If you’ve ever seen yellow leaves on your what-was-once-green-plant, read on to find out the causes, symptoms and solutions. It’s going to be fine!
Seeing those vibrant green arrowroot leaves slowly turn yellow can be worrisome for any plant parent. But don’t fret! With proper care and troubleshooting, your arrowroot can regain its health.
In this article, we’ll explore the top reasons for yellowing arrowroot leaves and give you tips to get your plant thriving again
Overwatering
Excessive watering is the number one culprit when arrowroot leaves turn yellow. These tropical tubers thrive in moist yet well-draining soil. Too much water prevents oxygen from reaching the roots, leading to root rot. Damaged roots cannot take up nutrients, causing the leaves to yellow and wilt.
Solutions
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Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings, Check the top few inches with your finger,
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Ensure the container has drainage holes at the bottom. Pour excess water away after watering.
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Use a well-aerated potting mix, not dense garden soil.
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Water less in winter when growth slows.
Underwatering
While overwatering is more common, going too long between waterings can also cause yellowing. Dry soil leads to root damage and nutrient deficiencies. Leaves may yellow and crisp up if the plant is very thirsty.
Solutions
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Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Arrowroots like consistently moist soil.
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Choose a potting mix that holds some moisture while still draining well.
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Increase humidity around the plant to reduce transpiration and drying out.
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Water lightly more often, rather than heavy watering at longer intervals.
Nutrient Deficiency
Without proper nutrition, arrowroot leaves can’t synthesize the chlorophyll needed for photosynthesis. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are vital. Deficiency in any of these leads to chlorosis (leaf yellowing).
Solutions
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Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer with balanced fertilizer.
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Add compost or worm castings to naturally enrich the soil.
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If soil pH is too low, nutrients remain unavailable to plant. Test pH and amend if needed.
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Overfertilizing can also cause salt buildup and yellowing. Flush soil to remove excess.
Insufficient Light
Arrowroots thrive in bright, indirect light. Too little light prevents them from producing enough chlorophyll, causing yellowing leaves. New growth may be pale and stunted.
Solutions
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Place arrowroot near a sunny window, but avoid direct hot sunlight.
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Rotate the plant periodically so all sides get light exposure.
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Provide 12-14 hours of bright light daily. Supplement with grow lights if needed.
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Yellow leaves caused by insufficient light won’t recover. Only new growth will regain normal color.
Temperature Stress
Temperatures below 50°F or rapid shifts in temperature can stress this tropical plant. Witharrowroots native to rainforests, they prefer warm and steady temperatures.
Solutions
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Ideal temps are 60-80°F. Avoid placing near hot/cold drafts.
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Use a portable heater or cooling fan to keep temps stable.
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Move to a warmer spot in winter, away from cold windows.
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Ensure day and night temps don’t fluctuate more than 10°F.
Low Humidity
Warm and humid conditions mimic the arrowroot’s native habitat. Dry air causes the leaf margins to brown and curl, progressing to full yellowing if not fixed.
Solutions
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Use a humidifier to maintain 50-60% humidity around the plant.
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Mist the leaves daily for a quick humidity boost.
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Place the pot on a pebble tray with water, letting evaporation increase humidity.
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Avoid positioning near heat/AC vents which dehumidify the air.
Pests
Spider mites, scale, and other sap-sucking pests can infest arrowroots. They pierce the leaves and feed on juices, leaving yellow speckles and spots behind.
Solutions
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Isolate and inspect infected plants immediately.
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Remove pests with pressurized water or cotton swabs soaked in alcohol.
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Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays every 5-7 days until pests are gone.
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Remove badly damaged leaves to prevent further spread.
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Increase humidity which discourages pests.
Diseases
Fungal or bacterial diseases like leaf spot can also lead to yellowing. Spots and lesions spread, eventually turning the entire leaf yellow.
Solutions
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Prune off infected leaves immediately and dispose of them.
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Treat with an appropriate fungicide or bactericide.
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Avoid overhead watering which spreads pathogens.
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Sterilize tools after pruning to prevent transmission.
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Improve air circulation and reduce humidity to discourage diseases.
Natural Causes
As part of the normal growth cycle, lower mature leaves may turn yellow and drop. This is not cause for concern as long as it’s only the oldest leaves and new growth looks healthy. The plant is just focusing energy on new leaves.
When to Worry
While an occasional yellow leaf here and there is normal, significant or rapid yellowing warrants attention. Don’t wait until the plant is entirely yellow and stressed. Catching problems early makes treatment much easier!
Corrective Care for Yellow Arrowroots
Follow these tips to nurse your arrowroot back to health:
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Prune off damaged and diseased growth to prevent spread.
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Move plant to a bright, warm location between 60-80°F.
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Water adequately to moisten dry soil, but don’t soak the pot.
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Wipe leaves with damp cloth to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
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Fertilize weakly weekly until the plant rebounds.
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Monitor for pests and treat any infestations immediately.
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Reduce water and hold off fertilizing until recovery if overwatered.
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Be patient! It takes time for new healthy leaves to grow in.
Avoid Future Yellowing
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to yellow arrowroot leaves. Here are some care tips:
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Water thoroughly when top inch of soil is dry. Don’t let pot sit in water.
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Fertilize monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Ensure high but indirect light – rotate if needed.
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Keep humidity around 50-60% with daily misting.
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Prune off spent lower leaves to encourage new growth.
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Repot annually in fresh, well-draining potting mix.
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Inspect frequently for pests and treat early.
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Keep temperatures ideal between 60-80°F with minimal fluctuation.
With proper care, your arrowroot will reward you with stunning deep green foliage. But if those leaves do start yellowing, address the underlying cause right away. Catching problems early and adjusting care is key to reviving an ailing arrowroot plant.
Yellow Leaves Fading to Green or Turning Bright Yellow
Are the leaves turning bright yellow and is the soil wet? You might even notice blackened stem bases or fungus gnats. This is a sign of overwatering. You can correct this by letting the soil dry out or repotting the plant in dry soil.
Whole Plant Yellowing (May or May Not Drop Leaves)
Most likely a temperature issue — it’s either too cold or too hot for your plant where it is placed. This will usually be a more pale yellow or whitish yellow. Temperature will flux around the plant too much or will be obvious, like a radiator or a draft. It could also be a fertilizer issue. If no obvious temperature causes are present and the soil seems normal, try a little fertilizer.
Why leaves are turning yellow I How To Fix It
FAQ
Why is my arrowroot plant turning yellow?
What is a solution for yellowing of leaves?
What mineral is lacking when a plant leaves turn yellow?
How to make yellow leaves green again?
Why do Arrowhead plants turn yellow?
There are several explanations why the leaves of the Arrowhead plant turn yellow. Read on to know why. The moisture in the soil is one of the reasons why the plant’s leaves turn yellow. It the soil is wet, or if the plant suffers from “wet feet,” the result is the yellowing leaf.
Why are my plant’s leaves turning yellow?
The moisture in the soil is one of the reasons why the plant’s leaves turn yellow. It the soil is wet, or if the plant suffers from “wet feet,” the result is the yellowing leaf. Although this type of plant loves high humidity, it is not advisable for the plant, especially its roots to sit long on wetness and moisture.
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 keep a plant from turning yellow?
Adjusting your plant care regimen early can help keep even a single leaf from turning yellow. Usually, if you catch a plant when the leaves first turn yellow, there may be time to turn it around. But in some instances, the plant could be too far gone to be saved.