8 Symptoms of Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow and Problem Solving

Shoeblackplant with the scientific name Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is a species of the Malvaceae family that has multiple functions for humans, including: ornamental plants, food ingredients, and medicine. However, by most people, hibiscus rosa-sinensis is better known as an ornamental plant, because it has various flower characters with various colors and crown shapes.

Hibiscus leaves are single leaves, lobed, and have a pair of stipules or supporting leaves. It has round leaves with bright red flowers. Hibiscus contain flavonoids. In addition, the leaves also contain saponins and polyphenols, the flowers contain polyphenols, the roots also contain tannins, saponins, scopoletin, cleomiscosin A, and cleomiscosin C.

There are hundreds of species of hibiscus, the type of flower that can be eaten is roselle hibiscus or Hibiscus sabdariffa. Not only serves as an ornamental plant, hibiscus is also widely used for medicine and culinary.

Why do Hibiscus Flowers Turn Yellow?

If single leaves turn yellow and fall off, then this is a natural process. Hibiscus drops the old leaves due to the rejuvenation process if only one or two fall.

However, if there are lots of yellow spots it’s a sign that the plant needs help. Then what can cause such a situation:

1. Incorrect watering.

Lack of watering or too much. In your treatment you have to be flexible. Because hibiscus does not like waterlog and overdrying.

Too much or not enough water can cause hibiscus leaves to turn yellow. While hibiscus plants need plenty of water, especially during periods of excessive heat or windy conditions, overwatering can be detrimental. Ideally, you should water enough to keep the soil moist, not soggy.

Watering should be withdrawn during dormancy. Moisten the soil enough to prevent it from drying out completely. Inadequate drainage can also affect hibiscus and yellow leaves are common. Make sure the container provides proper drainage. Failing to give your hibiscus plant enough water can also cause its leaves to turn yellow. Check the soil with your finger to make sure the plant is getting enough water. A self-watering pot is also a good way to deal with this problem.

2. Temperature

Hibiscus is a tropical plant. Therefore, the optimal temperature for hibiscus is from +18 to +30 degrees. When the temperature is very hot, especially in summer, the hibiscus will need more water. If the soil is not sufficiently moist, the hibiscus will shed its leaves to make it easier to cope with the heat. This means that the hibiscus needs more water. Otherwise, the plant will dry out quickly and succumb to heat stress. This can cause the hibiscus leaves to turn yellow and eventually deflate.

Likewise, when the temperature is too cold, the hibiscus will also react with yellowing of the leaves. Ensure that the plant is kept away from drafty locations and excessive drafts. Also, be sure to bring the plant indoors when the outside temperature reaches freezing.

3.Sunlight

Hibiscus loves the sun. But direct sunlight at midday can burn the leaves. Sunburns appear – large white spots. With too strong lighting, almost all indoor flowers will stress by giving yellowing of the leaves as sign.

Hibiscus also does not like a little light. The sun is necessary for the normal process of photosynthesis. Moreover, the surface of the leave is large. If there is no light, the plant will drop the foliage.

4. Fertilizer

Excess or lack of fertilizer can cause hibiscus leaves to turn yellow.

Due to lack of nutrients, chlorosis can begin. The leaves begin to turn yellow gradually: first, the color of the parts between the veins changes. This happens if the hibiscus is not grafted for a long time or even forgets to fertilize it.

Frequent fertilization is also dangerous. They are very sensitive to excess phosphorus. Immediately wither. Gradual and moderate application of phosphorus-containing fertilizers stimulates flowering. If you give a lot of these elements at once, the leaves will turn yellow.

5. Pot

All flower growers know that it is necessary to choose the right container for the plant. This determines how the hibiscus root system will develop.

Small or inappropriate pots can also cause yellowing of the leaves and will cause the hibiscus to drop leaves, try to reduce evaporation of moisture. The new pot should not be too big.

Fuss hibiscus with the ideal choice is a diameter capacity of 2 cm larger than the previous one. Hibiscus must be removed carefully so that the roots are not injured.

Hibiscus is a tropical plant that does not like wind. Therefore, if you put it in the room, it is not recommended to place it near the air conditioner and fan

6. Pests

Hibiscus is a plant that is not easily attacked by pests. However, it is possible to be attacked by pests, for example various insects can cause yellowing of hibiscus leaves:

• Aphids

Leaves turn yellow and wrap. You can see the insects themselves and their larvae.

Treatment: Effective care by using Actellik, Fitoverm.

• Worms

A white layer is seen along the leaf veins.

Treatment: To get rid of pests, the plant is treated with a special oily composition (available in flower shops).

• Spider mite

First, yellow dots form on the surface of the leaves – where insects eat. Affected foliage gradually turns yellow and dries up. Between the individual parts of the plant you can see a thin cobweb.

Treatment: Wash the leaves with laundry soap; if no results, then treat with Fitoverm, Vertimek, and similar insecticides.

There are many reasons for yellowing of the leaves of the Chinese rose. It is important to get rid of it immediately, because such a symptom indicates some kind of flower problem. This plant charms with its lush crown and attractive colorful flowers. You can safely say that a healthy hibiscus is a decoration of any home.

7. Chlorosis

Virus diseases adversely affect the condition of plants. Signs of disease are not only yellowing of the leaves. Spots appear on its surface. Leaves turn yellow on plants affected by chlorosis, while veins remain naturally green.

This disease manifests itself with improper soil acidity. Chlorosis can affect plant parts. Yellowing leaves, underdeveloped roots and tops often die.

Using complex fertilizers, transplanting the plant into new soil, you can cope with the disease.In preventive safety measures, and its not  recommend watering the plant with hard tap water. This increases the acidity of the soil.

Hibiscus yellow leaves are generally common so you don’t have to worry. Oftentimes, discolored hibiscus leaves will repair itself. In some cases, pruning the entire plant is necessary.

8. Lack of nutrients

Lack of nutrients can also cause yellowing of the leaves of the plant. The nutrients needed for each plant vary, depending on the type and some existing plants are chosen over others.