4 Homemade Tips to Prevent Houseplants from Turning Yellow

Many houseplants are affected by a phenomenon called chlorosis, characterized by yellowing of the leaves due to a lack of chlorophyll. This yellowing gives the leaves a yellowish tint, which is not the desired look for houseplants. Whether or not you have a talent for gardening, here are four simple tips to do at home to prevent yellowing and burning of plants.

Why do plants turn yellow?

Houseplants are a way to decorate our environment and bring an exotic touch to it. Although some plants are easy to maintain, others require special care. Indeed, if they are not properly maintained, their leaves can turn yellow.

Yellowing leaves are generally a sign of a watering problem for potted plants. When they don’t get enough water, they dry out, wilt, and turn brown. On the other hand, too much water can cause root rot, preventing the plant from feeding properly. As a result, the edges of the leaves may turn yellow or have brown spots. Another factor contributing to yellowing is a lack of nitrogen, an essential element in the photosynthesis process.

How to prevent plants from turning yellow?
Here are some tips from grandma to take care of your indoor plants and prevent them from turning yellow.

1. Let the water sit for 48 hours
   To prepare your solution, take a large container and fill it with water. Let the water sit for about 48 hours to allow the calcium crystals to precipitate. This will promote a chemical balance between the calcium crystals and the dissolved ions, thus forming suspended crystals.

Once this time has passed, you can spray this mixture on your plants. You will notice that they will keep their shine longer than expected thanks to this tip, without resorting to the use of chemicals.

2. Use vinegar or lemon to water your plants and acidify your water
   A pH value that is too low or too high can damage the plants. Hence the importance of adjusting it correctly. For plants that need acidic soil, a simple teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice per liter of water will suffice. It will be necessary to mix the liquids well and let it sit for a few hours before watering the soil. You will notice the difference. The plants will be much less likely to yellow and the texture of their leaves will be even better.
3. The return of coffee grounds as fertilizer for the plant
   In addition to its many uses for the body and the home, coffee grounds are also beneficial for the maintenance of indoor plants. Its relative acidity and richness in nutrients make it an essential tool for acidifying the soil. However, it is important to use it sparingly, as a large amount of coffee grounds can promote the growth of weeds.

To benefit from its benefits, add a small amount of coffee grounds to your soil and observe the results over the days. This will help prevent the yellowing or burning of the leaves of your plants.

4. A remedy to treat iron deficiency in plants
   Some plants can suffer from iron chlorosis, which means a lack of iron and is characterized by yellowing of the leaves. Similarly, excess calcium, phosphorus or soil that is too wet can be factors that block the assimilation of iron.

Organic products to treat this deficiency are available in specialist stores. However, it is possible to overcome the blockage of iron assimilation thanks to a simple trick which consists of draining the soil and covering it with plant mulch, namely pine needles or citrus peels.

In conclusion, houseplants need special care to maintain their vitality and therefore their color. It is important to take care of plants in the most natural way possible with these home remedies.