One of the phenomena that many indoor plants suffer from is chlorosis, which is a discoloration of the leaves due to the lack of chlorophyll. This discoloration gives them a yellowish appearance, which is not the desired color for houseplants. Whether you have a green thumb or not, here are 4 home tips to prevent your plants from turning yellow and therefore burning.

Why do plants turn yellow?

Indoor plants can decorate our environment and bring an exotic touch. Although there are some plants that are easy to maintain, others, on the contrary, require special care. And for good reason, they can see their leaves turn yellow if not properly maintained.

A yellowing of the leaves means that the potted plants are experiencing  an anomaly in the level of irrigation. When plants aren’t watered enough, they turn brown, wilt and dry out. But when they get too much water, the roots rot and the plant can no longer feed. Result: The edges of the leaves may turn yellow or brown spots may also appear. Another factor related to yellowing is nitrogen deficiency. The latter plays an essential role in the photosynthesis process.

How to prevent yellowing of plants?

Here are some tips from grandma to take care of houseplants and prevent them from turning yellow.

1. Let the plant water sit for 48 hours

In a large container, put your water and let it sit for about 48 hours to allow the calcium crystals to precipitate. This will result in a chemical balance between the calcium crystals and the dissolved ions that form suspended crystals.

Spray the mixture on your plants and you will see that they will keep their shine longer than expected thanks to this remedy by avoiding the use of chemicals.

Water 

2. Use vinegar or lemon to water the plants and acidify the water

Too low or too high a pH value can damage plants. Hence the importance of adjusting it correctly. For plants that need acidic soil, a simple teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice per liter of water will suffice. Mix the liquids well and let them sit for a few hours before watering the soil. You will notice the difference. The plants will be much less likely to turn yellow and the texture of their leaves will be even better.

3. The return of coffee grounds as a fertilizer for the plant

Beyond its multiple uses for the body and for the home, coffee grounds contribute to the maintenance of houseplants. Its relative acidity and nutrient richness make it a necessary tool for acidifying the soil. However, using too much coffee grounds can cause weeds to appear. Place a light dose of coffee grounds in the soil and watch the result over the days. This will prevent the leaves from yellowing or burning.

plant the coffee grounds 

coffee grounds for your plants – Source: spm

4. A remedy to cure iron deficiency in plants

Some plants can suffer from iron chlorosis which means iron deficiency and are characterized by yellowing of the leaves. In addition to excess calcium, phosphorus or too wet soil can be factors that block the assimilation of iron.

Organic products to cure this deficiency are available in specialty stores. However, it is possible to overcome the blocking of iron assimilation thanks to a simple trick which consists in draining the soil and covering it with vegetable mulch, i.e. pine needles or even citrus peel.

Finally, houseplants need special maintenance to maintain their vitality and therefore their color. It is important to take care of the plants as naturally as possible with these home remedies.

Garden