What to Do When Begonia Leaves Turn Yellow? Learn How to Prune and Avoid Harsh Sunlight
Begonia is a fairly common plant in people's lives, with great ornamental value. But when even the most beautiful flowers turn yellow and wither, it drags down their overall beauty. So what should you do when begonia leaves turn yellow? There are many ways to solve this problem, and pruning is one of them. How to prune begonia is explained in detail below, so let's read on.
1. What to Do When Begonia Leaves Turn Yellow / Water Properly / Avoid Harsh Sunlight
Many causes can lead to begonia leaves turning yellow, such as improper watering, long-term exposure to harsh sunlight, or pests. The first two points are explained in detail below; if pests are the cause, you can refer to the article on begonia pest and disease control, which contains detailed prevention and treatment methods.
1. Improper watering
Improper watering is one of the main causes of begonia leaves turning yellow. Begonia's growing habits are very different from those of many plants: summer's high temperatures are its dormant period, and during this time the soil must not be too moist. Too much watering will cause the leaves to turn yellow and can even rot the roots and stems, leading to the plant's death.
Note: In summer, the soil must never be too moist, but of course you should not stop watering entirely. Generally, spraying a little water around the edge of the pot's soil is enough. During its dormant period, begonia does not need much water.
2. Intense sunlight
Although begonia is a sun-loving plant, it cannot be exposed to harsh sunlight for long periods, especially when the summer sun is at its strongest, because prolonged exposure will scorch the leaves and may even gradually kill the plant.
Note: When the summer sun is fairly strong, you should promptly move the begonia indoors to a semi-shaded spot for growing. This lets it avoid harsh sunlight without missing out on the nutrients from sunlight, so everyone should definitely pay attention to this point.
2. How to Prune Begonia
1. Spring pruning
Spring is when begonia begins to sprout new buds, and this is the time to cut away dead branches and rotten leaves, which can effectively promote the growth of new buds. When pruning, be sure to cut away some overly long branches and leaves according to the begonia's shape requirements, to encourage side branches to grow and increase the number of flowering branches.
2. Pruning after flowers fade
Pruning is also needed when the begonia flowers fade. At this time you can shorten its long branches, keeping only 3-4 buds at the base, because this helps increase the short branches that form flower buds, so everyone should definitely remember this point.
3. Pruning after leaf drop
Begonia also needs pruning after its leaves drop, to allow better growth the following year and to preserve nutrients through winter. The pruning method is the same as in spring; see the above for details, and I won't repeat it here.
What to Do When Begonia Leaves Turn Yellow
Causes of Begonia Leaves Turning Yellow
Improper watering of begonia
During begonia's high-temperature summer dormant period, the soil should be on the dry side and must not be too moist, so watering should be reduced; otherwise it will cause leaf drop and stem withering, and the entire root system will rot, ultimately killing the whole plant. Soil that is too dry will cause it to harden, preventing the roots from breathing and causing the leaves to wither.
Begonia lacking trace elements
During begonia's growth, a lack of some trace element may hinder its growth. For example, if begonia lacks iron, the leaves will turn yellow. A lack of magnesium can also cause leaves to turn yellow. These trace elements are important for synthesizing chlorophyll.
Insufficient or excessive light for begonia
Begonia likes sunlight and is not shade-tolerant. Insufficient light will prevent begonia from synthesizing chlorophyll, turning the leaves yellow. When summer temperatures are too high, harsh sunlight exposure will also scorch the leaves and may even wither them.
Improper fertilizing of begonia
Begonia needs fertilizing during its growing period. If there is not enough fertilizer and no base fertilizer, the plant will become stunted and the leaves will become thin and pale or red. Too much fertilizer will cause fertilizer burn, and the leaves will also turn yellow. Too much fertilizer during the summer dormant period will also cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Solutions for Begonia Leaves Turning Yellow
Water properly
During begonia's summer dormant period, reduce watering; you can spray water around the edge of the pot's soil. But you cannot give it no water at all. During the normal growing period, you must also meet its water needs. Fertilize properly: in early spring, fertilize the begonia, and after the leaves drop in autumn, apply a top dressing to replenish nutrients. Normally you can use some specialized fertilizer. If you have not fertilized the begonia for a long time, apply a dilute liquid fertilizer or compound chemical fertilizer about once every week. If the begonia lacks iron, you can spray ferrous sulfate to supplement iron. If it lacks magnesium, you can apply some fertilizer containing magnesium.
Pay attention to light conditions
In high-temperature summer weather, avoid exposing the begonia to harsh sunlight. In winter, when you bring the begonia indoors to keep it warm, be sure to place it in a sunny spot and not in a dark corner.
What to Do When Begonia Leaves Turn Yellow and What Causes It
Begonia is a very popular plant commonly seen in our lives. Whether in ancient or modern times, begonia is a model of appeal to both refined and popular tastes. During growing, you may encounter the problem of begonia leaves turning yellow, so what should you do when begonia leaves turn yellow?
Causes of Begonia Leaves Turning Yellow:
Improper watering of begonia
During begonia's high-temperature summer dormant period, the soil should be on the dry side and must not be too moist, so watering should be reduced; otherwise it will cause leaf drop and stem withering, and the entire root system will rot, ultimately killing the whole plant. Soil that is too dry will cause it to harden, preventing the roots from breathing and causing the leaves to wither.
Begonia lacking trace elements
During begonia's growth, a lack of some trace element may hinder its growth. For example, if begonia lacks iron, the leaves will turn yellow. A lack of magnesium can also cause leaves to turn yellow. These trace elements are important for synthesizing chlorophyll.
Insufficient or excessive light for begonia
Begonia likes sunlight and is not shade-tolerant. Insufficient light will prevent begonia from synthesizing chlorophyll, turning the leaves yellow. When summer temperatures are too high, harsh sunlight exposure will also scorch the leaves and may even wither them.
Improper fertilizing of begonia
Begonia needs fertilizing during its growing period. If there is not enough fertilizer and no base fertilizer, the plant will become stunted and the leaves will become thin and pale or red. Too much fertilizer will cause fertilizer burn, and the leaves will also turn yellow. Too much fertilizer during the summer dormant period will also cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Solutions for Begonia Leaves Turning Yellow:
Water properly
During begonia's summer dormant period, reduce watering; you can spray water around the edge of the pot's soil. But you cannot give it no water at all. During the normal growing period, you must also meet its water needs. Fertilize properly: in early spring, fertilize the begonia, and after the leaves drop in autumn, apply a top dressing to replenish nutrients. Normally you can use some specialized fertilizer. If you have not fertilized the begonia for a long time, apply a dilute liquid fertilizer or compound chemical fertilizer about once every week. If the begonia lacks iron, you can spray ferrous sulfate to supplement iron. If it lacks magnesium, you can apply some fertilizer containing magnesium.
Pay attention to light conditions
In high-temperature summer weather, avoid exposing the begonia to harsh sunlight. In winter, when you bring the begonia indoors to keep it warm, be sure to place it in a sunny spot and not in a dark corner.