Revive your Aglaonemas glow —learn why its leaves turn yellow and how to ensure they stay brilliantly red.
If you’ve noticed the vibrant red leaves of your beloved aglaonema fading to yellow, don’t panic! Yellowing leaves are a common issue that’s usually easy to resolve with a few adjustments to your plant’s care routine. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through all the potential causes of yellow leaves on red aglaonemas and how to nurse your plant back to health.
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What’s Causing the Yellow Leaves?
Yellowing leaves on your red aglaonema have a few potential causes Here are the most common culprits
Overwatering
Too much moisture is the number one reason aglaonema leaves turn yellow. These tropical plants prefer their soil to dry out slightly between waterings. If the soil stays wet for too long, the roots are constantly soaked and can’t get oxygen. This leads to root rot and a variety of other issues.
Signs your aglaonema is overwatered:
- Yellow, droopy, translucent leaves
- Mushy, black roots
- Mold or fungus on the soil
Underwatering
While aglaonemas don’t like constantly wet feet, letting them dry out too much also causes stress. If you wait too long between waterings, the leaves will start to yellow and wrinkle.
Clues your plant is underwatered:
- Leaves are yellow but not translucent or mushy
- Soil is completely dry
- New growth is small and stunted
Improper Lighting
Aglaonemas need bright, indirect light to thrive. Too much harsh sun scorches the leaves, while too little light causes them to yellow and stretch toward the light source.
If the yellow leaves are only on one side of your plant or appear pale and limp, insufficient light is likely the problem. Move it to a spot with filtered sunlight for a few hours a day.
Pests
Spider mites, mealybugs, scale and other tiny bugs can infest aglaonemas. They suck out nutrients and fluids, causing leaves to yellow and wilt. Check the undersides of leaves and stems for small insects or sticky residue. Treat infestations early with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Old Leaves Naturally Yellowing
As lower leaves age, it’s normal for them to yellow and eventually drop off. This is nothing to worry about as long as it’s only affecting a couple old leaves at a time. Just pinch them off to keep your plant looking its best.
If many leaves are rapidly yellowing, it’s likely another issue like improper moisture or light. Don’t assume it’s normal aging unless the yellow leaves are only near the soil line.
How to Fix Yellow Leaves
Once you’ve diagnosed the cause of your aglaonema’s yellow leaves, here are the steps to get it healthy again:
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Overwatering: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Remove any damaged leaves and rotted roots.
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Underwatering: Give the plant a thorough, deep watering and move to a spot with higher humidity.
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Light issues: Move the aglaonema to a spot with filtered sunlight or supplement with a grow light.
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Pests: Quarantine the plant and use organic sprays like neem oil to eliminate bugs. Treat repeatedly for a few weeks until they are gone.
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Stress: Keep the plant at ideal temperatures between 60-80°F and maintain 40-60% humidity.
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Nutrients: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
This won’t be an overnight fix, but you should see gradual improvement within a few weeks with consistent care. Don’t give up hope!
Preventing Future Yellowing
Once your aglaonema is back to full health, keep it that way by sticking to proper care:
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Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings and always dump excess water from the saucer.
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Place in a spot with bright, indirect light. Rotate the plant periodically if needed.
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Maintain humidity around 40-60% by misting the leaves daily or using a pebble tray.
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Inspect regularly for pests and treat any issues immediately. Quarantine new plants.
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Apply houseplant fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
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Repot annually in fresh potting mix to refresh the soil.
When to Seek Help
If you’ve tried everything and your aglaonema’s leaves keep turning yellow, reach out to your local extension office or nursery for advice. They can assess if the plant is salvageable or needs to be replaced. Don’t lose hope! With some persistence and care adjustments, your red aglaonema can bounce back from yellow leaves.
Key Takeaways
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Overwatering and underwatering are common causes of yellow aglaonema leaves. Stick to a consistent watering schedule.
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Ensure the plant gets bright, indirect light. Too much or too little light leads to yellowing.
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Look for signs of pests like webbing and treat infestations aggressively.
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Allow soil to dry out between waterings and always dump excess water from the saucer.
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Maintain ideal humidity and temperatures. Address any cultural stress.
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Fertilize regularly during the growing season for an extra boost.
With the right adjustments to its care, your red aglaonema can make a full recovery from yellow leaves. Identify the cause, address it, and be patient. With time and persistence, you can get your vibrant red-leafed beauty thriving once again.
Correcting Watering Practices
Watering is less of an exact science and more of a nuanced art. If your plants soil feels like the Sahara, its time for a deep drink. Conversely, if its more swamp than soil, hold off on the hydration. Remember, soggy roots are about as healthy for your plant as waterlogged fries are appetizing.
Immediate Actions to Alleviate Yellowing
Bright, indirect light is your Red Siam Aurora Aglaonemas jam. Direct sunlight? Thats a hard no, unless youre aiming for a leafy rendition of a sunburn. If your plants leaves are throwing shade by turning yellow, its time to reassess their spot. Move them away from the harsh rays but ensure they still get their light fix.
Aglaonema leaves turning yellow
FAQ
What does an overwatered Aglaonema look like?
Recognizing the Signs of Overwatering
Yellowing Leaves: One of the first signs is yellowing leaves. If your Aglaonema’s leaves are turning yellow, especially the lower ones, it’s likely a sign of too much water. Wilting or Drooping: It may seem counterintuitive, but an overwatered plant can look wilted.
How do I make my Aglaonema more red?
If you notice the coloration fading on your Aglaonema, try placing the plant in a brighter location with indirect light. Water your Aglaonema when 50% of the soil volume is dry. Water slowly, allowing it to soak into the soil, until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot.
How often do you water red Aglaonema?
It is preferable to keep your soil slightly moist, letting it dry out in between waterings. To avoid pooled water at the bottom, ensure that you are using a pot with holes for drainage and emptying the water tray of any excess water. In general, your plant will benefit from being watered once every two weeks.
Do yellow leaves always mean overwatering?
Overwatering and Underwatering both can contribute to the yellowing of leaves. Typically overwatering will have limp or mushy yellow leaves, while underwatered will shrivel and become crispy, often accompanied by browning. Fertilizer burn can also cause symptoms similar to overwatering.