4 Common Mistakes Behind Your Prayer Plant Leaves Turning Yellow


Introduction

The prayer plants have earned their place in the indoor gardens of many people. That’s because of their elegance. But it can be quite depressing when they start turning yellow. Moreover, it can even be a sign of danger.

So, what are the culprits that are responsible for prayer plant leaves turning yellow?

Well, there are a few reasons for why this happens. However, every problem has its solution. So, why don’t we take a closer look at the problem and then work our way to the solutions?

Photo of a Prayer Plant
Photo by Maritxu22

Prayer Plant Leaves Turning Yellow: 4 Reasons with Complete Solutions

Did you know that the prayer plants turn yellow when they are in desperate need of help? And you have to work fast to get them out of trouble. And sometimes you cannot save them at all.

Yep, they die eventually, and you can’t save them. However, that’s not always the case. The majority of the time, there’s a solution to this problem. So, why don’t we take a look at them?

Reason 1- Incorrect Care of the Prayer-Plants

You see, the prayer-plants can be a bit fussy about the environment it grows in.

Too much sunlight can burn the healthy tissues and cause them to turn yellow. So, direct sunlight is a big no-no for them. And that’s why the majority of the time, they are grown indoors.

Another area where you have to pay extra attention is water. You see, if the water has too much phosphate and fluoride in it, it can burn the tips of the leaves as well.

That’s because the prayer plant can’t handle excess chemicals.

Solution- Place Them at the Right Spot and Use Purified Water

So, for the solution, you have to pay a little focus on the plants. And if you see that it has access to direct sunlight, then place it in a place where the sun has minimum access.

Or you can make a shade for the plant. As for the water, be sure to use purified water. At the same time, you can use liquid fertilizer.

This keeps your soil at the right pH level so that your plant can grow at a steady rate.

OUR RECOMMENDED LIQUID FERTILIZER
FoxFarm Liquid Nutrient Trio Soil Formula

Aquatic Arts All-purpose House Plant Fertilizer

Reason 2- An Attack by the Fungus

Another thing to worry about is the fungus. Now, there is a lot of fungi that can pose a threat. But most of the time, it’s the Helminthosporium leaf spot.

And when these fungi attack, you’ll see that the spots look like you soaked them in water. But over time, those spots will turn yellow, and the poor plant will start to wilt.

However, if it is the fungus, then there is no need to worry. That’s because you can solve quite easily.

Solution- Apply Fungicide on the Plant

If the prayer plant is under a fungus attack, your primary task is to apply a fungicide. This kills the existing fungus and lets your plant recover.

However, you also have to eradicate any future threat. And for this, you need to make sure that there is no irrigation problem. That’s because the fungus tends to grow in excess water.

So, take care of the drainage problem, and your plants will be safe in your house.

OUR RECOMMENDED FUNGICIDE
Garden Safe BrandFungicide3 Concentrate

Spectracide 100507462 Immunox Multi Purpose Fungicide Spray Concentrate

Bonide (BND862) – Fungal Disease Control, Mancozeb Flowable with Zinc Fungicide Concentrate

Reason 3- A Deadly Virus

On the other hand, if your plant gets infected by the cucumber mosaic virus, it’s a severe problem. That’s because if the virus spreads too far, there is no cure for it.

Yes, you might have to throw it away before it causes further damage to other plants in the area. And one way to notice this virus is by looking at the leaves.

You see, the older leaves usually turn yellow first. Then the disease slowly spread to the younger leaves.

Solution- Cut the Infected Part of the Plant

Now, you can save this plant, but only if you spot it at the beginning. You can start by snipping off the plant with pruning shears.

And then make sure you throw away the cut off part so that the virus can’t crawl its way back into the plant. However, a fair warning, the chances of saving the plant is extremely low.

So, if this virus infects it, you might have to throw away the entire plant.

Reason 4- Too Much Water

Did you know that excessively watering the prayer plants can be harmful for them? Well, this is because they tend to soak up a lot of water. Sometimes more than what it can handle.

That’s when you find yellow marks on this plant. So, you need to keep an eye on the amount of water you apply to the plants.

Solution- Water the Plant after the Soil has Dried Up

As for the remedy, you should water them after the soil has dried up. You see, the ground should not be left soggy, or else it causes yellow leaves on prayer-plants.

With that said, you still have to water the plant regularly. Otherwise, they will wither away. But water them in low amounts, and you’ll be good to go. You can also get a drainage pot or a self-watering pot to be on the safe side. 

Final Words

Well, that’s all the reasons for seeing prayer plant leaves turning yellow. In short, take good care of them, and you’ll see that they’re glowing under the sun.

Nevertheless, if you have any queries or questions about prayer-plants, do leave a comment below. We’ll be glad to help you out in any way possible.

And with that said, we’ll take our leave now. Have a nice day. Bye-bye!

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Celina Nance

It’s been a life-long wish of Celina Nance to have a lawn full of colorful flower beds. But living in Arizona city, that seems kind of impossible. But Celina Nance didn’t stop and created a full-form balcony garden instead. And she often shares stuff that she does/solves/innovates throughout the journey.

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