The demanding rose needs to be fertilized and watered according to its needs. The leaves often turn yellow, especially if there is insufficient fertilization, which is why yellow leaves are usually an indication of a lack of important nutrients. However, the discolored leaves can also be the first indication of an infection with star sooty mold.
What causes yellow leaves on roses and how to fix it?
If roses have yellow leaves, it may indicate nutrient deficiency, incorrect fertilization or black mold infection. This can be remedied by fertilizing as needed, watering appropriately and, if necessary, using coffee grounds or tea leaves as a cost-effective fertilizer.
Rose petals turn yellow when there is a lack of nutrients
Leaves turning yellow can be an indication of a general nutrient deficiency, but can also allow conclusions to be drawn about the lack of individual minerals or trace elements. A nitrogen deficiency, for example, is reflected in yellow leaves and the increased appearance of blind shoots; if there is a phosphorus, manganese or magnesium deficiency, the leaves turn yellow and are ultimately dropped. An iron deficiency, known as chlorosis, shows itself in yellow leaves and darker leaf veins. A nutrient deficiency can have very different causes.
Don’t water roses too much
Although roses require a lot of moisture, they should not be watered too generously. Water also flushes the nutrients out of the soil and thus leaches it. Above all, be careful not to water the roses with a strong jet of water or similar; rather, use a watering can with an attachment (€17.00 on Amazon).
Fertilize roses as needed
In addition, insufficient or incorrect fertilization can be the cause of the leaves turning yellow. Roses should receive main fertilization three times a year and be supplied with a low-dose liquid fertilizer in between.
Yellowness can also be the first indication of black mold
However, the yellow discoloration is not always due to a nutrient deficiency: even when infected with the star sooty mold fungus, the rose petals initially turn yellow and then develop the characteristic black-brown spots.
Tip
However, you don't have to buy expensive special fertilizer; you can also fertilize your roses inexpensively with coffee grounds or tea leaves.
