Plumeria plant is a tropical, deciduous flowering plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. Most plumeria plants are small trees or shrubs with large, green leaves and bright flowers.
That is why it’s frustrating when the leaves turn yellow. Are you worried about why are my plumeria leaves turning yellow? If so, you’re in the right place. We’re here to tell you the reasons behind plumeria leaves turning yellow along with their solutions.
As plumerias are deciduous plants, it’s natural for the leaves to turn yellow and drop after the growing season. But other factors might pitch in too. Keep on reading to find out more about why are my plumeria leaves turning yellow!
Why Are My Plumeria Leaves Turning Yellow
1. Over-Watering
Plumeria plants thrive in moist soil as they’re tropical plants. They’re used to moisture, but they can tolerate drought. But if you over-water the plant and it gets soggy, its leaves will start to turn yellow.
Soggy soil attracts pathogens such as fungi. These pathogens thrive in wet conditions, making the root hair cells their hosts. These pathogens don’t let the plant take enough water, oxygen, or nutrients. This condition is called root rot, and it can kill the plant. That is why avoiding over-watering should be the focus of every plant parent.
Solution
When the soil gets soggy, stop watering the plant. Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering it again.
Novelty 30601 Indoor Watering Can is perfect because of its thin nozzle. It’ll give you more control over how much water you pour into the soil, and it will help avoid accidental over-watering. It’s available on Amazon.
If the plant seems over-watered, putting it in the bright sunlight will help evaporate the excess water. Also, make sure that the pot has enough drainage holes. Sometimes, the drainage holes tend to block over time, so keep an eye and open them if they’re blocked.
The soil should be well-drained. If you don’t have a well-draining potting mix, you can add sandy soil to the regular potting mix.
- Durable, Impact-Resistant Plastic
- Long-Stem Spout Helps Control Water Flow
- Easy-to-Use Custom Handle
- Holds a ½ Gallon
- Made in the USA & Recyclable
2. Too Much Light
A plumeria flower symbolizes new beginnings and new life. This is why are my plumeria leaves turning yellow don’t sit right. Plumeria can tolerate varying light conditions. However, excess exposure to the full sun can scorch the leaves and result in discoloration and yellowing of the leaves.
Solution
If your plant is yellowing because of too much light, bring it indoors and let the sun damage reverse. Take it out in the morning sun every day. That’ll be enough light for your plant.
3. Under-Watering
Lack of water in plants can cause drought stress. Plumeria plants store the moisture present in their leaves in drought conditions, causing the leaves to lose their color and turn yellow. They will eventually dry out and curl.
Solution
If your plumeria is under-watered, water it until excess water starts to seep out of the drainage holes. Remember to keep your plant in a shaded area to avoid evaporation of the much-needed moisture.
4. Accumulated Mineral Deposits
If you’re watering your plumeria plant with hard water, the soil will start to accumulate mineral deposits such as calcium carbonate, sodium, and iron. These substances will induce drought symptoms in the plant. A white crust will form on top of the soil and the plant will begin to burn due to dehydration. Eventually, you’ll start seeing yellow spots on the soil.
Solution
Flushing out is a procedure used to remove extra deposits from the soil. Just pour water from the top of the soil until it seeps out of the container. Do this repeatedly, with a few hours intervals in between so that the white crust is gone.
Ensuring good drainage will help prevent the accumulation of these nutrients as well. And if you think that the soil is damaged beyond fixing, repot it and give it a fresh start.
5. Pests/Fungal Disease
Plumeria plants are prone to pest infestations. Scales, caterpillars, nematodes, blossom midge, thrips, and whiteflies are some of the pests that can attack your plant. They can cause the leaves to yellow and might end up killing the plant as well.
Fungal diseases can also cause yellowing in the leaves and might do even more damage.
Solution
Neem oil is a natural and effective way to kill pests. The product we’ll recommend is Ready to Use Neem Oil. It’s available on Amazon. Additionally, use fungicides to cure fungal diseases.
- KILLS SEVERAL FUNGAL DISEASES - Monterey fungus and insect killer controls Black Spot, Powdery Mildew, Rust, Needle Rust, and other fungal diseases.
- CONTROLS MANY INSECTS & MITES - The insect treatment spray also controls Spider Mites, Aphids, Whiteflies, and other insect pests.
- VARIETY OF USES - This pest control can be used on Roses, Houseplants, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs, Fruit & Nut Trees and Vegetables. It can also be used in and around the house.
- READY TO USE - This CSI alternative is conveniently ready to use when it arrives. The spray nozzle makes this product easy to deploy.
- ORGANIC GARDENING - The active ingredient in our bug killer spray is a Neem Oil. Approved for organic gardening, our product is safe for use around people and pets.
6. Nutrient Deficiency
A lack of iron, manganese, zinc, and nitrogen can lead to a decrease in chlorophyll. This causes discoloration in the leaves.
Solution
Conduct tissue analysis by sending samples to a lab nearby. That’ll help you know the plants’ deficiencies.
7. Excessive Feeding
Too many fertilizers can burn the plant tissues and cause yellowing in the leaves. Avoid over-fertilizing at all costs.
Solutions
Flushing the fertilizer out with water is always an option if you’ve over-fed your plant. If you think that it’s beyond damage control, you can re-pot the plant in brand new soil.
8. Low Humidity and Temperature
A plumeria is a tropical plant and it is used to high humidity and warm temperature. If those needs aren’t met, the leaves will begin to turn yellow. Low humidity leads to a lack of moisture and the leaves will decolorize and curl. And a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit can be the death of a plumeria.
Solution
Keep the plant away from air conditioners and if your plant is outdoors, and the temperature drops, bring it in and regulate the indoor temperature. In case of low humidity, use a humidifier and mist the plant regularly.
Conclusion
If you are going through the dilemma of why are my plumeria leaves turning yellow, it might just be natural, annual yellowing as the plumeria plant is deciduous. But there’s a fair chance that it is due to external factors like underwatering, over-watering, too much light, excessive feed, etc.
But you can cure your plant by using the techniques mentioned above. Products like Novelty 30601 Indoor Watering Can and Ready to Use Neem Oil will be helpful for any plumeria parent.
We hope this helped you. If you have more questions, leave them in the comment section down below and we’ll get back to you!