In citrus plants, the color yellow is reserved for the fruit and not for the leaves! These should be bright dark green and shiny. But sometimes things turn out differently. What's going on there? So that you as the owner can take countermeasures, you should first know the possible causes.

Yellow leaves are often caused by iron deficiency

Possible causes of yellow leaves

If the leaves of citrus plants turn yellow, chlorosis is obvious. It occurs when the plant is undersupplied with iron. Either there is a nutrient deficiency in the citrus soil or the absorption of iron is prevented by metabolic problems. Both can be researched well, as we explain in more detail below.

Recognizing and eliminating the lack of iron

In order to recognize the lack of iron in the soil, a look at the past care is usually sufficient. Since all soil eventually becomes exhausted, you'll need to fertilize a citrus plant regularly and repot it into fresh, slightly acidic soil about every two years. If this is not done, or if you have used the wrong fertilizer, this element will be missing from the soil.

  • if necessary, repot the plant in spring
  • Use soil for citrus plants
  • use suitable fertilizer
  • Fertilize frequently during the growing season
  • Observe the manufacturer's dosage information
  • if necessary, also fertilize sparingly in winter

Identify and eliminate metabolic problems

If everything has been done correctly when fertilizing and yellow leaves are still showing, metabolic problems are preventing the absorption of iron. But what leads to metabolic problems? It is mostly waterlogging that destroys the fine roots of the plant through rot. Unfortunately, yellow leaves are often associated with a lack of water and are answered with heavy watering. This further exacerbates the problem.

  • Repot the citrus plant and cut off the rotting roots
  • a drainage layer is mandatory
  • Pot should have large drainage hole
  • additionally on clay feet or stones
  • always water as needed
  • only when the top third has dried

tips

If you find it difficult to tell when a citrus plant needs new water, you can buy a moisture meter that will tell you when to reach for the pot.

Yellow leaves during overwintering

Yellow leaves during the winter appear when the plant is standing with its bucket on soil that is too cold. The cold damages the roots and thereby impairs nutrient uptake. Place the bucket on an insulating coconut mat or styrofoam.

Category:

Vegetable garden