Pilea microphylla, also commonly known as artillery plant, is an annual or short-lived perennial. It’s best recognized by its many pairs of small, fleshy green leaves that give the plant an almost fern-like appearance.
Tiny green flowers appear during the growing season but they aren’t very prominent. However, they do release a burst of yellow pollen, which earned the plant its common name.
Artillery plants grow best in warm conditions and require bright, indirect light, along with moist but well-draining soil.
The artillery plant, also known as Pilea microphylla, is beloved for its unique, fern-like foliage. But those vibrant green leaves can suddenly take an alarming yellow hue, sending plant parents into a panic.
If you’ve noticed your artillery plant’s leaves yellowing, don’t despair. With some detective work, you can get to the root of the issue and restore your plant’s health.
Common Causes of Yellow Leaves
Yellowing leaves on your artillery plant can indicate a few different underlying problems. Here are some of the most common culprits.
Overwatering
Too much moisture is public enemy number one for artillery plants. These tropical plants thrive in humid conditions but their rootsdemand excellent drainage. Sitting in soggy soil leads to root rot which blocks the roots’ ability to take up nutrients. Without those essential minerals the leaves yellow.
Solution Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings Pour out any excess water in the saucer after 30 minutes Consider repotting in a pot with drainage holes if needed,
Underwatering
On the flip side, leaving your artillery plant too dry can also cause yellowing as the roots get desiccated Parched plants become stressed and cannibalize their leaves for moisture
Solution: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Be consistent with your watering schedule.
Low Light
Artillery plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Without enough sun, their leaves lose their vibrant green hue and turn yellow.
Solution: Place your plant near an east or west-facing window where it will get a few hours of gentle morning or afternoon sun. Rotate it weekly so all sides get illuminated.
Nutrient Deficiency
A lack of essential nutrients like nitrogen, magnesium, and iron can starve your plant, causing chlorosis (yellowing leaves). This often results from overwatering, which leaches nutrients from the soil.
Solution: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer. Repot annually in fresh potting mix to replenish nutrients.
Root Rot
The stealth assassin of houseplants, root rot is notoriously hard to detect until it’s taken hold. But yellowing leaves are your red flag that something is wrong below the soil line. Inspect the roots – if they are dark, mushy, or foul-smelling, root rot is present.
Solution: Trim off any rotten roots with sterilized shears. Repot in fresh, well-draining soil. Hold off watering and let it recover. Apply a fungicide drench if the rot is severe.
Pests
Sap-sucking bugs like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs drain your plant of nutrients, causing yellowing. Check the undersides of leaves and new growth for small insects or white crusty deposits. Sticky leaves can also signal an infestation.
Solution: Isolate the affected plant and wipe leaves with a soft cloth dipped in insecticidal soap. Apply neem oil or introduce predatory insects for heavy infestations.
Environmental Stress
Any sudden changes in environment – temperature swings, drafts, low humidity – can stress your artillery plant. The shock disrupts photosynthesis and causes yellowing.
Solution: Provide as stable an environment as possible, around 65-75°F. Shield from heating and cooling vents. Group plants together to boost ambient humidity.
Preventing Future Yellowing
Once you’ve diagnosed and treated the cause of yellowing, it’s important to take proactive steps to prevent encore performances. Here are some artillery plant best practices:
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Repot annually in fresh potting mix to replenish nutrients.
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Allow soil to dry out between waterings and water thoroughly.
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Provide bright, indirect light 6-8 hours per day.
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Apply diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer.
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Keep leaves dust-free by wiping with a damp cloth once a month.
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Monitor closely for pests and treat immediately if discovered.
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Avoid drafts and rapid temperature fluctuations.
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Prune leggy growth to encourage bushy, compact growth.
When to Worry
While yellow leaves are usually a temporary setback, rapid or severe yellowing that does not respond to treatment may signal a more serious underlying issue.
Consult a local greenhouse or plant nursery if your artillery plant experiences:
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Sudden leaf drop or defoliation
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Widespread yellowing affecting most of the plant
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Yellowing that continues to worsen despite treatment
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Visible signs of pests, fungi, or root issues
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Wilting or drooping of stems and leaves
With some TLC and troubleshooting, you can nurse your artillery plant back to its vibrant glory. Stay vigilant in providing good care and your green companion will flourish once more!
Pilea Microphylla Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing Pilea microphylla:
- Plant in loose, well-draining soil.
- Choose a location with bright, indirect sun.
- Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilize lightly during the growing months if desired.
To propagate by stem cuttings:
- Gather the following supplies: Clean, sharp garden snips, a small pot, and peat moss (or a glass jar if you plan to start the cutting in water).
- Use the garden snips to cut away a stem about four inches long. Be sure that the cutting has several pairs of leaves.
- Trim away the bottom leaves. Place the cutting in water or moist peat moss, with the top leaves above the water or moss.
- Keep the cutting in a bright area and keep it moist.
- Once roots have formed, the cutting is ready to be transplanted into the garden or a new pot.
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FAQ
How often should I water an artillery fern?
How do you fix yellow leaves on plants?
Should I remove yellow leaves from Pilea?
What is a plant lacking if the leaves turn yellow?
Why are my houseplants leaves turning yellow?
If a houseplant’s soil pH is too low or too high, it cannot access certain nutrients that are available in the soil and cause yellow leaves. Most houseplants like neutral soil or a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.0, says Langelo. If the soil is too acidic then leaves show a dark dull green color.
Can You repot a houseplant if it turns yellow?
During this period, don’t fertilize your plant. If you have brought home a new plant, wait about a week to repot it to give it time to adjust to your home. Houseplant leaves turn yellow for a number of reasons but with proper attention and care the plant can often be saved.
Do yellow leaves mean a plant is dying?
Yellow leaves on plants don’t necessarily mean the overall plant is dying. Sometimes, older leaves turn yellow and shed. If the cause for yellowing is reversible and the plant is otherwise healthy, then there’s no reason to think the plant is beyond repair.
How do you know if a plant is dying?
Before they drop, though, the leaves will typically turn yellow, sometimes at the tips, and sometimes with brown spots. If the soil is dry and this is happening, make it a point to get the plant on a regular watering schedule. Too much water can be just as damaging to leaves.