Why do rhododendron turn yellow leaves and other organs and what should be done?
Azalea occupies its niche in the garden classification. This is a plant of a separate variety related to rhododendrons.
Its varieties are divided into deciduous and evergreen. Many are embarrassed that azalea can lose foliage, inexperienced gardeners worry that the plant is sick.
In this article, we will deal with cases when the azalea turns yellow for natural reasons, and when you need to pay attention to the condition of the flower. And also we will tell how to cope with such a problem, how to prevent the death of a plant and how to take care of this delicate flower in the future.
What is this process and why is it happening?
The yellowing of leaves and flowers at a room or garden azalea can be noticeable even before the active phase begins, when yellow leaves appear on the plant, which rapidly fall off (for more information on why azaleas dry and fall leaves and how to save the plant, see here). To begin with, it may be alarming that dry grayish spots appear on the plant. They may be barely noticeable.
- This means that direct rays of the sun fall on the plant, and the azalea hates the heat.
- Also with this symptom, we can talk about the appearance of pests and diseases, but this is a topic for a separate article.
Important! If brown and brown spots appear on the leaves - this is a sure sign that the plant may die due to inappropriate conditions of detention.
- Brownish-yellow ends on the leaves indicate that the roots of the plant feel some discomfort. Perhaps the water for irrigation is very hard or the plant is overdried.
- Another reason is too dry air.
- If yellow-green leaves appeared on the plant on one of the days, then the plant most likely has chlorosis due to a lack of iron or these are consequences from drafts and temperature changes.
- Constant falling of leaves indicates incorrect "feeding" of azaleas, as well as problems in the soil - perhaps the earth will need to be replaced and the plant transplanted into another pot.
What is the danger to the plant?
If you do not treat the plant, then after the formation of dry leaves, this tendency will move to the branches. They will also begin to dry gradually, and then the drought will reach the roots of the azalea.
Damaged roots bring inevitable death to the plant, here you already have to return the azalea to life in very difficult ways, with not always successful results, especially for beginner growers.
In any case, you need to identify the problem of drought and work on it comprehensively. Only in this case there will be a chance to save the plant from death (for more details on how to save the azalea, see this material).
When is yellowing natural and when is disease?
Fall
Yellowing in the fall is a normal process that occurs regularly in a particular variety.. Rhododedron in this period needs pruning of those branches and leaves where gray-brown spots are observed. They can be carefully removed with secateurs. Dead foliage is collected along with dried branches.
Dangerous
But, if yellowing is accompanied by various signs in the form of spots or browning of leaves, then urgent need to take action.
- If on the leaves you notice discolored spots that make individual sections almost transparent, then a rhododendral bug has got into the plant. It can lay brown testicles directly in azalea tissues, so it must be destroyed immediately. For this, the tool "Diazion" is suitable.
- The appearance of brown spots on the leaves, which gradually increase, speaks of a fungal disease - septirosoe. Excessive humidity, heat and sunlight leads to it.Attention! In order to get rid of the disease, you need to purchase a special antifungal solution, and then put the azalea in the shade and make sure that it is not watered too much.
Causes
Why is this happening? Yellowing leaves may be due not only to natural causes, but also possible due to lack of moisture or excess heat.
- Sometimes this state of azalea is caused by damage to the plant by the mealybug. You can save it, but it will require constant treatment with a certain drug. In this case, you can only help with the help of an insecticide.
- Sometimes a plant attacks aphids, it can easily be found on azalea leaves. You can destroy it with a simple means: take soapy water and water the plant three to four times a week.
- The most basic cause of yellowing leaves is the lack of the right amount of moisture. In order for it to get into over-dried ground, the pot needs to be lowered for several minutes in a basin with cold water. If the azalea leaves turn a little yellow after this, this means that the earth is oversaturated with calcium, which means that you need to acidify the water when watering, and keep the temperature no higher than 15 degrees.
Do not forget that a prerequisite for the growth of azaleas is acidified soil. It can be made from sand, peat and coniferous soil, you can limit yourself to the substrate, which is sold in the store.
What parts of the plant are susceptible to the process and what needs to be done?
Dry spots on the tips of the leaves
- If the leaves simply turn brown at the edges, and then fall off, then you can try spraying them with Epin. However, in some species of azaleas, this process can be called natural - they periodically drop leaves (for more information on why the plant drops leaves and what to do to solve the problem, see here).
- If the plant does not dry completely, and dry spots appear on the edges of the leaves, then it is worth considering that the water for irrigation has been chosen too hard.
- It is also necessary to check the humidity. When it is too stuffy, you need to make sure that the plant has access to fresh air, and the room has the required level of humidity.
Flowers turn yellow and fall
If the leaves turn yellow and fall, and such a process has reached the azalea flowers, this indicates fusarium. A special sign is that the leaves turn pale, then curl, become brown and fall off. And the flowers dry, and then quickly crumble.
Fusarium in azalea develops only in a humid environment and at high temperature. Then it progresses and affects young roots.
Reference! To overcome the disease, it is necessary to spray azalea with a solution consisting of an antibiotic, fungicide and copper sulfate.The recipe is:
- Crush three aspirin tablets, mix with a fungicide ampoule, add vitriol.
- Then water it for two weeks daily, after which you will need to water the azalea with a solution of potassium permanganate for another two weeks.
Stem
If the rhododendron stem began to turn yellow, then you need to pay attention to the plant top dressing.
Feeding schedule:
- It is necessary to feed with a special preparation "Azalea", it is advisable to carry out the procedure once a week.
- Do not forget the most important thing - citric acid or lemon juice, which are added every 10 days.
Many add malic acid or acetic acid, you can. You can also spray azalea with a solution of lemon juice.
Important feeding for azaleas - Ferovit. It is essentially an iron chelate, and iron is very important for azaleas. It is also used for chlorosis - when the azaleas of the lack of iron turn yellow leaves and stem. Ferovit also contributes to the growth of greenery and generally improves the appearance of azaleas. They can both be watered and sprayed. More effective for spraying.
Prevention of recurrence of the disease
Azalea is prone to get sick again. This plant is extremely capricious and whimsical. Therefore, getting rid of parasites, it is better to transplant azaleas or prepare for the next season, having bought new soil. Often the plant may not fully recover - then in a couple of months dry leaves and brown veins will appear on it again. Get rid of parasites will help regular processing with special means.
Attention! Another effective preventive measure is to water the azalea with a solution of potassium permanganate for two weeks once every two months. This prevention will help to beat the plant from fuaziroza and other unpleasant diseases.Further care for indoor and garden rhododendron
In order to detect a problem in a timely manner, the plant should be inspected periodically, as well as removed damaged and dried parts. Incorrect care for azalea leads to illness and death of the plant. Also, azalea should be periodically transplanted into new soil, watered with melt water, and in the summer in the heat it is covered with ice.
Conclusion
Azalea will bloom beautifully, but at the first inconvenience it will begin to drop foliage from itself. To avoid unpleasant consequences, it is necessary to carefully monitor three conditions: air humidity, moisture in the soil, lack of direct sunlight. Then the plant, if it does not belong to the subspecies of deciduous azalea, will have beautiful green leaves, periodically bloom and delight the owners with its beauty.