Causes and Solutions
- Green Oasis
- Jan 18, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Apr 9, 2024
Leaf yellowing and leaf drop in houseplants: Causes and solutions
Many of us like to decorate our homes with houseplants, as they are not only beautiful and create a pleasant atmosphere, but caring for them is also a relaxing and joyful activity. But what happens when our favorite plant suddenly starts turning yellow or dropping leaves?
To solve these problems, we must first understand the reasons why these signs appear. In this article, we will detail the most common causes and effective solutions for yellowing and falling leaves of houseplants.
Don't worry if your favorite plant has these problems, because there are many ways to restore your plants to health and beauty. Find out with us why such problems can occur and how you can take the necessary steps for healthy and happy houseplants! So let's start exploring the reasons, and then we'll show you how you can maintain your favorite green housemates.

[ ] causes of leaf yellowing and leaf fall of indoor plants
When our favorite houseplant suddenly starts turning yellow or dropping leaves, it is first important to understand the factors that can lead to this condition. Here are some common reasons why green leaves start to turn yellow:
1. Over- or under-watering: Plants should receive exactly the amount of water they need. Too much or too little water can be harmful. If the soil is too dry or just saturated with water, the roots cannot function properly, which can lead to yellowing of the leaves.
2. Lack of light or excessive sunlight: Without the right light conditions, plants cannot photosynthesize properly and as a result the leaves may turn yellow. And too much direct sunlight can cause burns.
3. Poor soil quality: Plants need a suitable soil that is rich in nutrients and has good drainage. If the soil is too acidic or too calcareous, plants cannot absorb nutrients properly.
4. Lack of humidification: Many houseplants originally grow in tropical areas with high humidity. If we keep these plants in the dry air of our home, they easily turn yellow and drop leaves without humidifying the air.
5. Diseases and pests: Sometimes yellowing or leaf fall is caused by diseases or pests. Fungi, mites or aphids can damage the plants, which can lead to poor health.
6. Pot that is too big or too small: If the plant is in a pot that is too big or too small, it can affect the development of the roots and the ability to absorb water, which can lead to problems.
Now that we know the most common causes of yellowing and falling leaves on houseplants, let's see how these problems can be effectively solved.
] Solutions for the treatment of leaf yellowing and leaf fall
Adequate watering frequency and quantity
* Proper watering frequency and amount are key to keeping houseplants healthy. In order for plants to be happy and flourishing, they need to be cared for like a good friend. Here are some tips on how to keep the soil properly moist without overwatering:
* Checking soil moisture content: The first step is always to check the condition of the soil. To do this, you can simply stick a finger into the ground a centimeter or two deep and feel how wet or dry the soil is. If it's wet, wait a bit before watering. If it is dry, you can water it.
* Determination of the appropriate amount of water: The amount of irrigation must always be determined depending on the size of the plant and the size of the pot. In general, when watering, water is added until the soil can absorb it without the water flowing to the bottom of the pot. However, keep in mind that some plants, such as cacti, require less water, while others, such as ferns, prefer high humidity.
* Timing of irrigation: The time of irrigation is also an important aspect. Generally, the ideal time to water is in the morning or evening, as this is when the plants absorb the water better and avoid getting burned in the middle of the day.
* Aeration: The soil also needs aeration from time to time. If the soil becomes too dense, the roots will not get enough oxygen. In this case, the leaves can easily turn yellow. You can occasionally loosen the soil slightly to help the roots breathe.
If you follow these tips, you can be sure that your houseplants always have the right amount of water at the right time. This way, your green housemates can grow happily and healthily, and your home can get an even more lively and vibrant atmosphere.
- [ ] Ensuring adequate light conditions
One of the most important factors in the care of houseplants, which we should never underestimate, is ensuring adequate light conditions. Plants naturally feed on sunlight during photosynthesis, so if we do not properly care for them in this regard, yellowing and leaf fall can easily develop. But don't worry, here are the key points on how to create ideal conditions for your plants:
* Choosing the optimal location: Every plant has different light needs. The first and most important step is to know the needs of your plant. You can easily find the ideal light conditions for them on the label of the plants or on the Internet. For example, do they need direct sunlight or do they prefer shade?
* Use of additional light sources: If there is not enough natural light in your apartment, do not hesitate to use additional light sources. Plant lighting and lamps developed for plants can help make up for the missing sunlight. You can choose these lamps according to the needs of the plants.
* Pay attention to the distance from the light source: If your plants are exposed to direct sunlight, make sure they are not too close to the window. Strong sunlight and heat can easily damage plants. Also, plants often "turn" towards the light source, so turn them occasionally to keep them growing evenly.
* Observe the reactions of the plants: If the leaves of your plants start to turn yellow or fall off, observe what type of light deficiency or excess light they are reacting to. These signs of plants can help you identify the problem and take the right measures.
Ensuring the right light conditions is not only important to preserve the health of the plants, but also because it gives your home a more lively and vibrant atmosphere. So don't forget about your plants' light needs and take care of them so that they are always happy and healthy!

- [ ] Improvement of soil quality
The quality of the soil is a key factor for the health and development of your indoor plants. If the soil is not suitable, plants cannot absorb nutrients properly and this can lead to yellowing and leaf drop. But don't worry, we have some tips to improve soil quality so your plants can grow happily and healthily:
* Fertilizing and composting: In order to increase the nutrient content of the soil, fertilize and compost regularly. These natural substances help the soil retain the moisture and nutrients that plants need. Use organic manure or your own compost for best results.
* Change the soil: Sometimes it may become necessary to completely change the soil, especially if you notice that the growth of the plants slows down or the soil seems exhausted. Choose good quality soil that is suitable for plants, and make sure that the size of the pot corresponds to the size of the plant.
* Regular removal of leaves: Don't forget to remove fallen leaves from the ground. Dead leaves draw moisture from the soil and, if not removed in time, can cause problems for plant health.
* Wash the leaves: Periodically wash the leaves of the plants with mild, soapy water. This not only cleans the leaves from dust and dirt, but also helps the plants to photosynthesize better.
* Soil ventilation: The soil also needs ventilation from time to time. You can easily loosen the soil to help the roots breathe and prevent excessive compaction.
Improving the quality of the soil contributes to the health and development of your plants. Remember that every plant has different needs, so it is important to consider the specific needs of each species. Take care of the soil and your plants will thank you for it, blooming spectacularly and growing healthily.

- [ ] Increase humidity
Taking care of humidity is often an underestimated factor when caring for our houseplants. However, ensuring the right humidity contributes greatly to the health and happiness of our plants. Let's see how we can maintain the right humidity in the apartment:
* Using water vaporizers and humidifiers: One of the easiest ways to increase the humidity in your home is to use water vaporizers or humidifiers. These devices release steam into the air, which helps the plants maintain the right environmental conditions.
* Regular spraying: Spray the leaves of plants with water from time to time, especially tropical plants. This helps preserve the ambient humidity and promotes the well-being of the plants.
* Grouping: If you have several indoor plants, group them together. When several plants are together, each other's evaporated water also contributes to the ambient humidity.
* Serving: Place a bowl of water or a suction cup near the plants. When water evaporates, it raises the ambient humidity.
* Bathing: Bathe the plants from time to time in the shower or under a soft shower head. With this, you can remove the layer of dust from the leaves and help the plants to breathe better.
Taking care of the humidity is not only important for preserving the health of the plants, but it can also help improve the air quality in the apartment, and it can also have a beneficial effect on your health. Take care of the humidity so that your plants are happy and your apartment is pleasant and healthy!
Protection against diseases and pests
Just as people need vaccinations against diseases, houseplants also need protection against diseases and pests. These little green housemates of ours can easily get sick or be attacked by various pests. Here are some useful tips on how to protect the health of your plants:
* Regular inspection: The first step in protecting against diseases and pests is to regularly inspect your plants. Inspect the leaves and stems for any lesions, such as spots, yellowing, or the presence of aphids.
* Isolation: If you notice disease or pests on a plant, immediately isolate it from the other plants. This way you can prevent the infection or pests from spreading to other plants.
* Manual removal: If you find pests on your plant, such as aphids or spiders, try to remove them by hand. You can also use a soft brush to clean the leaves.
* Natural enemies: For protection against some insects and pests, the use of natural enemies can also be effective. For example, you can replace the chemical insecticide with ladybugs, whose favorite food is aphids.
* Chemical treatment: If the problem is serious and your plant is severely damaged by diseases or pests, you may consider chemical treatment. However, be careful and always follow the instructions when using chemicals.
* Prevention: One of the best ways to protect against diseases and pests is prevention. Pay attention to proper watering, nutrients and light conditions, as well-kept plants are more resistant to pests and diseases.
Remember that prevention and timely intervention are the most important when caring for houseplants. If you take care of them, your green friends will thank you and they will grow in health and beauty in your home.
- [ ] Selection of a suitable size tile
It is often overlooked when caring for houseplants, but choosing the right size pot is an extremely important aspect. The size of the pot has a direct effect on the health and development of the plants. Here are some tips on how to choose the right size pot for your green roommates:
* A bigger pot for growth: When you buy a new plant or transplant an existing one, it is important not to choose a pot that is too small. Plants need space for their roots to grow freely. If the pot is too narrow, the roots cannot spread properly and the plant's growth may slow down.
* Avoiding pots that are too large: At the same time, avoid choosing pots that are too large. If the pot is too large for the plant, the water in the soil dries out more slowly, which can easily lead to root rot.
* Pay attention to the type of plant: Each plant requires a different pot. For example, smaller, deeper pots are ideal for cacti and succulents, while plants with large leaves need deeper and more spacious pots.
* Repot over time: Plants grow over time, so you may need to change the pot from time to time to match the size of the plant. Pay attention to the growth of your plant, and if you notice that it has outgrown the pot, act in time.
* Drainage and drainage: Always make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. These help to remove excess water so that it does not stand at the bottom of the pot. Good drainage is key to preventing root rot.
Choosing the right size pot will contribute to the health and happiness of your plants. If you take care of the right size, your green housemates will be grateful for it, and they will grow beautifully and healthily in your home for a long time.

] Long-term care of indoor plants
Caring for houseplants can be a long-term challenge, but with the right attention and care, your green roommates can stay happy and healthy for years. Here are some tips for long-term care:
1. Continuous care: Caring for houseplants is not just a one-time task. It is important to check them regularly, monitor their water and nutrient needs, as well as potential problems, such as the appearance of diseases or pests. Don't leave your plants alone for long periods of time.
2. Irrigation and water management: Most of the problems are related to irrigation. Make sure that your plants always receive the right amount of water, and remember that water requirements can vary according to the seasons, light conditions and the type of plant.
3. Nutrients: Don't neglect the supply of nutrients either. Plants need the right amount of nutrients to grow and stay healthy. Use the right fertilizer and make sure to fertilize regularly according to the needs of the plants.
4. Light conditions: Ensuring the right light conditions is crucial. Get to know your plants' light needs and provide them with the necessary amount of light. Occasional rotation can also help the plants grow evenly.
5. Pairing: If you have several indoor plants, make sure that you keep those plants that have similar needs next to each other. This makes it easier to take care of them and prevent problems.
6. Regular pruning: Cut back plants occasionally to maintain their shape and stimulate new growth. Removing old or damaged leaves also helps to keep the plant healthy.
Caring for indoor plants requires a lot of patience and attention in the long term, but the end result will be your home decorated with beautiful and healthy plants. Remember that every plant is different and over time you will learn the specific needs of each variety. Let your houseplants be your loyal companions for years and exchange good energies with each other!
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