What Causes the Ficus Lyrata Leaves to Turn Yellow
As a popular choice for indoor greenery, the Ficus lyrata's glossy green leaves are adored. However, when the leaves show abnormal yellowing, it often leaves caretakers at a loss. This article will systematically analyze the seven main causes of yellowing leaves in Ficus lyrata and provide corresponding solutions to help you quickly rescue your beloved green plants.
Analysis and Treatment of Yellowing Due to Overwatering
Two Manifestations of Imbalanced Watering
Improper watering is often the primary cause of yellowing leaves. Overwatering leads to root rot from积水, resulting in new leaves turning yellow first, while prolonged drought causes old leaves to turn yellow from the bottom up. It is recommended to use the "fingertip test": insert the index finger into the second knuckle of the soil, add water if dry, and delay if moist.
Scientific Watering Plan
In spring and autumn, maintain a watering cycle of 5-7 days, in summer reduce to every 3 days but with less water per watering, and in winter extend to every 10-15 days. It is recommended to use a long-spout watering can to slowly seep water along the pot edges, and using a smart pot with a water level line is even better.
Yellowing Leaves Due to Nutritional Imbalance
Double Dangers of Fertilizer Concentration
Excessive fertilizer can burn the roots, causing new leaves to become thick and deformed, while insufficient fertilizer leads to yellowing of tender leaves. It is recommended to follow the principle of "frequent application of thin fertilizer," applying diluted foliage plant-specific fertilizer (500 times) twice a month during the growing season in spring and autumn, and stopping fertilization during the dormant periods of winter and summer.
Emergency Remedial Measures
If fertilizer damage is detected, immediately water with clean water for three consecutive times, and replace the top 5 cm of soil. For yellowing due to insufficient fertilizer, spray 0.2% urea solution on the leaves, and combine it with root watering with seaweed fertilizer for quicker results.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Iron Deficiency Yellowing
Typical Symptom Identification
Yellowing of the leaf flesh while the veins remain green with a net-like pattern is characteristic of iron deficiency. This condition often occurs in alkaline soil areas in the north or in plants that have been watered directly with tap water for a long time.
Precise Iron Supplement Plan
Apply ferrous sulfate fertilizer water (ferrous sulfate: cake fertilizer: water = 1:3:100) once a month, and bury 3-5 rusty nails in the potting soil. It is recommended to collect rainwater for watering, or let tap water stand for 3 days before use.
What Causes the Ficus Lyrata Leaves to Turn Yellow
Environmental Factor Adjustment
Double Management of Light and Temperature
In summer, provide 50%-70% shade and place it near an east-facing window; in winter, maintain temperatures above 15°C and keep it away from the outlets of radiators. Use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor the environment in real-time, with the ideal conditions being humidity of 60%-70% and temperature of 18-28°C.
Emergency Response Plan
Move sunburned plants to a scattered light area, prune the burned leaves, and spray with brassinolide. Gradually increase the temperature for frozen plants, avoid placing them directly near radiators, and use a transparent plastic bag to keep moisture and recover seedlings.
Optimization of Soil System
Scientific Soil Mixing Plan
It is recommended to use a mixed matrix of decomposed leaf soil: perlite: river sand = 5:3:2, and add 10% pine phosphate every two years when repotting to improve aeration. Beginners can choose the commercially available "Ficus lyrata special soil," which contains slow-release fertilizer and pH regulators.
Key Points of Repotting
Control water for 3 days before repotting in spring, retain 1/3 of the protective soil, and prune 1/3 of the old roots. After repotting, place it in a well-ventilated, shaded area to recover seedlings for 2 weeks, and combine with watering a rooting powder solution.
Comprehensive Care Points
Prevention and Control of Diseases and Pests
Spray the back of the leaves with garlic extract (1:20) monthly to prevent red spider mites, and use alcohol swabs to remove scale insects promptly. For root rot, prune the roots and soak in a fungicide solution for 1 hour.
Environmental Control Techniques
Use a circulating fan to maintain air circulation, but avoid direct blows to the plant. Regularly wipe the leaves with a soft cloth dipped in beer, which cleans and supplements nutrients.
With the above systematic care, more than 90% of yellowing leaf issues can be improved. It is recommended to keep a maintenance log, recording watering, fertilizing times, and changes in the plant. Remember that prevention is better than cure, rotate the pot regularly to ensure even light exposure, apply microbial agents every quarter to care for the roots, and keep your Ficus lyrata lush and healthy throughout the year.