Hibiscus is one of the most favorite household plants. Everyone wants to maintain it well but when you find hibiscus leaves turning yellow, it becomes a matter of concern. However, you need not worry as yellow leaves indicate that the plant is trying to convey its needs and should be helped to be healthy again. And the good news is that you can easily regain your health with some simple measures. So, know how to retain its dark green leaves and various types of hibiscus flowers with these smart solutions elucidated below.
5 Reasons of Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow:
1. Water Imbalance and Extreme Weather
Check if you are giving too much or too less water to your hibiscus plant. Watering patterns harass the plant as weather leads down to the water. In cold or cloudy weather, the problem could be excessive water. Similarly, if the weather is warm and you are not watering hibiscus enough, yellow leaves on hibiscus occur.
Solution:
Keep hibiscus roots moist, neither soak those in water nor keep those thirsty. In cold weather, water the plant just enough so that the soil doesn’t dry up. If it is hot outside, water your plant daily. Avoid excessive watering as it causes the root system to stress too much. Also, don’t let the soil dehydrate. In short, your plant should be sufficiently watered, according to the weather to maintain the green color of its leaves.
2. Excessive Sunlight
Excess of everything is bad and the same implies hibiscus care. If you leave it in the sun throughout the day, it will wither, causing the leaves to turn pale. Additionally, the plant variety harbors various types of hibiscus flowers and the quantity of sunlight with other factors affects their blooming.
Solution:
Sunlight is quintessential for hibiscus but in moderation. Your hibiscus plant leaves turn yellow with its excessive exposure to the sun. in the same way, if they are deprived of sunlight, leaves turn yellow and drop. So, ensure that your hibiscus is receiving just the correct balance of sunlight and shade. Tropical hibiscus blooms a variety of colorful flowers and doesn’t like cold temperatures. There are other hibiscus flower varieties that thrive well in low temperatures. So, treat your plant to sunlight the right way for healthy flowers and avoid yellow leaves on hibiscus.
3. Insect Attack
If your healthy hibiscus is being fed by insects, it will certainly fall prey to hibiscus yellow leaves. Especially certain insects such as spider mites impose a threat to hibiscus, destroying its leaves. You have to look for signs that signify insect attacks on your plant.
Solution:
If you notice the leaves mottling, be alert! It is time to check for insects like spider mites. Look for signs like dirty leaves that look tired. You will also notice the underside of hibiscus leaves turning yellow and falling off. To tackle this issue, generously spray the top and bottom parts of the plant leaves with insecticidal soap. Do it in the early morning hours or late noon. Within a few weeks, your leaves will come back to life.
4. Soil Compaction and Improper Nutrition
The wrong pH level of soil, poor drainage, and compaction contributes to yellow hibiscus leaves. An imbalanced pH level restricts the plant to receive complete nutrition and even results in Chlorosis (a plant disease). As roots derive their nutrition from the soil for a healthy hibiscus plant and refrain from yellow leaves on hibiscus, it is imperative to maintain the quality of soil that leads to fulfilling plant nourishment.
Solution:
To fix this problem, check the pH level of the soil. Hibiscus prefers slightly acid soil, having a pH 6-7 (approx.), because micronutrients are more available to the plant. Use a light, well-draining potting mix for the plant. It is noteworthy that the best soils for the plant are loam and sandy loam which help it soak up just the right nutrition. If the soil has excessive sand, incorporate mulch or organic matter into it. By doing so, you will be improving the soil’s texture and providing more nutrients to the plant.
It is even more helpful when you want to grow exquisite types of hibiscus flowers, different from the regular red and white varieties.
Also read: Lawn Care – Reasons & How to Get Rid of Yellow Spots of Grass
5. Pesticide
Pesticides are another reason for hibiscus leaves turning yellow. As most gardeners don’t use pesticides on hibiscus plants, if done and that too without being careful, it makes the plant stressed and results in yellow leaves. If yellow leaves occur shortly once a pesticide is applied, know that it is acting as a stressor to your plant.
Solution:
If you are thinking that by applying pesticides to your hibiscus plant, you are pampering it; think again. Using the wrong type of pesticides – too strong or too mild and even its overuse results in green leaves becoming pale. In addition, using pesticides during the time of the day, when it won’t work for the plant’s good causes yellow leaves on hibiscus. To combat the problem, carefully read package instructions and follow the same.
Now, you are completely acquainted with the reasons that cause hibiscus leaves to turn yellow, you can address the problems. By doing so, you can not only stop from hibiscus leaves turning yellow but also help blossom hibiscus flowers. As soon as you notice a pale leave, pay attention. Listen to your plant and act accordingly, in time. Hibiscus yellow leaves are telltale signs of a sick plant that can be brought back to health with the simple measures mentioned above. Have a happy hibiscus!
FAQs about Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow
Q1: When to prune hibiscus?
The time to prune hibiscus depends on the location in which you live. However, spring is the time when most of the pruning occurs. Mostly, hibiscus plants can be lightly pruned in late summer or early fall. Remember, hibiscus should not be pruned during late fall or winter.
Q2: When does hibiscus bloom?
The life of a hibiscus flower is almost a day, although many new hybrids last longer, even up to three days. A flower blooms early in the morning. Even though these blooms are short-lived, many tropical hibiscus varieties are known to bloom throughout the year, providing a feast of garden color.
