Succulents are renowned for their hardy nature and resilience in challenging environments and thus have gained immense popularity as indoor plants. Despite their nearly invincible appearance, these desert dwellers, like others in the plant kingdom, are not immune to disorders and diseases that reflect visually in symptoms like color change. If you find your indoor succulents turning yellow, it’s time to investigate the root cause.
Overwatering is the main culprit behind yellowing succulents. While it’s true that succulents can survive extended periods without water, some succulent owners tend to overcompensate by providing excess water. Overwatering leads to engorged, mushy, yellow leaves as the plant struggles to process the deluge. In gravest scenarios, root rot can even set in, further damaging your precious plant.
Overwatering in itself is harmful, but combined with poor drainage, it spells doom for succulents. These plants are adapted to desert conditions, where water drains fast. A pot with poor drainage retains water longer, mimicking conditions quite alien to the succulent. It will react by turning yellow, a sign of its discomfort.
Another reason that balance is crucial flows from the first two points: soil type. For succulents, a well-draining soil mix is key. Regular potting soil retains much water and can lead to poor root health. Opt for a mix specially designed for succulents, which usually contains coarser sand and little organic matter, to make it drain water faster.
Lighting conditions also play a role in determining the health and color of your succulents. Though they thrive under bright sun, remember that indoor succulents do not have the same light environment as their outdoor counterparts. If your succulent begins to turn yellow, check if it’s in direct sunlight. Too much sunlight can cause sunburn, leaving your plant with yellow patches that eventually turn brown.
Conversely, insufficient light can trigger a similar color change. A lack of light damages chlorophyll, responsible for the plant’s green color. The plant will turn yellow, etiolate, or grow “leggy” to reach for more light.
Temperature stress can also cause succulents to turn yellow. These plants are sturdier than many, but they can’t endure freezing temperatures or extremely high heat. Sudden temperature fluctuations can also cause stress. Keep indoor succulents at a comfortable room temperature and avoid placing them near air conditioners or radiators.
Nutrient deficiency might be the reason why your succulents are turning yellow. Notably, nitrogen, an essential element for chlorophyll production in plants, helps maintain the green color in leaves. When insufficient, the leaves start turning yellow, starting from the older leaves at the bottom. Other necessary nutrients include phosphorus, potassium, and minor elements like iron.
Pest infestations can cause considerable damage to succulents, including yellowing. Mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids particularly love the juicy leaves of succulents and can drain the plant’s vitality, causing yellowing and wilting. Regularly check for pests and, at the first hint of an infestation, treat your plants with natural or chemical pest control products.
Overfertilizing is another common source of the problem, due to a generally excessive supply of nitrogen and salts. Some succulent owners mistakenly believe that an increased amount of fertilizer will exponentially boost their plant’s health and growth. However, overfertilization can inflict “nutrient burn” on the leaves, making them turn yellow and experience stunted growth.
Diseases can turn your healthy green succulent yellow too. Fungal diseases like leaf spot and blight are common culprits behind yellowing succulents. Some diseases eventually lead to rot if not treated timely. A plant suffering from disease will not only have yellowed leaves but may also exhibit oozing, spotting, and leaf drop.
Lastly, age could be a simple reason why some of your succulent leaves are turning yellow. Just like other living beings, older leaves near the plant’s bottom will wither and die off, making room for new growth. However, if the yellowing is not isolated to these older leaves, it may point to one of the other problems mentioned beforehand.
Awareness of these potential issues can help you deduce why your succulents might be turning yellow. By promptly identifying and addressing these problems, you can restore your plants to their full-fledged vitality, ensuring they continue to bedazzle interiors with their unique beauty. Remember, achieving the right balance of watering, light, and nutrition, coupled with regular scanning for potential diseases or pests, is the key to maintaining healthy, vibrant succulents.
