Taking care of our plants so that they are healthy and beautiful involves take into account many different aspects about issues such as watering, fertilization or pruning. But there is one issue that always raises doubts in our minds, and that is whether we should remove the yellow leaves from the plants.
Do we remove them when they turn yellow, leave them until they finish turning “ugly,” or do we wait for them to fall off on their own? We are going to solve all your doubts on this topic.
Why do plant leaves turn yellow?
When the leaves start to yellow, This is a clear sign that there is something we are not doing right when it comes to taking care of our plant. However, this phenomenon may have different origins, so we will have to do a little research to see what is happening.
Because if there is something even more important than knowing whether to remove yellow leaves, it is knowing why the leaves turn yellow., to be able to solve it and make our plant healthy again.
Excess or deficiency of water
Problems with irrigation are closely associated with the change in color of the leaves. If we water too much the leaves will rot, because we will be literally drowning the roots. In this case, the leaves will most likely appear limp and end up falling.
On the contrary, if we find that the leaves turn yellow, It is because we are watering less than necessary.
Therefore, it is important that we are able to find the appropriate watering frequency for each plant. If possible, Start watering in moderation and evaluate the results to see if you have to add more or less water.
Problems with the ground
Yellow leaves can be a sign that the soil is poor in nutrients, or It is too compacted and the roots are not getting enough oxygen.
In this case, You can improve the quality of the soil by adding some perlite or sand to make it lighter, and also organic matter or fertilizer to provide more nutrients to the plant.
Inadequate light exposure
If the plant receives much more light than it needs, or much less, this affects its photosynthesis process. Resulting in yellow leaves.
To avoid it, Check carefully what the light needs of each species are. and tries to provide them.
plant stress
The sudden changes to which we subject plants can generate stress in them. For example, if we move the pot from one location to another where the change in temperature is important.
A good way to protect the plant is not to subject it to sudden changes. Keep it in places with stable temperatures and protected from drafts.
Should yellow leaves be removed?
All the reasons we have seen, and even some more, can cause the leaves of our plants to yellow. So, do we remove the leaves? We cannot give you an absolute “yes” or “no” to this question., because it depends on the situation.
Natural aging
When the leaves turn yellow because they have already finished their life cycle naturally, It is not necessary for us to intervene in the process. Do not remove the yellow leaves, because they will fall off on their own.
First they will turn yellow, then they will turn brown and, finally, they will fall off the stem. If not many leaves have fallen, we can leave them directly on the substrate to serve as fertilizer.
Extensive discoloration
If the leaves have turned yellow extensively due to problems with watering, lighting, changing location, etc., In that case we are going to clean up the plant. We will remove the yellow leaves, and even cut some stems or branches if necessary.
With this we are stimulating the growth of new, healthy leaves. Although the plant is initially inconspicuous, in a few weeks it will be like new again.
Preventing the spread of diseases
If the leaves have turned yellow because the plant is being attacked by a pest or disease, We are going to proceed to remove all those that we see are damaged. With this we reduce the risk of spread to other leaves that are healthy.
This is an operation that must be done carefully to avoid spreading pathogens more than they already are.
aesthetic improvement
If some leaves are yellow, even if it is not a serious problem, You can remove them if what interests you is that your plant looks as beautiful and healthy as possible.
Stressed or recently transplanted plants
When we subject a plant to a sudden change in its habitat, it is normal for it to an episode of stress is triggered in her which can result in yellowing of the leaves.
In a situation of this type we are not going to do anything, we are not going to eliminate the yellow leaves. This is how we help our plant conserve its energy while it recovers from the change and returns to its normal condition.
Leaves protecting new leaves
There are species in which the oldest outer leaves turn yellow while new leaves grow underneath them. Here the yellow ones offer protection to the youngest leaves and, therefore, it is better that we let the natural cycle continue and not remove the old leaves.
How to remove yellow leaves?
When you have to remove the yellow leaves, it is advisable to do so carefully so as not to damage the plant. Follow these tips:
- Use clean, sharp tools. Disinfect them before starting work and also after. To do this, you can wipe a cotton ball soaked in alcohol over the edge.
- Remove only the necessary leaves. Don't overdo it, remove only those leaves that are quite affected.
- Cuts at an angle. When removing the leaves, cut them at an angle to mimic their natural shape and reduce the risk of the cuts becoming infected.
- Check the plant. After cleaning your plant, adjust the care and check if it grows healthy or if there is still some factor that is causing the leaves to yellow.
Should yellow leaves be removed? You have already seen that it is not always necessary, and that there are cases in which it is convenient to leave them on the plant. Did you know this or do you always remove these types of leaves?