Hibiscus leaves turning yellow is a common occurrence, but it isn’t about being worried. If the leaves of your Hibiscus bush turn yellow, it’s a signal that it needs something. You’ll read about the causes of yellow hibiscus plant leaves and how to care for your hibiscus plant here.
How Do I Know If Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow Is Normal?
Stress causes hibiscus leaves to turn yellow and fall off the vine. The stress could be of any form and the farmer’s major obstacle is finding out which form of stress is. After a few days of observation, if the leaves do not return to their original green color, the yellow hibiscus discoloration on the leaves is not natural.
Top 19 Causes Of The Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow
Below are the top 19 potential causes for turning and discoloration of Hawaiian hibiscus Leaves. Let us find out all in detail.
1. Overnutrition
Because of the disruption, it gives the plant, overfertilizing is another common cause of hibiscus leaf yellowing. Instead of feeding plants heavily, fertilize them moderately and on a daily basis.
Some reports suggested supplementing the hibiscus with a very mild vinegar solution to lower the pH will make the water and soil alkaline, hibiscus plants thrive well in an alkaline environment.
2. Undernutrition
Due to nutrient deficiency evident in nutrient-poor soil, hibiscus leaf yellowing can also be caused by extremely poor soil. Chlorosis, or yellowing of the leaves with green veins, is an indication of nutrient ( particularly minerals ) deficiency.
3. Location
If your hibiscus has yellow leaves, has stopped blooming, or appears wilted after being moved, it may be stressed. This is a normal occurrence when a plant’s environment is changed.
4. Pests
The hibiscus plant yellow leaves can become mottled with spots on the underneath in relation to yellowing. This can result from attacks by pests like spider mites. If the stressed plant is not handled, it will gradually lose all of its leaves which is a good sign of hibiscus dying.
Spray the hibiscus flower with soapy water or an effective pesticide if you suspect these pests. Take care not to overuse chemicals, as this can also lead to the yellowing of hibiscus leaves.
5. Dormancy
Spring, summer, and fall are the growing seasons for Hibiscus. At the end of the autumn season, the leaves will start turning yellow and then fall. This indicates that your plant is about to go dormant, and you should reduce how you water it and allow it to rest.
6. Not Enough Water
Hibiscus flower leaves need to be watered well in hot weather, even each day or sometimes than once in a day if it’s hot or windy. Using a Self-watering container is an efficient way of stopping this kind of anxiety. Another option for gardens with a large number of plants is to use a timed watering system.
7. Too Much Water
Yes, hibiscus plants could be overwatered in cool weather conditions. Hibiscus love being moist but not to the extent of being drenched and if the plants are watered too much when they do not need watering due to cold or dark conditions it will lead to too much stress for the root system leading to root rot and consequently yellow hibiscus tree.
8. Too Hot
This is can also be likened to the water problem, but please remember that during extremely hot summer days, to keep its large leaves healthy and hydrated the hibiscus requires a lot of water. If they are not watered enough they start to drop their leaves to reduce the amount of water they need to stay healthy.
9. Too Cold
Hibiscus are tropical plants that grow in the same temperature range as we humans, ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 29 degrees Celsius). They will live, just like us, but they will not enjoy temperatures below zero and up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. They will produce yellow hibiscus leaves if they become too cold or are put in a cold drafty window.
10. Too Much Direct Sunlight
High biscuits flower trees enjoy the sunshine, but only in moderate quantities, much as most people do. Too much heat stresses the hibiscus that isn’t used to it, resulting in yellow leaves or large white spots on the leaves.
On us, the white spots resemble sunburn. They will not destroy the plant, but they will make it shed its leaves. The hibiscus tree care for this situation is to provide your plant with enough shade
11. Too Little Sunlight
Plants like hibiscus rely on light for their survival. If they don’t have enough to support all of the big, lush leaves, they’ll drop some of their leaves (the ones that turn yellow first) so they don’t have to support as many.
However, this implies that there is not enough green chlorophyll available to support the rest of the plant’s needs, and the plant may begin to deteriorate by turning yellow until only a few green leaves remain.
12. Excess wind
Since hibiscus is native to tropical environments and prefers humidity to extreme wind, which saps water from the leaves and causes them to turn yellow and shrivel, hibiscus plants planted in overly windy areas are more vulnerable to drought stress.
13. Pesticide Use
Excessive usage of pesticides, use of the incorrect pesticide, use of a pesticide that is too powerful, or spraying in the hot sun of the midday can all cause various hibiscus leaf problems. This could be the issue if you just applied pesticide, but if you used the same kind at the same intensity and applied it in the morning or evening, it’s most likely the hibiscus yellow leaf cause is one of the other stress issues mentioned above.
14. Soil
Other causes of hibiscus leaf yellowing include soil compaction, inadequate drainage, all of which lead to water issues. Check the pH of the soil and keep it mildly acidic. Take the crop out from the container and lightly inspect the soil around it to see if the roots are compact and circling. If you need to re-pot your hibiscus plant, make use of a light potting mix that will drain adequately.
15. Transplant shock
Hibiscus may become acclimated to a very specific environment (in terms of sunlight, temperature, and air circulation), and if you transfer the pot from one location to another or move the pot indoors, the hibiscus leaves can turn yellow due to stress.
16. Phosphorus in Soil
Hibiscus are unique in that they are extremely susceptible to high phosphorus levels in the soil. As phosphorus piles up in the soil, it prevents the hibiscus roots from taking up other nutrients, resulting in a nutrient deficit that cannot be remedied by adding more fertilizer.
This can make the leaves yellow, hinder the hibiscus from blooming in the summer, and eventually kill the plant.
17. Adverse Soil pH Preventing Uptake of Nutrients leading Yellow Leaves
Hibiscus thrives in mildly acidic soils with a pH of six and seven. When hibiscus is planted in soil that is too acidic or alkaline, the leaves turn yellow with green veins, preventing the absorption of nutrients from the soil (chlorosis). The best hibiscus flower care is to create moderately acidic soil for plants to grow in.
18. yellow leaves with black spots Fungal infection
It’s most likely a fungal infection if the yellow spots on your hibiscus plant leaves don’t go away. You might have to use a fungicide in case the black spots seem to be more severe, with several of the leaves having yellow spots. On the other hand, insecticides and fungicides should only be used as a last resort, particularly if the plant is already stressed.
19. Dieback Disease
Another cause of brown spots on hibiscus leaves or their wilting and dropping off maybe a dieback disease. It normally appears in the early autumn, when other pests are scarce and infrequent. It normally appears that the tips of your leaves are darkening and developing holes. at times it appears to be wilt, but it isn’t always wilting.
[6 Ways] to save and care for a hibiscus with yellow leaves
Here are some suggestions for getting your plant back in shape once you’ve figured out what’s causing the issue.
1. Correct the Problem:
The first step in the care of hibiscus plant is to improve the factors that are causing the issue. To ensure your hibiscus plant’s growing conditions are as consistent as possible, water it, repot it, transfer it, or shield it.
2. Proper watering
You’re either overwatering or not watering enough. Tropical hibiscus requires a lot of water but dislikes wet soil. During the heatwave period, water them every day, but make sure the soil doesn’t stick to your fingers. Spray them with little water whenever the temperature is very hot.
3. Apply coffee grounds
Plants, like humans, like coffee, contains some essential nutrients needed for their well-being. If your hibiscus plant’s leaves are yellowing or falling off, mix a teaspoon of coffee powder in a cup of water and pour it over it, this will help in a great way when you are caring for hibiscus plants.
4. Check for pest
Ants and insects are naturally attracted to flowering plants, so keep an eye out for them. Spray water combined with a teaspoon of liquid soap on any seen ant. Insects may also be repelled by sprinkling a neem-leaf solution with water.
5. Shelter the hibiscus from excess winds which sap the leaves of moisture
Since hibiscus is native to the tropics, high winds decrease humidity in the air, which is incompatible with their preferred growing conditions. Consider planting some wind-blocking shrubs or moving your potted hibiscus to a location that is still sunny but protected by a garden fence.
6. Pruning
Your hibiscus plant should start sprouting new leaves once you’ve fixed the issue using the appropriate hibiscus care, you might need to prune bare branches to minimize water and nutrient needs while your plant heals.
How To Identify Overwatered Or Under-watered hibiscus?
As in the above sections we have seen the potential reasons for Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow. Apart from the below are the main indications and can be watched out for in order to prevent this condition.
A: Overwatering symptoms
1. Wet and Wilting
Plants appear to be wilted, the soil is moist. You could have overwatered your plant even if it is green. This is the clearest sign that your plant has consumed too much water.
2. Brown Leaves
It’s possible that you’ve been overwatering if the leaves have turned brown and wilted.
3. Root Rot
It is not only the leaves and flowers of the plant that display signs of overwatering, the roots can also show signs as well. When the soil becomes too water-logged, the roots’ ability to breathe is hampered, they will drown and start rotting.
B: Underwatering symptoms
1. Drooping leaves
Underwatering can be indicated by drooping leaves that appear absolutely lifeless.
2. Soil pulling away
A further sign that your plant is being underwatered is if the soil is pulling away from the pot’s edge. If you find this, consider increasing the amount of time between each watering.
3. Drying out
If your plant dries out too soon, it might be it needs to be repotted. If your plant’s pot is too small to hold the amount of water it requires to survive, future growth will be hampered, and your plant will suffer in the long run.
Should I Cut Yellow Leaves Off hibiscus To Revive?
Yellow leaves on hibiscus trees are common and not necessarily a thing to stress too much on. Hibiscus leaves that have turned yellow will usually correct themselves. In certain instances, the whole plant can be pruned to speed up the recovery process.
Pest And Disease Control For Hibiscus
Paying close attention to your hibiscus plant and scouting may aid in the detection of insect problems or hibiscus plant disease before they become serious.
And cause harm to your plant. Insect pests on hibiscus could be handled with insecticidal soap, or they can be dislodged with a rough spray from the garden hose. If you plan to use a chemical pesticide, be cautious.
Why hibiscus leaves turning yellow after repotting?
Repotting is a process that is very stressful for many house plants. Hibiscus is one of the plants, also during repotting its needs a lot of care and attention for few days until the plant get used to the new soil.
During this phase watch out not to underwater or overwater the hibiscus bush, as this is the most common reason why the plant dies after repotting.
Why do hibiscus leaves turning yellow in winter?
In general, hibiscus needs a good amount of water but overwatering can result in drooping leaves and buds. Especially in winters, hibiscus can’t absorb water properly, so keep on checking if the soil of the plant gets soggy to avoid this condition.
For a quick remedy simply add a teaspoon of coffee powder in a cup brimming with water and pour it on the hibiscus tree in winters.
Common questions on Top reasons on hibiscus yellow leaves?
Q: Does Hibiscus Plant Like Coffee Grounds?
“Yes”. Hibiscus plants, like humans, like coffee, as it contains some essential nutrients needed for their well-being.
Q: Are Eggshells Good For Hibiscus Plants?
“Yes”. Eggshells contain a high quantity of calcium carbonate which when added to the soil can raise its acidic concentration. Hibiscus plants thrive well in mildly acidic soil.
Q: How Do You Fix An Overwatered Hibiscus?
Remove the overwatered plant from the pot, cut away the rotten and add as much dry soil as possible to the soil in the container.
Q: Should You Remove Yellow Leaves From The Hibiscus?
You do not need to stress yourself but you can remove the leaves just to maintain your plants’ beauty.
Q: Will Yellow Hibiscus Leaves Turn Green Again?
There is a slight possibility that the discolored leaves will change back to green color if the cause of the discoloration is quickly eliminated.
Q: Best Season To Grow Hibiscus?
The best season to plant any variety of the hibiscus plant is during the spring period.
Q: Is Hibiscus An Indoor Or Outdoor Plant?
The plant can be grown or propagated both indoors and outdoors
Q: How Often Should Hibiscus Be Watered?
Water daily at the first week of planting, then reduce to every two- two days after the third week and to around twice per week when there is no rainfall
Q: Is Miracle Grow Good For Hibiscus?
“Yes”. It will help your hibiscus plant to bloom faster
Q: Is Epsom Salt Good For Hibiscus?
Epsom salt will help the hibiscus foliage to develop a dark green color.
Q: What is the best fertilizer for hibiscus?
A Slow-Release Fertilizer Or Water-Soluble Fertilizer In A 20-20-20 Ratio.
Q: Are banana peels good for hibiscus?
Banana Peels Are High In Potassium And Hibiscus Plants Thrive Well In Potassium-Rich Soil.
Q: Is vinegar good for hibiscus?
“Yes”.Adding Vinegar To An Acidic Will Help Reduce The Acidic Concentration Of The Soil.
Q: How often should I feed my hibiscus?
As Soon As The Plant Is Well Established Feed Them With A Balanced Fertilizer Every Two Weeks
Q: Where to buy hibiscus leaves?
Hibiscus leaves are easily available in the market and online stores. You can find this link for getting hibiscus leaves online.
The bottom line
Yellow Discoloration Of Hibiscus Leaves is not a real problem. Hibiscus is a lovely plant, but it can suffer from a lack of treatment and pests, which can lead to a variety of issues and a decline in its appearance.
Deal with these problems as soon as you find them and try to minimize their effect on your plant so that it can continue to thrive and be safe for as long as you want.
Also, find out how to fix the yellowing of other plants.
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My name is Olivia, and I live in the United States and love having plants in my garden. Lots of plants are there on my balcony, indoor and outdoor garden also. Here I am trying to share useful gardening tips, how to grow and care for various plants, etc.
