What causes the yellowing of gardenia leaves?
Today, I will introduce the reasons for the yellowing of gardenia leaves and share some related experience on the cultivation of gardenias, including detailed tips on caring for them. Let's learn about it together.
The most feared thing about growing flowers is yellowing leaves. Once yellow leaves appear, the condition tends to worsen, eventually leading to the death of the plant, which can be quite disheartening... Today, I have summarized the issues related to yellow leaves and their solutions, so after reading this, you will be able to handle it on your own!
Gardenia
Gardenias are particularly prone to yellowing leaves, and there are many reasons for this. Not every yellowing gardenia needs to be watered with iron sulfate. If you do so without understanding the cause, it might harm the plant.
1. Overwatering
If the pot remains damp (moist for more than 2 days), it can cause the leaves to become yellow and eventually lead to blackened edges, black spots, and bud drop.
Solution: Ensure proper ventilation by moving the plant to a balcony, window sill, or outside. Stop watering temporarily, and if there are signs of rot, change the pot and clean the rotten roots, then replant.
2. Fertilizer burn
Gardenias in bloom should not be fertilized, as this can cause flower drop and leaf edges to become dry and curled, resembling scorching, along with blackening.
Solution: If fertilizer burn has occurred, place the pot on an empty stool and water thoroughly to wash out the excess fertilizer. Solid fertilizer can be removed.
Note: Fertilizing is still possible before the buds show color. Spray the leaves with a solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (1:1000), avoiding the buds, and water the roots with a ratio of 1:2000. Do not make it too concentrated.
3. Iron deficiency yellowing
Water with high alkalinity or soil alkalization can cause yellowing leaves, initially with dark veins, and later the veins also turn yellow, indicating iron or sulfur deficiency.
Solution: Water with iron sulfate solution once a month, using a 1:2000 ratio for root watering. There's no need to water during the flowering period. You can also make acidic water using rainwater, aquarium water, or soaked fruit peels for 12-24 hours. Fermented rice water diluted with 100 times clear water, or using edible-level citric acid to soak rusted nails can also work.
What causes the yellowing of gardenia leaves?
Note: After detecting iron deficiency yellowing, treat the yellow leaves first, and only use other fertilizers after the leaves turn green, as otherwise, it may cause more severe fertilizer injury!
4. Normal metabolism
Small gardenias with many flower buds in the market are often treated with fertilizers and hormones in greenhouses. Once brought home without continued fertilization, the plants may not have enough nutrients to bloom, leading to yellowing of old leaves.
Solution: Remove small flower buds and retain 3-5 large ones. Remove old yellow leaves promptly, and if severe, remove all flower buds to encourage new growth.
The above information explains the reasons for the yellowing of gardenia leaves and provides detailed tips on caring for gardenias. I hope it can be helpful to you in your daily life!