Why is My Potted Palm Turning Yellow?
Potted palms are a beautiful way to add a pop of life to your home. But, when your palm turns yellow, it can be a worrying sight. Here are some common causes of yellowing potted palms, and what you can do to restore them to their beautiful green hue.
Overwatering
One of the most common causes of yellowing palms is overwatering. Too much water can cause the roots to rot, resulting in a lack of nourishment and sickly yellow leaves. Signs of overwatering include yellow, soft, wilted leaves and leaf drop.
Solution
If you think you’ve been overwatering your potted palm, it’s important to fix the problem quickly. Here’s how:
- Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings – this will give the roots time to absorb the required nutrients.
- Check the soil more frequently than you would other potted plants – palms prefer on the dry side.
- If the soil feels damp, wait until it is completely dry before watering again.
Underwatering
On the flip side, if you’re underwatering your potted palms, they won’t be getting the nutrients they need and the leaves may turn yellow. Signs of underwatering include yellow, dry, crispy leaves.
Solution
If you’re not giving your potted palms enough water, here’s what to do:
- Water your palm more often – wait for the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Check that your plant pot has adequate drainage.
- Make sure that the pot isn’t too large compared to the size of the plant.
Nutrient Deficiency
If your potted palm is yellowing, it could be due to a nutrient deficiency. Palms need a balanced fertilizer to stay healthy and green, so regular feedings are important.
Solution
If you’re worried your potted palm is suffering from nutrient deficiency:
- Regularly fertilize with a balanced fertilizer during its growing season.
- Choose a fertilizer that is designed for palms.
- Only fertilize when the soil is damp.
Remember, yellowing potted palms can be brought back to life with the right care. Pay attention to your plant and treat it with the right balance of water and nutrients, and your potted palm will be lush and green again in no time.
