by Gardener Tim | Oct 29, 2021 | Plant Care
For years, the sky pencil holly has been a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers. The tree is fast growing with dense green foliage that is perfect for creating privacy screens or windbreaks.
Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to properly care for their sky pencil hollies and end up with brown leaves instead of lush green ones.
In this blog post, we will discuss what you need to do in order to keep your sky pencil holly looking its best all year long!
Why Is My Sky Pencil Holly Turning Brown?
Overwatering and leaf burning are the most likely reasons for your sky pencil holly to turn brown. The brown leaves from overwatering are moist, whereas burnt leaves are dry and crispy.
There’s also a chance that spider mites have infested your sky pencil holly, and are now feasting on its leaves.
It’s critical to figure out what caused the leaves to change color. I’ll go through these two causes in-depth, as well as what you can do to avoid it from happening again.
Browning Sky Pencil Holly Leaves from Too Much Water
When you water your sky pencil holly, it’s important to only give the tree so much. Too much water can cause brown leaves on your tree!
In fact, if the roots of your sky pencil holly don’t have enough room to breathe, they will begin to rot and you’ll find yourself with a brown tree instead!
After the tree is established, only water when the soil is dry. Sky Pencil Holly is a drought-tolerant plant that dislikes wet feet, so being late with water is better than being early.
You can also check if your soil already has moisture by sticking your finger down into the dirt to see how dry it is. If you feel some dampness in there, wait a few more days before watering again!
Browning Sky Pencil Holly Leaves from Spider Mites
Spider mites are small bugs that love feasting on the leaves of your sky pencil holly. When there is a large infestation, you’ll notice your tree struggling to stay alive.
It can be difficult to get rid of spider mites if they’re already taking hold in your garden or yard – but not impossible! You can check if the plant has pests by giving the branches a gentle shake and watching to see if any spider mites fall off.
If so, you’ll need a pesticide that is safe for sky pencil holly trees. I like using neem oil (Amazon link) because it is organic and safe to use.
To apply the neem oil, simply shake the bottle well before spraying your sky pencil holly with a gentle stream of water (to help spread the pesticide). Then, coat every leaf carefully using an old paintbrush or rag.
Browning Sky Pencil Holly Leaves from Leaf Burn
Leaf burn is often the result of too much sun exposure, which can dry out your sky pencil holly’s leaves.
When you have a sunny spot in your yard where the sky pencil holly gets lots of sunlight throughout the day, it may be time to move it! While this tree does do well with partial shade, too much sun can cause the leaves to burn.
If you are unable to move your sky pencil holly due to space limitations, there are still things that can be done in order for it to survive! You will want to provide some form of shade over the tree when possible. This could come from a nearby taller plant or even an umbrella!
Also, you will need to water your tree more frequently if it is in the sun. This applies even to trees that are established because they still require some watering!
Browning Sky Pencil Holly Leaves FAQs
This plant isn’t the easiest plant to care for. As such, I will now answer some common questions I get asked about the leaves of this beautiful plant.
Will brown sky pencil holly leaves turn green again?
No, it is unlikely for brown leaves to turn green again. The brown leaves were killed by the overwatering or sun exposure, and will never come back. The good news is that the rest of the plant should be okay and it will eventually grow new leaves.
Should I remove brown leaves from my sky pencil holly?
Yes, you should remove brown leaves from your sky pencil holly. The reason for this is because there could be a chance of infection or other diseases if the affected area is left on the plant.
Will too much water cause the sky pencil holly to turn brown?
Yes, it will cause the sky pencil holly to turn brown. This can happen if you are constantly watering your sky pencil holly, even when it is established!
Will direct sun cause sky pencil holly leaves to turn brown?
Yes, direct sun will cause sky pencil holly leaves to turn brown. Not only that, but it can also damage your tree if you do not provide proper shading for the plant!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the sky pencil holly will only thrive if you give it the proper care. This means being attentive to its water needs, as well as providing adequate shade!
If you have any questions about this plant or other plants in general, please feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll be happy to help out! Thanks for reading 🙂
by Gardener Tim | Oct 29, 2021 | Outdoor And Patio Plants, Plant Care
Skip laurels are one of the most popular plants for landscaping. They are easy to grow and provide a beautiful accent to any garden. But many people wonder why they turn yellow all of the sudden, especially after having been green for so long. Let’s find out…
Why Are My Skip Laurels Turning Yellow?
Your skip laurels are turning yellow because the plant has been overwatered, it hasn’t received enough light, or the environment is causing stress.
Let’s now explore the most common causes of yellowing leaves on this plant and how to address them.
Yellowing from Overwatering
Skip laurels like to be watered frequently, but too much water can cause yellowing of the leaves. In fact, overwatering is one of the most common causes of yellow leaves on this plant.
When a skip laurel has been overwatered, its roots stay waterlogged and can’t find enough oxygen to survive.
The best way to prevent this from happening is by planting your skip laurel in well-draining soil that has a lot of organic matter. I recommend mixing organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or even shredded leaves into the soil around your plant.
When it comes to watering, only add more when the top few inches of soil are dry. You can test this by sticking your finger into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
The frequency in which you water your skip laurels depends on the temperature, humidity, and how much rainfall you’ve received. It is best to water only when needed rather than set a schedule!
If your plant does have root rot, then act quickly to save it! I recommend pruning all affected roots by up to a third of their size. Prune the roots only, not any branches or foliage on the plant.
Yellowing from Too Little Sunlight
Skip laurels are sun-loving plants that require at least six hours of sunlight every day. If they receive too little light, their leaves will turn yellow because chlorophyll requires sunlight to produce food for the plant.
If your skip laurel isn’t receiving enough light, you should prune off any branches blocking other foliage from its designated sunlight.
You can also add more light to the area with additional outdoor lighting or special grow lights (Amazon link) designed for plants like skip laurels. These types of plant lamps give off specific wavelengths of light that will help your plant photosynthesize and produce food for itself!
Yellowing from Environmental Stressors
Skip laurels are very hardy plants that can handle most environmental stressors. However, they will turn yellow if the surrounding environment is too cold or dry for their liking!
If you live in an area where temperatures drop below 40 F., then your skip laurel might die back some of its branches to protect itself from freezing winds and snow. If this happens, don’t worry because your plant can grow back from the roots once temperatures rise again.
If you live in a very dry area with little rainfall or humidity, then skip laurels might start to turn yellow as well. This is because they require regular watering and moist soil to thrive! In these types of climates. It is best to plant your skip laurels in containers that you can move indoors during the winter.
Yellowing Skip Laurels Leaves FAQs
I will now discuss some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to yellowing leaves on a skip laurels plant.
Should I cut yellow leaves off my skip laurels?
Yes, you can prune away yellow leaves on your skip laurels plant. This will open up the plant to receive more light and also allow for airflow around it.
However, be careful not to over-prune your skip laurels. If you cut off too many leaves then this could stress or kill your plant!
Will the yellow leaves on my skip laurels spread to other plants?
Only if your skip laurel has a fungal infection that is causing the yellowing leaves. If this is the case, then you will need to treat your plant with a fungicide.
Does the type of water I give to my skip laurels matter?
Yes, I recommend using filtered water over tap water because it is free of chlorine and other chemicals that can wipe out beneficial microbes in your soil.
If you are unsure about the quality of your local tap water, then I recommend investing in a simple carbon filter to remove any unwanted toxins from your watering solution!
Will too little light cause my skip laurels to turn yellow?
Yes, skip laurels require at least six hours of full sunlight every day. If you live in an area where your plant does not receive this much light, then it will turn yellow!
Will too much water cause my skip laurels to turn yellow?
Yes, skip laurels do not like to be overwatered. If their soil is constantly soaked, then they will turn yellow because the water stress causes a lack of oxygen in the roots!
Will yellow skip laurels leaves turn green again?
No, it is unlikely that the leaves on your skip laurels will turn green again. The good news is that your plant will most likely grow new leaves in the springtime when temperatures rise again!
Conclusion
In conclusion, skip laurels will turn yellow for many different reasons. However, the most common cause of this is not receiving enough sunlight! If your plant receives at least six hours of full sunlight every day and isn’t overwatered, then it should grow new leaves in springtime when temperatures rise again!
I hope this blog post has answered any questions you have about yellowing leaves on a skip laurels plant.
by Gardener Tim | Oct 29, 2021 | Plant Care
Daylilies are a beautiful plant that many gardeners love to have in their yard. They come in an array of colors and sizes, and they can bloom all year long! However, sometimes it is difficult to tell why daylily leaves are turning yellow.
In this blog post, we will discuss the most common reasons for this happening so you can know what to do next time your daylilies start changing color.
Why Are My Daylily Leaves Turning Yellow?
Your daylily leaves are turning yellow because the plant has been overwatered, hasn’t received enough light, is suffering from leaf streak, or the environment is causing stress.
Let’s now explore the most common causes of yellowing leaves on this plant and how to address them.
1. Yellowing from Overwatering
Your daylily leaves are turning yellow because you have been giving it too much water.
While some gardeners love to give their plants a good soak every now and then, overwatering is never a good thing for any plant. Daylilies require moist soil but cannot tolerate being left standing in water as this will cause the roots of the plant to rot.
If you have noticed your daylily leaves turning yellow, this could be because the roots are slowly dying from being underwater for too long.
Decrease or stop watering so that the soil is moist but not soggy and let it dry out before giving it another drink.
It’s advisable to only add more water when the top few inches of soil are dry. You can find this out by simply reaching your finger down into the soil to see if it is dry, or you can take a moisture meter and stick this in the soil to see how moist it is.
If the roots have already started to rot, then you need to act quickly. The first step is to inspect the roots and prune any that are rotten. After allowing the plant to dry out, repot it into fresh soil that drains well.
2. Yellowing from Leaf Streak and Other Fungal Infections
Leaf streak is a fungal infection that primarily occurs during wet weather conditions when the plant’s defenses are weakened. It is a fungal disease that gives a yellow line to the leaves of daylily plants.
It spreads quickly, so it’s important to act fast if you notice this occurring on your daylilies. You can prevent the chances of it happening by keeping the leaves dry when watering, spreading the plants, and removing plant debris on a frequent basis.
If you see a leaf streak occurring, then it is best practice to spray the affected plants with a fungicide, especially products that contain myclobutanil.
3. Yellowing from Lack of Sunlight
Another reason for daylily leaves turning yellow is that the plant simply doesn’t get enough light.
If you notice any of your daylilies turning a pale green color, rather than their typical dark green hue, then chances are they aren’t getting enough sun.
Daylilies need sunlight to produce chlorophyll and keep their vibrant colors. If they aren’t getting enough sun then the leaves will not receive energy from photosynthesis, causing them to turn yellow or white (a condition known as etiolation).
To correct this problem you simply need to move your daylilies to a sunny spot where they can get at least six hours of indirect sunlight.
You may have to move other plants and objects out of the way first. If there isn’t a good spot for them in your yard, you could also install grow lights (Amazon link) overtop to help give it enough light every day.
4. Yellowing from Environmental Stressors
Your daylily leaves may be turning yellow due to environmental stressors, such as cold weather, heat, and frost.
If the weather has been particularly cold or harsh, this may be causing your daylily leaves to turn yellow. It’s recommended to prevent any cold drafts or strong winds from hitting your plants.
You can also protect them by covering the area with a blanket or sheet during cold snaps. This will trap the heat around them, keeping them warm.
Repotting is also another cause of stress for daylilies. This is why I advise only repotting plants when absolutely necessary, like if the plant has root rot or is growing in the wrong size pot.
Yellowing Daylily Leaves FAQs
I will now discuss some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to yellowing leaves on a daylily.
Should I cut yellow leaves off my daylily?
Yes, cutting the yellow leaves off your plant is a good idea. After all, it’s not doing them any favors so why let these old and wilting leaves remain? Simply use a pair of sterilized pruning shears to remove the leaves from your plant.
Does the type of water matter?
Yes, I advise only using water that is free of chlorine or fluoride, as this can kill your plants. Some people even suggest using rainwater to keep it moist but without adding too many extra contaminants/chemicals which could harm the plant.
Will too little light cause my daylily to turn yellow?
Yes, if your daylilies aren’t getting enough light, then they will turn pale green rather than their normal dark green. Daylilies need at least six hours of indirect sunlight every day to keep them looking vibrant and healthy, so move the plant if necessary or install grow lights overtop during winter months when there isn’t any natural sun.
Will too much water cause my daylily to turn yellow?
Yes, if your daylilies are getting too much water they may turn yellow. Make sure that you only add more water when the top few inches of soil is dry. Always avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot or attract insects like fungus gnats which will feed on a wet/moldy plant.
Will yellow daylily leaves turn green again?
No, it is unlikely that the yellow leaves on your daylilies will turn green again. However, if you follow the tips above, then it should help to prevent the future yellowing of leaves and keep them looking healthy every year!
Conclusion
In conclusion, daylilies are very easy to take care of and will provide you with years of enjoyment. Just be sure to put them in a sunny spot, avoid repotting too often, and don’t give them too much water.
I hope this article was helpful. Please do not hesitate to leave any comments or questions below! Thanks for reading.
by Gardener Tim | Oct 29, 2021 | Plant Care
Crepe myrtles are a popular flowering plant in the south, and they provide a lot of color to the neighborhood. They also happen to be very attractive for bees and butterflies, which is why they’re often planted near homes.
However, sometimes the plant’s leaves can turn yellow. In this blog post, we will look at some reasons for this and what you can do to prevent it from happening.
Why Are My Crepe Myrtle Leaves Turning Yellow?
Your crepe myrtle leaves are yellowing as a result of overwatering, lack of lighting, or stress in the environment.
Let’s now explore the most common causes of yellowing leaves on this plant and how to address them.
Yellowing from Overwatering
One of the most common causes for crepe myrtle leaves turning yellow is overwatering. This usually happens because homeowners are not checking to see if the soil is dry.
The trouble is that crepe myrtles are very sensitive to being overwatered, so it’s important not to water them excessively.
It’s best to only water the crepe myrtle when the top few inches of soil are dry. You can test this by sticking your finger into the soil. If it’s still damp, then you should not water them until they are thirsty again.
Too much water can cause root rot on your crepe myrtle, which can even result at the end of your plant for good! If root rot is present, then you should take action before the situation gets worse and becomes irreversible.
Start by pruning off any dead roots and discarding them away from all plant life (to avoid fungal infection and black myrtle leaves. Next, throw away the old soil and replace it with new, well-draining soil.
Yellowing from Too Little Sunlight
Another common reason why crepe myrtle leaves turn yellow is that they’re not getting enough sunlight. If the plant gets too much shade, then it will start to produce less chlorophyll and may even start dropping leaves.
If this happens, you can encourage your crepe myrtle to get more light by moving it closer to the sun or purchasing a grow light (my favorite on Amazon).
It’s important that no other objects are blocking the sunlight, so make sure there are no buildings or trees in the way.
When positioning your plant, make sure all sides get an equal amount of sunlight. This will stop it from becoming lopsided and turning yellow on just one side.
If the leaves furthest away from the sun are more yellow than the other leaves, then you can be confident that lack of sunlight really is the cause of yellowing.
Yellowing from Environmental Stressors
The final reason why crepe myrtle leaves may turn yellow is because of environmental stressors. This can be caused by pests, drought, cold weather, or something completely random.
For example, cold drafts or strong gusts of wind can cause crepe myrtle leaves to turn yellow. If this is the case, you’ll need to take action right away before more damage occurs.
This could mean moving the plant indoors or covering it with an insulating blanket during the winter months if your plants are outside.
Another issue is transplanting and repotting, which causes stress on the plant. I recommend only repotting when necessary, like if you suspect the plant is suffering from root rot.
Yellowing Crepe Myrtle Leaves FAQs
I will now discuss some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to yellowing leaves on crepe myrtle.
Should I cut yellow leaves off my crepe myrtle?
Yes, prune all yellow leaves away from the plant. This will help your plant focus on growing new leaves instead of trying to recover what is already dying.
Will the yellow leaves on my crepe myrtle spread to other plants?
Only if your crepe myrtle has a fungal infection. In this case, the yellow leaves will spread to surrounding plants. If your plant is yellow due to individual overwatering, then you don’t need to worry about them spreading.
Does the type of water I give to my crepe myrtle matter?
Yes, the type of water you give your crepe myrtle can affect its health. It’s best not to use tap water or other sources that contain high levels of minerals and chemicals. Instead, stick with distilled or filtered water.
Will too little light cause my crepe myrtle to turn yellow?
Yes, lack of sunlight will cause your crepe myrtle to turn yellow. If you plant them in the wrong spot, then it may not get enough light and thus die back or go into shock.
Will too much water cause my crepe myrtle to turn yellow?
Yes, if your crepe myrtle is placed in an area that receives too much water, then it will turn yellow. Crepe myrtles need well-drained soil to thrive.
Will yellow crepe myrtle leaves turn green again?
No, it is unlikely that your crepe myrtle leaves will turn green again. However, the plant should grow new leaves that are healthy and don’t look like they’re sick or dying.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yellowing leaves on crepe myrtles can be caused by overwatering, lack of sunlight, or environmental stress.
It’s important to make sure that you don’t overwater them and they get enough light in the right spot. You should also take steps to protect your plant from any other sources of stress so it can thrive for many years to come.
Thank you for joining me today in learning about yellowing leaves on crepe myrtles! Please feel free to leave any comments or questions in my inbox, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
by Gardener Tim | Oct 29, 2021 | Plant Care
Japanese maples are one of the most popular ornamental trees in North America. They are beautiful plants that can be enjoyed for their foliage, flowers, and fall colors.
But sometimes a Japanese maple begins to turn brown on its leaves, which is often seen as a cause for concern. This article will discuss why this might happen and what you can do about it.
Why Is My Japanese Maple Turning Brown?
Overwatering and leaf burning are the most likely reasons for your Japanese maple to turn brown. There’s also a chance that pests are eating the Japanese maple leaves and causing the browning.
It’s crucial to figure out what caused the leaves to turn brown in order to prevent it from happening again. I’ll go through each of these reasons in-depth, as well as what you can do to avoid this from recurring.
1. Overwatering
Overwatering is a common reason why Japanese maples turn brown. Just like with any plant, it’s crucial to make sure that the soil doesn’t stay too wet for too long. If you notice your maple saucer underneath the pot collecting water, this may be an indication of overwatering.
If you’re not sure if your tree is overwatered, the best way to figure it out is to take a sample of soil into your local nursery or home improvement store. They can test the water content for you using their tools and let you know what kind of watering schedule would be appropriate for your Japanese maple.
You can also use a moisture meter to measure how wet the soil is. However, this method doesn’t tell you if your Japanese maple has been overwatered for a long time or just recently.
Overwatering can also lead to root rot and fungal diseases that could mean the end for the tree. This is why it’s so important to figure out whether or not your Japanese maple is overwatered.
2. Pests
Japanese maples are susceptible to a number of pests, including aphids and spider mites. Aphids can be recognized by their shiny green bodies and the webbing that they leave behind on leaves.
Spider mites look like tiny reddish or brown spiders crawling around your maple leaves (they actually leave noticeable webs as well). If you notice either of these pests on your Japanese maple, it’s likely that they are eating away at the leaves and causing them to turn brown.
There is no easy fix for getting rid of either pest once you notice signs of infestation, but there are natural treatments available that you can use to treat your maple.
Pesticides are not recommended for Japanese maples, especially if they’re in their flowering stage (which is roughly the time frame of April-June). They can cause irreversible damage to these trees and affect next year’s blooming cycle.
The best thing you can do is to keep your tree as healthy as possible and watch for signs of infestation. When you notice these pests, it’s time to break out the neem oil!
3. Leaf Burn
Leaf burn is also a common reason why Japanese maples turn brown. Leaf burn can be caused by several things, such as prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, too much salt in the soil, as well as nd temperatures that are either too cold or hot for your tree’s specific type of maple.
Leaf burn is an issue that tends to affect Japanese maples more than other species of maple due to their light-colored leaves. When the sun hits these leaves, it can cause them to lose moisture and turn brown.
This means that if you have a Japanese maple in direct sunlight for most hours of the day, this may contribute to your tree turning brown. You can plant your maple in a different location, or install some shade cloth over the top of it so that it’s not exposed to direct sunlight for too long during the day.
Leaf burn is also more likely to occur if you have been using fertilizer on your Japanese maple and there was too much salt present in the fertilizer itself. Make sure that you’re using a fertilizer formulated for Japanese maples and carefully follow the instructions on how much to use (you don’t want too much salt).
Browning Japanese Maple Leaves FAQs
This is not a plant that is simple to maintain. As such, I’ll go through some of the most frequently asked leaf queries.
Will brown Japanese maple leaves turn green again?
No, they won’t turn green again. The good news is that new foliage will grow at the beginning of next spring. Just make sure to give your tree the care it needs to thrive and produce new growth.
Should I remove brown leaves from my Japanese maple?
Yes, use sterilized shears to cut the brown leaves off of your maple. This will help encourage new growth and you will have a bushier Japanese maple in the long run.
Will too much water cause my Japanese maple to turn brown?
Yes, overwatering is a serious issue that can cause the leaves to turn brown. This can even lead to root rot and fungal issues, which can be fatal to the tree.
Will direct sun cause Japanese maple leaves to turn brown?
Yes, direct sun can cause leaf burn and lead to brown leaves. This is why it’s important to keep your Japanese maple in a location that doesn’t have direct sunlight for the whole day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Japanese maples are beautiful trees that require a bit of extra care to maintain their color. Japanese maple leaves will turn brown for many reasons, but the most common being over-watering and leaf burn caused by pests or prolonged sun exposure.
I hope this article has answered your questions about why is my Japanese maple turning brown! If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
