Zamiokulkas leaves turn yellow: causes and rules of treatment

Indoor flowers have been a decoration of apartments, living quarters and social facilities for many years. In specialized stores, you can see a huge number of plants that differ in appearance, properties, flowering period and origin. Among the wide assortment, you can see plants brought from different countries of the world, the natural habitat of which is other climatic conditions. Before purchasing a flower, it is imperative to study its characteristics and rules of care, as well as the possibility of creating the most comfortable conditions at home. One of the imported plants, which is very popular, is zamioculcas.

Zamioculcas is a vivid representative of African plants, which was brought to the territory of European countries. The plant belongs to the cactus family. The peculiarity of the flower is the absence of branches and stems. The aerial part of the plant is presented in the form of complex and fleshy leaves of a dark green color. The appearance of the flower provoked the appearance of the second name - the dollar tree. Novice flower growers often do not even suspect that the dollar tree is a succulent and needs special care.

Biologists identify the most common reasons why the leaves of a flower turn yellow.

• Frequent and abundant soil moisture - the main reason for the yellowing of foliage, which directly depends on the structure of the root system. The root system of a flower is presented in the form of a tuber, the task of which is to accumulate nutrients and gradually enrich the stems with them. Inexperienced growers water the African flower at the moment the soil dries up, forgetting that the bulb has already absorbed moisture and must use it up. Frequent wetting of the soil mixture will lead to excessive accumulation of liquid and rotting of the root system. The immune system of the zamiokulkas will begin to spend all its energy on the restoration of the bulb, taking vital energy from the leaves, which will surely begin to turn yellow and fall off. Signs of waterlogging of the soil are yellowing of leaf lobes and the appearance of moist dark spots.
• Natural aging - an irreversible process, as a result of which the withering of old leaves and the formation of new ones occurs. A feature of the dollar tree is the formation of no more than 17 leaf plates on one handle. In the process of plant growth, the petioles are lengthened and the old leaves are naturally replaced with new ones. There is no foliage in the root zone of the adult zamiokulcus. Signs of natural aging are the formation of new petioles and a single yellowing of the lower leaf plates.
• Insufficient watering - a common reason provoked by the understanding that zamioculcas is a cactus and does not need regular soil moisture. A plant in artificially created extreme conditions starts the process of economical consumption of moisture. For the full growth and development of all leaves, the flower simply does not have enough water.

• The presence of dangerous pests Is a common problem that can lead to the death of a flower. The most dangerous insects are aphids, scale insects and mites. The appearance of yellow dots, spots, holes and spider hairs on the leaf plates is a clear signal that indicates the presence of pests.
• Sunburn and frostbite - a problem that may arise due to direct sunlight on the plant or under the influence of low temperatures. Ultraviolet radiation and frost negatively affect the African plant. Signs - the appearance on the leaf plate of yellow spots of irregular shape, which tend to increase.
• Uncontrolled application of nitrogen fertilizers - the main mistake of novice florists. Biologists recommend replacing chemical fertilizers with organic preparations, the elements of which are better absorbed.

• Fungal disease - a dangerous problem that can lead to the death of the dollar tree. The most dangerous diseases of zamioculcas are fusarium, late blight, anthracnose. Signs - a slowdown or complete cessation of growth, the appearance of brown spots on the bulb, wilting of foliage and a change in its structure and color.
• Bacterial diseases - problems that arise as a result of the penetration of pathogens into plant tissues. High humidity and air temperature, as well as watering with cold water, can provoke the development of bacterial diseases. The most common diseases are wet and dry rot. Signs of wet rot are dark gray, black and brown spots.
• Damage to the root system during transplantation - a common problem for novice gardeners caused by non-compliance with transplanting rules and mechanical damage to the surface of the tuber. If the plant does not develop and the branches dry, urgent action must be taken.
• The presence of a large number of leaves on a small tuber - a common problem that arises after dividing a bush. The condition of the plant self-stabilizes after strengthening the root system.

In the event that yellow leaves appear on the zamioculcas, it is necessary to urgently take measures to eliminate the causes that provoked the appearance of this problem. Ignoring this situation can lead to the death of the flower. In the case of abundant watering and rotting of the tuber, a number of measures must be taken:

• removing a plant from a flower pot;
• visual inspection of the root system;
• removal with a sharp tool of all rotten, soft and rotten areas;
• disinfection of the cut surface with medical brilliant green or crushed activated carbon;
• drying the treated onion at room temperature in a ventilated area;
• transplanting a flower into a new planting container with nutrient soil.

If the change in the color scale of the leaves occurs as a result of a natural process provoked by the growth and development of the plant, then the flower receives the maximum amount of attention without disturbances in the care technique. If the flower dries up from a lack of moisture, it is necessary to urgently begin to moisten the soil in small portions several times in a row. Only after the restoration of the water balance can you switch to the correct irrigation regime. It is strictly forbidden to pour a large amount of water into dry soil at once, an excess of which will provoke the development of putrefactive processes. If the drought has led to the complete drying out of the entire aboveground part, experienced gardeners do not recommend throwing the plant away, but trying to revive it with the help of proper watering.

At the first signs of the appearance of dangerous pests, the following set of measures must be taken:

• making a soap composition from laundry or tar soap mixed with water;
• covering the soil tightly with paper, food foil or a plastic bag;
• removal of pests and larvae with a soapy solution and a soft sponge;
• rinsing foliage with clean water at room temperature.

Some growers prefer to treat the plant with chemicals that are designed to destroy a specific pest. In order not to harm the flower, it is necessary to use insecticides in strict accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. If the leaf plate has been damaged due to exposure to sunlight or low temperatures, the plant must be rearranged to more comfortable conditions and restoring preparations must be applied to the leaves.

To obtain a healthy plant, it is necessary to regularly introduce nutrients into the soil. Uncontrolled use of chemical nitrogen fertilizers can cause discoloration of the leaf. Experts advise giving preference to organic products.

In case of fungal and bacterial diseases, it is necessary to place the flower pot in a dry room with good ventilation and stop watering, remove the plant from the pot and cut off all affected parts. Treat the resulting sections with disinfectants and plant the flower in a new pot.

Experienced gardeners recommend paying special attention to the transplant rules. In case of careless movement of the flower into a new container, mechanical damage to the bulb may occur, but the flower can still be saved. The deformed plant must be removed from the pot, cut off the decayed areas and allowed to dry.

Strict adherence to the rules of caring for zamioculcus at home is the key to the full growth and development of a flower. To prevent waterlogging of the soil, it is necessary to carry out subsequent watering only a few days after the earthen soil has completely dried out. To prevent stagnation of moisture at the bottom of the pot, it is imperative to use drainage materials when planting. In winter, when the air in the room has a low level of humidity and a high temperature, it is necessary to alternate watering and evening spraying.

To prevent the appearance of dangerous pests on the dollar tree, it is necessary to use only high-quality nutritional mixtures and regularly inspect the cuttings. Experienced florists recommend covering the glass with paper or cloth to prevent burns. Closed windows and vents in winter will help prevent frostbite in the leaves.

When caring for a flower, you should be very careful and use garden rubber gloves. These measures are mandatory and are associated with the release of poisonous juice, which can provoke an allergic rash, itching and irritation of the skin.

Biologists identify several preventive measures, which will help avoid yellowing of the leaves and grow a healthy and beautiful plant:

• compliance with the temperature regime in the room;
• implementation of regular and moderate watering;
• creating a comfortable level of illumination;
• timely introduction of nutrients;
• mandatory use of drainage materials;
• regular use of chemicals for pests and fungal diseases;
• using only light and loose nutrient soil;
• increase in air humidity in the summer.

To prevent decay of the root system, it is necessary to moisten the soil only after it is completely dry.A wooden stick lowered to the very bottom of the pot will help determine the level of soil drying. If, after removing it, the wooden surface remains completely dry, you can water.

Every housewife wants to see in her flower garden not only traditional indoor plants, but also unusual flowers that can surprise with their shapes, leaf structure and color scheme not only for family members, but also for guests. An unusual plant with an amazing structure is the dollar tree. This flower will become an adornment of any greenhouse, and in case of proper care, it will be able to please with the appearance of a peduncle.

For information on how to transplant zamiokulkas, see the video below.