If your sky pencil holly is turning yellow, you may be wondering what is wrong. Don’t worry – we are here to help! In this blog post, we will discuss the possible causes of yellow leaves on a sky pencil holly and how to correct them.
Why Is My Sky Pencil Holly Turning Yellow?
The main reasons for yellow leaves on a sky pencil holly are over- or under-watering, lack of sun, fungal diseases, or environmental stressors.
Each of these problems tends to give different clues, so it is important to carefully observe your holly before taking corrective action. I will now go into more detail about each of these problems so that you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.
1. Incorrect watering
If you notice that the leaves on your sky pencil holly are yellow and droopy, it is likely that you are either over- or under-watering the plant.
Over-watering can cause the roots to rot, which will prevent the plant from taking up water and nutrients from the soil. This will cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually drop off.
Under-watering will also cause the leaves to turn yellow, but they will be dry and crispy rather than droopy.
The best way to determine whether you are watering your holly too much or too little is to check the soil. The soil should be moist but not soggy. If it is bone dry, give the plant a good watering. If the soil is soggy, allow it to dry out before watering again.
Once you have corrected the watering problem, you should see new growth within a few weeks. If your holly is still not looking its best, read on to learn about the other possible causes of yellow leaves.
2. Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are another common cause of yellow leaves on a sky pencil holly. These infections often occur when the plant is under stress, such as from too much or too little water.
If you think your holly might have a fungal infection, look for other signs such as black or brown spots on the leaves, fuzzy growth on the leaves or stems, or a bad smell.
If you find any of these signs, it is important to take action immediately. Fungal infections can spread quickly and kill an entire plant if left untreated.
The best way to treat a fungal infection is with a fungicide. You can purchase a fungicide at your local garden center or online. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
I love using neem oil to treat fungal infections. Neem oil is a natural fungicide that is safe to use around children and pets. Simply mix a few drops of neem oil with water and spray it on the affected areas.
3. Lack of Sunlight
If your holly is not getting enough sunlight, the leaves will turn yellow. This is because the plant is not able to produce enough chlorophyll, which gives leaves their green color.
To correct this problem, simply move your holly to a location that receives more sunlight. If possible, choose a spot that gets at least six hours of indirect sunlight per day.
If you are unable to provide your holly with more sunlight, you can try using artificial lighting. Grow lights are a great option and can be found at most hardware stores.
4. Environmental Stressors
There are a number of environmental stressors that can cause yellow leaves on a sky pencil holly. These include cold temperatures, wind, drought, and salt.
If you live in an area with harsh winters, it is important to protect your holly from the cold. The best way to do this is to plant it in a pot that can be brought indoors.
You can also try wrapping the pot in burlap or placing it on a bed of straw to insulate it from the cold. Just be sure to bring it inside before the first frost.
If you live in an area with high winds, you will need to take steps to protect your holly from wind damage. The best way to do this is to plant it in a sheltered spot, such as next to a fence or house.
Should I Cut Yellow Leaves off My Sky Pencil Holly?
There is usually no need to cut yellow leaves off of your sky pencil holly. The plant will naturally shed older leaves as it produces new growth.
The only case in which you would need to remove yellow leaves is if they are caused by a fungal infection. In this case, it is important to remove the affected leaves to prevent the infection from spreading.
To remove infected leaves, use sharp pruning shears to cut them off at the base of the plant. Be sure to disinfect the shears with rubbing alcohol before and after use.
Will Yellow Sky Pencil Holly Leaves Turn Green Again?
It is unlikely that yellow leaves on a sky pencil holly will turn green again. Once leaves have turned yellow, they are usually doomed.
The best thing you can do is focus on preventing future problems by giving your holly the care it needs. This includes providing adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a number of reasons why a sky pencil holly’s leaves may turn yellow. The most common causes are lack of sunlight, environmental stressors, and fungal infections.
If you think your holly’s leaves are turning yellow due to one of these problems, take action immediately. The sooner you address the problem, the better chance you have of saving your plant.
Do you have a sky pencil holly that’s experiencing yellow leaves? What do you think is causing the problem? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other blog post on how to care for sky pencil hollies.
Tim is an avid gardener from the UK. He was the founder of PlantCarer.com from 2021 to Sep 2023. He sold PlantCarer.com to Aaron. He has since started his own business called Seed To Supper, which provides new gardeners all the materials you need in a box (pots, seeds, compost and instructions) to grow your own delicious and nutritious vegetables and herbs from start to finish – no garden required.
