Red or Pink Cilantro: What’s Wrong With My Plant?

Do you have a cilantro plant that is starting to turn red or pink? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a common problem with cilantro plants, and there are a few things that you can do to correct it. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of red or pink cilantro, and we will provide some tips on how to fix the problem.

Why Is My Cilantro Turning Pink?

Incorrect watering, lack of sunlight, and poor nutrition are the most common reasons why cilantro plants turn pink. All three of these issues cause stress to the plant, which can lead to the leaves turning pink or red.

I will go deeper into each one of these issues so that you can get your cilantro plant back to being green in no time!

1. Incorrect Watering

One of the most common reasons for pink cilantro is incorrect watering. Cilantro plants like to be kept moist, but not wet. This means that you should only water your plant when the soil is dry to the touch.

If you water your cilantro plant too much, the roots will start to rot, and this will cause stress to the plant. This stress can lead to the leaves turning pink or red – oops!

If you think that you have been overwatering your cilantro plant, then you should let the soil dry out for a few days before watering again. Once the soil is dry, water your plant until the soil is moist, but not saturated.

As cilantro is mostly kept in containers, root rot is especially common. If you think that your plant has root rot, then you should take it out of the pot and check the roots. If the roots are brown and mushy, then they have been damaged by too much water.

You can try to save a cilantro plant with root rot by trimming off the affected roots and replanting in fresh, dry soil. However, if the root rot is severe, then it is best to start with a new plant. Prevent root rot from happening in the first place by using well-draining soil, only watering your cilantro plant when the soil is dry to the touch, and plenty of drainage holes.

2. Lack of Sunlight

Another common reason for cilantro plants to turn pink is a lack of sunlight. Cilantro plants need at least six hours of indirect sunlight every day, so if your plant is not getting enough sun, it will start to turn red or pink.

If you think that your cilantro plant is not getting enough sun, then you should move it to a sunny spot. If possible, put your plant in a south-facing window so that it can get the most sunlight possible.

If you live in an area with very little sun, then you may need to supplement your cilantro plant with artificial light. You can do this by using grow lights or fluorescent bulbs. Place the lights about 12 inches (30 cm) above your plant, and turn them on for a few hours per day.

bright pink cilantro
Bright pink cilantro

Similarly, the temperature can also affect the color of your cilantro leaves. If it is too cold, the leaves will turn pink or red due to stress. Cilantro plants like to be in warm (but not hot) conditions, so if your plant is in a cool room, then it may start to turn pink.

To fix this problem, you should move your cilantro plant to a warmer spot. If possible, put it in a south-facing window where it can get some sunlight. You can also use a space heater or grow lights to supplement the heat.

3. Lack of Nutrition 

The third most common reason for cilantro plants to turn pink is a lack of nutrition. Cilantro plants need a steady supply of nutrients to stay healthy, and if they are not getting enough, they will start to turn pink.

It’s the same with all plants: if they’re not getting enough of the right nutrients, they will start to show stress. With cilantro, this stress can manifest in the form of pink or red leaves.

One way to tell if your cilantro plant is not getting enough nutrients is by looking at the leaves. If they are pale or yellow in patches, then this can be a sign that your plant needs more nutrients.

Another way to tell if your cilantro plant is not getting enough nutrients is by looking at the roots. If the roots are small and stunted, then this is another sign that your plant needs more nutrition. it means that the plant is not able to take up enough nutrients from the soil.

If you think that your cilantro plant is not getting enough nutrients, then you should fertilize it every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. You can also add compost or manure to the soil to provide extra nutrients.

To use fertilizer, mix it with water according to the directions on the package. Then, pour it onto the soil around your cilantro plant. Be sure not to get any fertilizer on the leaves, as this can burn them.

It’s also a good idea to do a soil test before fertilizing your cilantro plant. This will tell you what nutrients are already in the soil, and how much more you need to add. You can get a soil test kit from your local nursery or garden center.

Once you know what nutrients your cilantro plant needs, you can add them to the soil using fertilizer, compost, or manure. This will help your plant to stay healthy and prevent it from turning pink or red.

Should I Prune Pink Cilantro Leaves?

No, there is no need to prune pink cilantro leaves. The leaves aren’t damaging to the plant, and they will eventually turn green again on their own.

In fact, removing the leaves can actually stress your plant and cause it to produce more pink or red leaves. So, if you see some pink or red leaves on your cilantro plant, just leave them be and wait for them to turn green again.

To prune your cilantro plant, first cut off any dead or dying leaves. Then, cut back any leggy stems so that they are about six inches (15 cm) long. Use a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean, precise cuts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are three main reasons why cilantro plants turn pink or red: too much water, not enough sunlight, and lack of nutrition.

If your cilantro plant is turning pink or red, then you should check to see if it is getting too much water. If the soil is always wet, then you should reduce the amount of water that you are giving your plant.

If your cilantro plant is not getting enough sunlight, then you should move it to a sunny spot. If possible, put your plant in a south-facing window so that it can get the most sunlight possible.

If you think that your cilantro plant is not getting enough nutrients, then you should fertilize it every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. You can also add compost or manure to the soil to provide extra nutrients.

By following these tips, you can help your cilantro plant to stay healthy and prevent it from turning pink or red. Do you have any experience with cilantro plants turning pink or red? Let me know in the comments below!

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