If the leaves on chili plants turn yellow, immediate action is required. Such damage signals that something is wrong. We explain how to identify the causes and present proven treatment methods.
Why do chili plants get yellow leaves and how do you treat them?
Yellow leaves on chili can indicate chlorosis (iron deficiency), nutrient or nitrogen deficiency or high lime content in the soil. Treatment methods include special fertilizers, complex fertilizers, organic fertilizers, nettle broth or lime-free irrigation water.
This is how the diagnosis of chlorosis loses its horror
Whether you are a hobby gardener or an experienced farmer; The first thought when you see yellow leaves on chili is chlorosis. This is primarily a lack of iron. Depending on the symptoms, the plant is lacking nutrients. An overview:
- young leaves turn yellow before the older ones: iron deficiency
- older leaves yellow before the young ones: main nutrients are missing
- Older leaves turn yellowish from the tip: nitrogen deficiency
- the leaves turn yellow without drying out: too high a lime content in the soil
It therefore depends on your observation skills in order to make an accurate diagnosis. The treatment method then emerges automatically.
Treat chlorosis in a targeted manner
If the trigger for chlorosis has been identified, there is the best chance of recovery through the following measures:
- Iron deficiency: fertilize with special preparation
- Compensate nutrient deficiencies with complex fertilizers or organic fertilizers
- Resolve nitrogen deficiency by spraying the leaves with nettle broth
- If the lime content of the soil is too high, only use lime-free irrigation water
Identify and fix other triggers for yellow leaves
Chili prefer a sunny location, but they react to bright midday sun with sunburn. This manifests itself in yellow leaves. Consequently, shading or repositioning is recommended.
Take a look at the root ball. If waterlogging becomes evident here, repotting immediately ends the dilemma. Drainage at the bottom of the pot made of coarse materials such as gravel or expanded clay helps preventatively. Also reduce the amount of watering in the future.
If yellow leaves on chili dry out at the same time, aphids may be causing mischief. You can get rid of these pests by vigorously rinsing with soap solution or primary rock powder. The use of beneficial insects, such as predatory mites or lacewing larvae, has proven successful in the greenhouse.
Also find out about yellow leaves on tomato plants.
Tips & Tricks
Finding the cause of yellow chili leaves is made much easier if the pH value of the substrate or bed soil is known. You can determine the value yourself with a simple test. Cheap sets (€24.00 on Amazon) are available for just under 5 euros in any well-stocked hardware store or garden center. No previous knowledge of chemistry is required because the pH value test works based on a coloring reaction.