The color yellow in citrus plants is reserved for the fruits and not for the leaves! These should be strong, 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 possible causes.
Why do citrus plants get yellow leaves?
Causes for yellow leaves on citrus plants are iron deficiency, metabolic problems due to waterlogging or cold damage during overwintering. This can be remedied by regular fertilization, correct watering, repotting in slightly acidic soil and insulating pads in winter.
Possible causes of yellow leaves
If leaves of citrus plants turn yellow, chlorosis is obvious. It occurs when the plant is under-supplied 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 easily researched, as we will explain in more detail below.
Detect and eliminate the lack of iron
To recognize the lack of iron in the soil, it is usually enough to look at past care. Since all soil eventually becomes exhausted, you need to fertilize a citrus plant regularly and repot it in fresh, slightly acidic soil about every two years. If this is not done or 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 instructions
- if applicable. Fertilize cautiously even in winter
Identify and eliminate metabolic problems
If everything was done correctly when fertilizing and yellow leaves still appear, metabolic problems prevent the absorption of iron. But what leads to metabolic problems? It is usually waterlogging that destroys the plant's fine roots through rot. Unfortunately, yellow leaves are often associated with a lack of water and are responded to with heavy watering. This further exacerbates the problem.
- Repot citrus plant and cut off rotting roots
- a drainage layer is mandatory
- Pot should have large drain hole
- additionally placed on clay feet or stones
- always water as needed
- only when the upper third has dried
Tip
If you find it difficult to tell when a citrus plant needs new water, you can buy a moisture meter (€39.00 on Amazon) that will reliably show you when the handle to the pot is appropriate.
Yellow leaves during wintering
Yellow leaves during overwintering occur when the plant is placed in its container on soil that is too cold. The cold damages the roots and thereby impairs nutrient absorption. Place the bucket on an insulating coconut mat or Styrofoam.
