Why Are the Bottom Leaves of the Wealth Tree Yellowing and Soft?
The wealth tree, a common houseplant, often causes concern among gardeners when its leaves turn yellow and become soft. This not only affects its ornamental value but also serves as a health warning from the plant. This article delves into five key maintenance dimensions to provide a comprehensive analysis of the causes of yellow leaves and their solutions.
I. Imbalance in Water Management Causes Yellow Leaves
Symptom Identification Features
Overwatering causes the leaves to wilt overall, with water-stained yellow spots on the leaf tips; underwatering results in the drying of old leaves from bottom to top, and the petioles are easily broken. A dry soil surface of 2cm is an important criterion for judgment.
Scientific Watering Steps
Water thoroughly every 5-7 days in spring and autumn, observe soil moisture every 3 days in summer, and extend to 10-15 days in winter. It is recommended to use the immersion pot method: place the pot in a water basin, remove it once the surface is moist, ensuring even absorption.
II. Improper Fertilization Leads to Nutritional Imbalance
Excessive Fertilizer Symptoms
New leaves are thick but wrinkled, old leaves have crispy edges, and white salt crystals are visible on the surface of the potting soil. Fertilization should be stopped immediately, and the potting soil should be flushed with large amounts of water three times.
Supplementary Solution for Fertilizer Deficiency
Apply a balanced nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer (20-20-20) monthly during the growing season, and switch to a calcium-magnesium fertilizer in winter. It is recommended to use ripe rice water (diluted 1:20) as an organic top dressing.
III. Key Points for Light Environment Control
Signs of Excessive Light
Leaf burn spots appear, the leaf color fades to a lighter green, and new leaves curl. It is recommended to set up double-layer gauze curtains to filter strong light, maintaining a light intensity of 20000-30000 lux.
Improving Insufficient Light
Rotate the pot 45 degrees weekly to ensure even light exposure. LED grow lights can be补充ed during阴暗 and rainy seasons, providing 4-6 hours of additional light daily.
IV. Collaborative Management of Temperature and Ventilation
Low temperatures in winter (＜10℃) can cause old leaves to fall, while high temperatures in summer (＞35℃) can cause new leaves to burn. Maintain an ideal temperature of 18-28℃, and use a circulating fan for 2 hours of ventilation daily.
V. Techniques for Diagnosing Root Health
Regularly check the condition of the fleshy roots: healthy roots are milky white, while decayed roots turn black and soften. When repotting, retain 1/3 of the protective soil and soak in a 800x solution of carbendazim for disinfection.
By systematically checking the five maintenance factors, more than 80% of yellow leaf issues can be effectively controlled. It is recommended to keep a maintenance log, recording watering/fertilizing/pot rotation times, and adjust maintenance strategies dynamically with seasonal changes to restore the wealth tree's lush and green healthy state.