"Ficus Lyrata" leaves turning yellow and falling off
As autumn sets in, many plant enthusiasts notice that their Ficus Lyrata, a symbol of indoor large foliage plants, are showing symptoms of yellowing and shedding leaves. Abnormalities in the leaves often indicate root health issues. This article will analyze the causes of yellowing leaves from multiple perspectives and provide actionable treatment solutions to help you rescue your greenery in time.
Four major causes of yellowing and leaf shedding in Ficus Lyrata
Light imbalance causing metabolic disorders
Intense sunlight in summer can cause leaf burn, manifesting as curled and yellowed leaf tips. It is recommended to use a shading net to filter 40% of the light from 10:00 to 16:00 daily from May to September. Conversely, long-term placement in a shaded environment can hinder chlorophyll synthesis; turning the pot 90 degrees weekly can ensure even light exposure, and in winter, ensure 4 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Early warning signs of waterlogging and root rot
When the soil is moist but the leaves continue to turn yellow, be alert to the risk of root rot. It is suggested to use the 'three-check method': water only when the top 2cm of soil is dry; check if the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot are unobstructed; and empty the saucer of accumulated water promptly. If root rot has occurred, immediately remove the plant from the pot, trim the affected roots, and soak in a 1000-fold solution of potassium permanganate for 30 minutes before using a new matrix of perlite:vermiculite in a 3:1 ratio.
Emergency treatment for low-temperature frost damage
Temperatures below 10°C in winter can cause cell frostbite, symptoms of which include dark yellow and wilted leaves. Besides moving the plant indoors for warmth, the 'warm water revival method' can be used: fill a spray bottle with 28°C warm water and spray the leaves daily at noon, while wrapping the pot with foam board for insulation. If frost damage has occurred, cut off the damaged leaves to retain the buds and use seaweed extract to promote new leaf growth.
Systematic treatment plan implementation steps
Initiate a 'three-level response' immediately upon discovering yellow leaves: level one involves removing the yellow leaves and recording the count; level two involves checking environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, light intensity); and level three involves implementing specific treatments based on symptoms. It is recommended to apply EM bacteria solution every quarter to improve the soil and use red-blue supplementary lights to maintain photosynthetic efficiency during winter.
By establishing a maintenance log that records key data such as watering cycles, fertilization times, and the sprouting of new leaves, it is possible to effectively prevent the recurrence of yellow leaves. When the rate of new leaf expansion reaches 80% and no yellow leaves appear for 30 consecutive days, it indicates that the plant has recovered to a healthy state.