What to Do When Cyclamen Leaves Turn Yellow? The Causes and Solutions Are All Here

Everyone knows that overwatering cyclamen can cause root rot, which happens because too much water prevents the roots from absorbing oxygen. So what should you do when cyclamen leaves turn yellow? What is going on? Let us explain some of the causes and solutions for yellowing cyclamen leaves below!

Causes of Yellowing Cyclamen Leaves

1. Long-term nutrient deficiency: If nitrogen fertilizer has not been applied for a long time, or the pot and water have not been changed, a lack of nitrogen and other nutrients in the water leads to weak branches and leaves, with thin, yellow foliage. You need to promptly replace with fresh culture water and gradually apply more dilute decomposed liquid fertilizer or compound flower fertilizer.

2. Overfertilization: Too much fertilizer causes new leaves to become thick and fleshy, often with uneven bumps, while old leaves develop dry tips, scorch and turn yellow before dropping. Fertilizing should be stopped immediately, and the amount of water changed should be increased so the fertilizer is leached away, or the plant should be immediately repotted, the bulb rinsed with water, and then replanted in the pot.

3. Hot, high temperatures: If narcissus is placed in a high-temperature spot exposed to direct strong sunlight, it is very likely to cause the leaf tips and margins of young leaves to scorch, or the leaves to turn yellow and drop. It needs to be moved promptly to a well-ventilated, shady spot.

4. Excessive shade: If narcissus is kept in a shaded spot or a place with insufficient light for a long time, the branches and leaves will turn yellow.

5. Alkaline soil and water: When the growing environment lacks absorbable soluble iron and other elements, the leaves will gradually turn yellow. When planting, choose acidic soil and water, and frequently water with alum fertilizer water during the growing period.

6. Dense, poorly ventilated growth: If too much nitrogen fertilizer is applied, the branches and leaves grow excessively lush, and combined with a long absence of pruning, the inner branches and leaves receive insufficient light, which easily causes leaves to yellow and drop. Fertilize reasonably and strengthen pruning to allow ventilation and light penetration.

7. Dry air: When indoor air is excessively dry, narcissus often shows dry leaf tips or scorched leaf margins. Measures such as misting and covering with a plastic film cover should be taken to increase air humidity.

Solutions for Yellowing Cyclamen Leaves

1. Cyclamen leaves curling and turning yellow

[Solution] It is lacking nutrients, so fertilize promptly. Buy specialized fertilizer from a flower shop, but do not supplement the plant's nutrients excessively. Normally you can bury a small amount of cooked soybeans, cooked peanuts, bean cake, spoiled steamed buns, etc. in the pot, so you will not need to worry about nutrient deficiency.

2. Cyclamen cultivation problems, flower stems rotting, flower leaves turning yellow

[Solution] It has been overwatered. Stop watering and wait until it has healed and the soil is dry before watering again.

3. Leaves turn yellow from too much water, and newly grown flower buds wither from too little water. How often is it best to water? Is it better to spray with a watering can or water directly into the pot?

[Solution] When cyclamen is well grown, it can bloom twice a year, mainly in spring and autumn. It likes partial shade, so do not place it in direct sunlight. In summer, when temperatures are high, cyclamen goes dormant. During dormancy, water as little as possible, just keeping the soil moist to prevent the roots from rotting due to excess water. When planting, it is best to leave one third of the flower's bulbous root exposed above the soil surface. When watering, pour it directly into the flower pot, and try not to get water on the leaves, because cyclamen leaves are round with a concave center and easily hold water. If not handled well, after the water evaporates it leaves water stain marks, and over time the leaf surface cannot breathe properly, making it easy for the leaves to dry out and turn yellow, affecting their ornamental value. It is best to wipe them with a soft cloth. When watering, water only when the soil is dry and water thoroughly each time. Do not water every day, because cyclamen has a bulbous root with water-storage capacity, and too much water easily causes bud drop and yellowing leaves. In spring, when the weather is dry, water once every three days; in autumn, watering about once every five days is enough.

4. Cyclamen leaves have curled

① Light: Cyclamen should be placed in a spot with ample light, such as a window or balcony, and the position of the pot should be changed frequently. Ample light makes the flowers more vivid and the leaves more glossy. Although cyclamen belongs to the Primulaceae family and is relatively shade-tolerant, insufficient light for a long time easily causes cyclamen leaves to turn yellow.

② Water: Watering should be properly controlled, as too much water causes root rot. You can wait until the flowers and leaves are slightly wilted before watering. For watering, you can use the bottom-soaking method, and do not pour too much water over the leaf surface.

③ Ventilation: Cyclamen likes ventilation. Smoke, dust and stale air will cause the petals to dry out and wither, but it should not be placed directly in a drafty opening either. Temperature: A room temperature above 5°C allows cyclamen to grow normally. When room temperature is on the low side, cyclamen can maintain a longer flowering period, but flowers appear slowly; when room temperature is on the high side, flowers appear quickly, but the flowering period is short.

④ Humidity: Humidity should be kept at 60%-70%. Too little humidity makes the flowers smaller, while too much humidity causes gray mold and other fungal diseases on the petals and leaves. It is strictly forbidden to spray water on the petals, otherwise the petals will rot.

⑤ Fertilizer: Fertilize twice a month, using imported or domestic compound fertilizer, 5-8 granules each time, placed 2 cm deep in the growing medium.

5. Cyclamen flower leaves turn yellow and dry up

Cyclamen leaves turning yellow and drying up are mainly caused by poor air permeability of the potting soil and the potting soil being too dry. When the temperature is 15-25°C, you can change to soil with better air permeability, and watering should supply water from the bottom. Water only when the potting soil is dry, and only when the water temperature is close to room temperature.