Strawberries are one of the most rewarding plants to grow. Not only do they taste delicious, but seeing bright red fruit on a background of vibrant green leaves is sure to make any day better. That is why the appearance of red leaves can raise questions and concerns about the health of your plants and the potential implications. So, what causes red leaves on strawberry plants and are they a problem?
Seeing red leaves on your strawberry plants can be alarming. The vibrant green foliage provides a perfect contrast to the ripe red berries so any change in leaf color seems like a bad sign. However there are several common reasons why strawberry leaves turn red. With proper care and troubleshooting, red leaves don’t have to spell disaster for your crop.
Leaf scorch – 4
Cold temperatures – 2
Improper watering – 3
Lack of nutrients – 3
Pests – 2
Diseases – 3
What Causes Red Strawberry Leaves?
While red stems are normal for strawberries, red leaves are not. Here are the most common culprits behind reddish strawberry foliage
Leaf Scorch
Leaf scorch is one of the most prevalent causes of red strawberry leaves. This foliar fungus (Diplocarpon earlianum) creates purplish-brown lesions on the leaves that gradually spread. As the fungal infection worsens, the spots fuse into large red or purple blotches. The pattern looks random, like the leaf has been burned or scorched by fire.
Wet, cool weather favors leaf scorch. During rainy springs, be vigilant about checking for early symptoms. Remove and destroy any infected leaves to prevent spread. A preventive neem oil spray can also deter the fungus.
Cold Temperatures
Sudden cold snaps can shock strawberry plants, leading to red pigments in the leaves. This is an automatic protective response designed to shield the plant’s tissues from damage. Young, tender leaves are most susceptible to cold-induced reddening.
If cold weather is coming, protect plants with row covers and straw mulch. Provide extra insulation for newly planted crowns. Don’t worry about red leaves in late fall; this signifies natural winter hardening.
Improper Watering
Both under and over-watering strawberries can instigate red leaves. Drought stress causes foliage to dry, curl, and turn red around the edges and tips. Conversely, saturated soil leads to root rot and red, dying leaves.
Carefully monitor soil moisture and only water when the top few inches become dry. Improve drainage in poorly draining beds with compost. Add organic mulch to help retain moisture in sandy soils. Proper watering prevents nutritional deficiencies that can also redden leaves.
Lack of Nutrients
Nutrient deficiencies often manifest as red leaves in strawberries. Phosphorus and nitrogen are particularly important for vibrant greens.
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer when planting and supplement with bone meal or rock phosphate. Maintain proper soil pH between 5.5-7.0 so nutrients remain available. Monthly compost top-dressings prevent nutrient shortages.
Pests
Spider mites, lygus bugs, root weevils, and other pests can puncture, deform, or feed on strawberry leaves. This leads to red spots, curled margins, wilting, and stunted growth.
Check undersides of leaves for bugs. Remove debris that harbors pests. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can control heavy infestations when applied correctly.
Diseases
Foliar fungal diseases like leaf spot (Mycosphaerella fragariae), leaf blight (Phomopsis obscurans), and powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca macularis) can turn strawberry leaves red.
Plant resistant varieties when possible. Remove and destroy infected leaves. Allow for airflow between plants to inhibit fungal sporulation. Water at the base only to minimize moisture on leaves.
Should You Worry About Red Leaves?
Red strawberry leaves are usually more of an aesthetic issue than a real problem. Your plants can tolerate some partial leaf loss or discoloration without major impacts on yields. However, prolonged nutritional or pest stresses will take a toll on vigor and fruit production.
Catching issues early allows you to take corrective care measures before things escalate. Monitor plants vigilantly to pinpoint the trigger for red leaves before significant defoliation occurs. With prompt troubleshooting, red leaves don’t have to ruin your strawberry harvest.
How to Prevent and Treat Red Strawberry Leaves
While you can’t entirely control environmental stressors, properly caring for your strawberries gives them the best shot at staying green. Here are some tips:
With attentive care and prompt treatment, your strawberry leaves can stay lush, green, and healthy. Don’t panic if some reddening occurs—just take appropriate action to get your plants back on track. Paying close attention to your strawberries gives you the power to catch problems before they escalate into major issues.
What causes red leaves?
- Natural ripening process: One common cause of red leaves on strawberry plants is the natural ripening process. As strawberries mature and approach readiness for harvest, the leaves closest to the fruit might begin to turn red. This can be a sign that the plant is preparing to yield ripe berries. Similarly, as we reach the end of the season, leaves may turn red as the plant starts to go dormant for the winter.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Imbalances in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium can affect leaf colour. A deficiency in nutrients required for chlorophyll production might cause leaves to turn red.
- Stress factors: Environmental stressors, such as extreme temperatures, drought, or excessive sunlight, can lead to the reddening of strawberry leaves. Stress can disrupt the plants normal physiological processes, causing changes in leaf colour.
- Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can lead to the production of anthocyanins as a form of protection against sunburn and damage from UV rays. This is more likely to occur in young leaves that are still developing their protective mechanisms. To help prevent this, ensure that your strawberries are given some shade, particularly in extreme summer heat.
- A lack of water will prevent any plant from taking up nutrients, and strawberries are no different. If you find that you have loose soil or your soil dries out too quickly, adding organic matter such as compost or manure can quickly help with water retention issues.
- Soil pH: Strawberries like their soil to be slightly acidic. If they are grown in soil that is too alkaline, it can hinder the plants’ absorption of essential nutrients. This then creates a nutrient deficiency which, as previously discussed, can cause the leaves to turn red. To lower the pH of your soil, add a small amount of sulphur or sulphate of iron.
- Pests & diseases: Infestations of pests like aphids or diseases like common leaf spot can lead to the discolouration and reddening of leaves. These issues can interfere with the plants ability to photosynthesise properly. Leaf spot is usually not a huge issue for your plant, and is mostly aesthetic, unless it starts to lose a large amount of leaves. Unfortunately, there is no perfect way to prevent leaf spot as it can be spread through the wind or rain, and because plants can carry the disease before any symptoms are shown. All you can do is minimise the risk by removing any heavily infected plants; ensuring that your growing area is clean, has sufficient airflow, and is free from weeds and dead leaves; and avoiding watering from above.
Why do my strawberry plants have red leaves? *Red Flag*
FAQ
What do red leaves on strawberry plants mean?
Strawberry leaves may begin to turn red after a cold snap when they aren’t getting enough nutrients, or because of plant disease. Red strawberry foliage is a sign that individual leaves are dying. While red leaves can result in lower fruit yields, they can also be remedied by making changes to the growing environment.
What do overwatered strawberry leaves look like?
An overwatered strawberry plant may show signs of yellowing leaves, root rot, and poor growth. The soil may also be soggy or waterlogged.
What does it mean if a plant’s leaf turns reddish?
Reddening foliage is sometimes referred to as “sun stress” by houseplant growers, and it’s the plant’s natural response to intense light by generating sunscreen pigments to protect the leaf tissues. Some species or cultivars of Hoya and their Dischidia cousins can turn ruby-red or rose-blushed if grown in bright light.
How to fix red strawberry leaves reddit?
That’s normal behavior for strawberry plants, don’t worry. This is just some of the older leaves or most damaged leaves dying off slowly. The plant itself is fine though. Just snip the stems of those leaves back so the plant can focus it’s energy on growing it’s healthy leaves, flowers, and fruit.
Why is my strawberry plant turning red?
This can happen because of late frosts or unexpected drop in temperatures during the spring. The reason strawberry plant leaves are turning red because of cold weather is a change in pigment. This may happen to plants that you just transplanted or those that are young enough to get affected by the cold weather.
Why do strawberries turn red in winter?
Premature cold snaps can shock plants and cause leaves to turn red. Maroon leaves in the late fall and winter are fairly normal for strawberries. Strawberries are hardy in zones 2-11, but they drop their leaves before going into dormancy.
Why do I need to cut off red strawberry leaves?
Here are some reasons why cutting off red strawberry leaves is necessary: – Disease prevention: Removing diseased leaves helps stop the spread of pathogens to other plants in your strawberry patch. – Enhanced plant health: By removing infected leaves, you promote the overall health and vigor of your strawberry plants.
How do you fix red leaves on strawberry plants?
Quick Fix To quickly remedy red leaves on strawberry plants, start by checking the soil’s moisture and adjusting your watering schedule accordingly. Fertilize appropriately after testing the soil to ensure balanced nutrient levels, and inspect your plants regularly to prevent and control pest and disease outbreaks.
Why are my strawberry leaves turning green?
Typically green, the leaves of strawberry plants serve as vital indicators of their overall health. Reddening leaves can be a sign of various issues such as age, stress from temperature fluctuations, improper watering, soil nutrients imbalance, or even the presence of pests and diseases.
Do strawberry leaves turn red?
Strawberry leaves do not turn red and should be removed and discarded, regardless.