Chrysanthemum care tips: Reviving and maintaining fall blooms
Chrysanthemums are flowers that have become a permanent fixture in the autumn landscape. Increasingly, people are also choosing to decorate their homes with them. Even the most beautiful colours, however, can lose their charm when yellowing leaves appear. Instead of giving up on the plant, consider taking steps to rescue it.
26 October 2024 17:41
Chrysanthemums belong to the aster family and come in many varieties, differing in colour, shape, and size of the flowers. They are hardy and tolerate low temperatures well, so at the end of October and the beginning of November, they become some of the most popular decorations. However, yellow leaves can sometimes appear, spoiling the whole visual effect. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and remedy this issue when you first notice the leaves.
Why do chrysanthemums have yellow leaves?
Chrysanthemums are known for their colourful flowers and green stems with leaves. However, no plant is indestructible, and even on this autumn decoration, small, unsightly yellow leaves can appear.
The most common cause is improper watering. Chrysanthemums prefer moist soil but do not like to be waterlogged. If we water them too often or too heavily, it can lead to root rot and yellowing leaves. On the other hand, if they are not watered frequently enough, they can suffer from water stress, which may also cause yellow leaves.
Another factor for the change in colour is a lack of nutrients. The soil they are in may be poor in nitrogen and iron. The plant then activates a survival mode and begins to conserve resources, causing the leaves to become yellow and less visually appealing.
Chrysanthemum yellowing - what to do?
Before you consider discarding the plant, try a rescue plan. First, adjust the watering - the soil should be moist but not wet. Be consistent with watering, but avoid overdoing it.
Regularly fertilize chrysanthemums, providing them with essential nutrients. A multi-component fertilizer containing iron, nitrogen, and phosphorus works best. You can easily find it in a gardening store.
Also, ensure the right location, as although these plants are very hardy, they have their preferences. The ideal spot is bright but sheltered from direct sunlight.
