Caladiums are eye-catching plants with brilliant foliage. But when caladium leaves start turning yellow, this plant loses its beauty.
Yellow caladium leaves are the result of nutrient deficiencies Loss of water, overwatering, low light, and humidity issues. To prevent this condition always use drinkable water for watering caladiums.
Today I’ll explain
What causes yellow leaves in caladiums and what you can do for fixing them?
After reading this article you’ll be able to identify the cause and solve the problem.
Causes of Caladium leaves turning yellow
Overwatering
This is the most common cause of yellow leaves. Overwatering makes the soil wet and closes the air pockets. This blocks the air circulation to the plant roots.
Due to a lack of air, the roots get infected by fungus. This fungus then starts eating the root ball. Damaged roots become unable to transfer water and nutrients to different parts of the plant.
This results in yellow caladium leaves.
If you will not fix this problem on time. Then this root fungus will infect the stems and leaves of the plant. The stems become soft and mushy, and the leaves develop black spots and fall off.
Solution
The only solution is to let the soil dry. You should change the environment of the plant so that the soil can dry quickly.
Move the plant pot to a bright location and also increase the room temperature. The aim is to give it little warmth. This will speed up the soil drying process.
If the soil is too wet and your plant smells odd. Then immediately take it out of its pot and inspect the roots.
Remove the wet soil from the roots and put the plant on the newspaper. Let the roots dry a little bit. Then use sharp shears and cut the damaged part.
Then plant your plant in fresh soil and do not give it water for a minimum of 20 hours. After that, you can continue your caring routine.
Less watering
Less water or underwatering also trigger Caladium Yellow Leaves. When you do not give enough water to your plant. It starts using water that is stored in its leaves.
Once the leaves lose their water, they turn yellow. In some cases, they also develop spots and brown edges.
Solution
To prevent underwatering or overwatering you need to learn the right watering technique. Always poke your finger in the soil before watering your caladiums.
If the soil feels moistened, do not water it. If the soil feels dry pour water directly into the base. Do not let the leaves wet. This will increase plant stress and make your plant even weaker.
If there are cracks on the top surface of the soil this means your plant needs immediate water.
Fill your sink with water and leave your plant in it for 5 minutes. Then take it out and put a saucer under it. let it drain with extra water, it will take 40 minutes.
Then empty the saucer and place your plant in its permanent location.
Too much bright light
Caladiums do not need direct sunlight to grow. When your plant gets extra bright light it becomes hot. This increases the evaporation of water from soil and leaves.
The result is caladium leaves turning yellow and you will also observe brown edges.
In this condition, you need to cut the brown edge leaves. Because brown leaves cannot turn green.
Solution
To solve this problem, you need to fix the location of your plant. Place it in bright light but make sure it only receives indirect light.
Direct sunlight can damage the plant leaves. Therefore, keep it away even from the morning sunlight.
If you are using your sunny window then place it a few feet away from it.
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Nutrient deficiency
Nutrient deficiencies are not common in houseplants. Because every grower buys some nutrient supplements while buying plants.
But you should know what it can cause to your plants.
Because of the lack of essential nutrients plants become unable to hold their green color. First, they look sad and weak. Then their green leaves start turning yellow.
Nitrogen, zinc, and magnesium are the main elements that give green color to the plant leaves.
Solution
To avoid this condition, you should use liquid fertilizer. Choose organic nutrient supplements to fertilize your caladium plants.
This type of fertilizer contains everything that a plant needs to grow. Moreover, the organic contents in the formula strengthen the plant stems and leaves.
Only fertilize your caladium in the spring and summer seasons. Avoid it in the winter season because it is the dormancy period of the plants.
Low humidity
Humidity means the moisture in your home air. Generally, you will not face any problems with it. But when you try to grow plants that produce a good number of leaves. Then low humidity cause problems.
Like other tropical houseplants, your caladium plant also needs high humidity. In low air moisture, it starts losing its stored moisture. This turns the green leaves to yellow.
Solution
The best way to maintain the high humid level is using an electric humidifier. If you do not have a room humidifier you can buy a plant humidifier.
These devices are small and portable and also more inexpensive than general room humidifiers.
Install once beside your plant it will adjust the humidity of an entire room.
The second method is to use a pebble tray and put your plant over it. This will also help to increase the room humidity.
I do not suggest spraying water on plant leaves. Because this increases the chances of leaf fungal infections.
How to prevent caladium yellow leaves?
Now that you know the main causes of caladium leaves turning yellow. It’s time to know the preventive methods.
Make sure the soil is not wet and it has some moisture all the time
Water your plants once you see the soil is drying out
Never use hard water that contains unwanted heavy minerals
Use drinkable water for watering and directly pour it to the base of the plant
Use well-draining soil for planting caladium
Always inspect your plant while watering it
Use plant pot with draining holes
Conclusion
Inspect soil before watering. Because Overwatering is the main cause of this problem. To prevent caladium leaves from turning yellow give your plant proper care.
Give it indirect light and it is sufficient for your plant.
To know more about caladium and its problems visit our houseplant section. Or contact us anytime.
