Anthurium Leaves Yellow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Oleh Ramon Durgan June 07, 2023 Post a Comment

Anthurium plants are known for their beautiful heart-shaped leaves and vibrant blooms. However, if you notice that the leaves of your anthurium plant are turning yellow, there may be a problem. This blog post will delve into the various causes of yellowing anthurium leaves, symptoms to look out for, and treatments to revive your plant.

Anthuriums are tropical plants that require specific care to thrive. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight, warm temperatures, and high humidity. If these conditions are not met, it can lead to problems such as yellowing leaves. Yellowing leaves on anthurium plants can be a sign of nutrient deficiency, disease, pests, or environmental stressors.

In this article, we will explore the different reasons why anthurium leaves turn yellow and provide tips on how to fix the issue.

Causes of Anthurium Leaves Turning Yellow

1. Nutrient Deficiency

Anthurium plants require specific nutrients to grow and remain healthy. If any of these nutrients are lacking in the soil, it can cause the leaves to turn yellow. The most common nutrient deficiencies in anthurium plants are nitrogen, magnesium, and iron.

Nitrogen Deficiency

Nitrogen is essential for the growth and development of anthurium plants. If there is not enough nitrogen in the soil, the leaves will turn yellow and the plant will stop growing. To remedy a nitrogen deficiency, you can add a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to the soil.

Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium is also important for anthurium plants, as it helps with chlorophyll production. If there is not enough magnesium in the soil, the leaves will turn yellow, but the veins of the leaves will remain green. Adding Epsom salt to the soil can help to provide magnesium.

Iron Deficiency

Iron is another nutrient that anthurium plants require. If there is not enough iron in the soil, the leaves will turn yellow and may also develop brown spots. Adding iron chelates or a fertilizer that contains iron can help to alleviate this issue.

2. Disease

Anthurium plants are susceptible to several diseases that can cause yellowing leaves. The most common diseases that affect anthuriums are root rot, bacterial blight, and fungal leaf spot.

Root Rot

Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of plants. It is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. If your anthurium plant has root rot, the leaves will turn yellow and the plant may wilt. To fix this issue, you will need to remove the affected parts of the plant and repot it in fresh soil.

Bacterial Blight

Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that affects the leaves of anthurium plants. It is characterized by yellow spots on the leaves that eventually turn brown. To prevent bacterial blight, make sure that your plant is not overcrowded and that the leaves are dry.

Fungal Leaf Spot

Fungal leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of anthurium plants. It is characterized by small yellow spots on the leaves that eventually turn brown. To prevent fungal leaf spot, make sure that your plant is not overcrowded and that the leaves are dry.

3. Pests

Anthurium plants are also susceptible to pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. These pests can cause yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and deformed leaves.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant. To get rid of spider mites, you can use a neem oil spray or wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are white, fluffy pests that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause yellowing leaves and a sticky residue on the plant. To get rid of mealybugs, you can use a neem oil spray or wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth.

Thrips

Thrips are tiny black insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause yellowing leaves and deformed flowers. To get rid of thrips, you can use a neem oil spray or insecticidal soap.

4. Environmental Stressors

Anthurium plants require specific environmental conditions to thrive. If these conditions are not met, it can cause stress on the plant and lead to yellowing leaves.

Temperature

Anthurium plants prefer warm temperatures between 60-90°F (15-32°C). If the temperature drops below this range, it can cause the leaves to turn yellow. Make sure that your plant is kept in a warm environment.

Humidity

Anthurium plants require high humidity levels to thrive. If the humidity is too low, it can cause the leaves to turn yellow and the plant to wilt. You can increase the humidity around your plant by misting it with water or placing a tray of water near the plant.

Light

Anthurium plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. If they are exposed to direct sunlight, it can cause the leaves to turn yellow and develop brown spots. Make sure that your plant is placed in a location with bright, indirect sunlight.

How to Treat Yellowing Anthurium Leaves

The treatment for yellowing anthurium leaves depends on the cause of the issue. Here are some tips to help fix the problem:

1. Nutrient Deficiency

If your anthurium plant has a nutrient deficiency, you can add a fertilizer that is high in the lacking nutrient. Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package.

2. Disease

If your anthurium plant has a disease, you will need to treat it with a fungicide or bactericide. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product label.

3. Pests

If your anthurium plant has pests, you can use a neem oil spray or insecticidal soap to get rid of them. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product label.

4. Environmental Stressors

If your anthurium plant is experiencing environmental stress, you can adjust the conditions to better suit its needs. For example, you can move it to a warmer location, increase the humidity around it, or move it to a location with brighter, indirect sunlight.

Yellowing leaves on anthurium plants can be a sign of several issues, including nutrient deficiencies, diseases, pests, and environmental stressors. By identifying the cause of the issue, you can take steps to fix the problem and revive your plant. Remember to provide your anthurium plant with the specific care it requires, such as warm temperatures, high humidity, and bright, indirect sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I water my anthurium plant?

Anthurium plants prefer to be kept moist but not soaked. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry.

2. How do I know if my anthurium plant is getting enough light?

Anthurium plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. If the leaves are turning yellow or developing brown spots, it may be receiving too much direct sunlight.

3. Why are the leaves on my anthurium plant drooping?

Drooping leaves on anthurium plants can be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. Make sure to water your plant appropriately and ensure that it has proper drainage.

4. How do I prevent pests from infesting my anthurium plant?

To prevent pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips from infesting your anthurium plant, make sure to keep the leaves dry and not overcrowd your plant.

5. Can I use tap water to water my anthurium plant?

Anthurium plants prefer slightly acidic soil. If your tap water is alkaline, it may be best to use filtered or distilled water to water your plant.

6. How often should I fertilize my anthurium plant?

Anthurium plants should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

7. How do I repot my anthurium plant?

To repot your anthurium plant, gently remove it from its current pot and place it in a larger pot with fresh potting soil. Make sure to water the plant thoroughly after repotting.

8. What should I do if my anthurium plant stops blooming?

If your anthurium plant stops blooming, it may be due to environmental stressors such as low humidity or inadequate light. Adjust the conditions around the plant to encourage blooming.

9. How do I propagate my anthurium plant?

Anthurium plants can be propagated through division or stem cuttings. To propagate through division, carefully separate the plant into smaller sections and plant them in individual containers. To propagate through stem cuttings, cut a section of stem with at least two leaves and plant it in moist potting soil.

10. How do I revive a dying anthurium plant?

To revive a dying anthurium plant, identify the cause of the issue and take steps to fix it. This may include adjusting the environmental conditions, treating a disease or pest infestation, or providing the plant with proper nutrients.