What are the reasons for the drying of gardenia leaves?
Compared to the majority of people, the reasons for the drying of gardenia leaves and the green plant flower planting content describing the remedial methods for withered leaves are as follows:
When potted gardenias show signs of withered leaves, chlorosis is the most common disease causing yellowing of the leaves. The main causes include overly dry soil, root problems, excessively alkaline soil, and insufficient soil nutrients. Withering of gardenia leaves needs to be taken very seriously, first observing the growing environment and plant condition, determining the cause, and taking corresponding measures. Let's understand below the reasons for the withering of potted gardenia leaves and how to deal with them.
One: Excessive or insufficient soil moisture
Gardenias require ample water, but the soil should not be overly moist, as this will turn the leaves yellow, showing older leaves turning yellow and the veins remaining green. While increasing the application of compound fertilizers to improve the growth matrix, move the potted plant to a well-ventilated area to dry, and water the soil after loosening it, mastering the watering frequency. It is also essential to ensure good drainage and soil aeration of the pot. If the existing potting soil does not meet these requirements, consider repotting.
Two: Excessively dry soil
It may also be due to excessively dry soil, especially in northern winters. The measure is to change the pot for a larger saucer, add water to the saucer to let the potting soil absorb it, and place it on a north-facing windowsill with diffused light until the plant recovers. If the older leaves turn from yellow to dry, the cause might be dry air, in which case, increase the humidity or mist around the plant or place a wet towel on the ground.
Three: Excessively alkaline soil
If it's not due to moist soil, consider whether it might be due to excessively alkaline soil. The best soil for growing potted gardenias is well-drained, loose, and fertile. Gardenias prefer acidic soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. If the soil pH is not suitable, it can prevent the plant from effectively absorbing required soil chemical elements such as iron, nitrogen, magnesium, and zinc, leading to mineral deficiencies, such as the common lack of magnesium and iron elements, causing chlorosis and yellow leaves.
When magnesium is deficient, the leaf base and tip remain green, the base may turn dark green, and applying a dose of phosphates, such as a 1% magnesium sulfate solution, can help.
Lack of iron leaves the base and veins green. When the weather is cold, and the plant has difficulty absorbing soil nutrients, it can cause chlorosis. It is usually treated in spring with a dilute solution of non-sulfuric agents to reduce soil alkalinity, such as 0.2% ferrous sulfate solution.
Four: Poor plant adaptation
For plants in the potting period, if the leaves first turn yellow and then the edges burn, move them to a location without direct sunlight to recover, ensuring that the soil moisture and air humidity are suitable. Avoid applying fertilizer and ferrous sulfate, and do not remove the yellow leaves.
Five: Insufficient or improper care
1. Fertilization
A short-term solution for plant chlorosis is to directly supplement the deficient elements into the soil, but this is only temporarily effective. Long-term, it is necessary to fertilize regularly and in controlled amounts. Fertilize directly into the soil, away from the plant's roots, to reduce direct contact with fertilizer and avoid fertilizer burn, which is another way to reduce yellow leaves.
2. Temperature
The optimal growth temperature for gardenias is 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. They require 5 to 10℃ during the winter. Below -10℃, they can easily suffer frost damage, leading to yellow leaves.
3. Light
Gardenias are sensitive to direct sunlight and should receive about 60% full sunlight daily. Insufficient light hinders photosynthesis.
4. Pests and diseases
Plants with chlorosis and leaf spot disease will have leaves that turn yellow and wither gradually. Pests can also harm plant health, causing leaves to become wilted and diseased leaves to turn yellow, including pests like刺蛾 (spiny caterpillars), scale insects, and whiteflies. It is essential to control pests and diseases promptly and take preventive measures to enhance plant resistance.
The above information is about the reasons for the drying of gardenia leaves and the remedial methods for withered leaves, for reference by green plant enthusiasts, hoping to solve your problems in green plant flower management.