting

[Cause] Cuban oregano likes sunlight. Only in a sunny environment will its succulent leaves be thick and full. With insufficient light, the leaves become flat and thin, and too high a temperature can also cause its leaves to turn yellow.

[Solution] Cuban oregano should be placed where the light duration is appropriate, and at the same time, the light exposure should be appropriately increased or reduced according to the temperature.

Improper Watering

[Cause] Cuban oregano is not tolerant of waterlogging. Too much water easily causes root rot, and root rot will in turn cause its leaves to turn yellow.

[Solution] The soil for growing Cuban oregano should be allowed to dry out and then be watered thoroughly. On cloudy days, watering and fertilizing should be reduced or stopped. After summer, be sure to water less, and in winter watering must be controlled even more.

Overfertilizing

[Cause] Although the soil in a pot is limited and its fertility is insufficient, never give too much fertilizer at one time. Overfertilizing can also cause the leaves to turn yellow.

[Solution] When fertilizing Cuban oregano, follow the principle of applying thin fertilizer frequently, that is, give just a little fertilizer each time and fertilize again a few days later.

Improper Ventilation

[Cause] Cuban oregano is often grown in a greenhouse all year round and requires circulating, fresh air; otherwise it is prone to damage by scale insects, which in turn causes the leaves to turn yellow.

[Solution] Cuban oregano should be grown in a well-ventilated location.

Normal Situation

[Cause] After Cuban oregano has been grown for a long time, the lowest part of the stem will gradually become woody, which can also cause the surrounding leaves to turn yellow and then wither.

[Solution] Yellowing of the leaves in this situation is normal for Cuban oregano, and normal care is all that is needed.