Why Are My Friendship Plant Leaves Turning Yellow?

Friendship plants, also known as pilea peperomioides, are beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplants that are popular among plant lovers. These plants are native to China, where they grow in warm and humid environments. However, if you’ve noticed that the leaves of your friendship plant are turning yellow, it can be a cause of concern. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why your friendship plant leaves are turning yellow and what you can do about it.

Overwatering

One of the most common reasons why friendship plant leaves turn yellow is overwatering. These plants prefer well-draining soil and don’t like to sit in water for too long. When you overwater your friendship plant, the roots become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. As a result, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off.

To avoid overwatering your friendship plant, make sure you let the soil dry out between watering sessions. Also, make sure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to drain out.

Underwatering

On the other hand, underwatering can also cause friendship plant leaves to turn yellow. When your plant doesn’t get enough water, it will start to wilt and turn yellow. This is because the plant is unable to take up enough nutrients from the soil.

To avoid underwatering your friendship plant, make sure you water it regularly. Check the soil’s moisture level by sticking your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water your plant.

Lack of Light

Friendship plants thrive in bright indirect light. If you keep your plant in a dark corner or away from a window, it can lead to yellow leaves. Without enough light, the plant cannot produce enough chlorophyll, which gives leaves their green color.

To fix this issue, move your friendship plant to an area in your house where it can receive bright indirect light. A north-facing window or a spot near a bright window with a sheer curtain is ideal.

Pests

Pests like spider mites and mealybugs can also cause friendship plant leaves to turn yellow. These pests suck the sap out of the leaves, which can cause them to turn yellow and fall off. If you notice small webs or cotton-like substances on your plant, it’s a sign of an infestation.

To get rid of pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spray the affected areas with the solution once a week until the pests are gone.

Nutrient Deficiency

Finally, a nutrient deficiency can cause friendship plant leaves to turn yellow. The plant may not be getting enough of the necessary nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. This can happen if you haven’t fertilized your plant in a while or if the soil is depleted of nutrients.

To fix this issue, fertilize your friendship plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). You can also add organic matter to the soil to improve its nutrient content.

By understanding the reasons why friendship plant leaves turn yellow, you can ensure that your plant stays healthy and vibrant.

FAQ

How often should I water my friendship plant?

You should water your friendship plant once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry.

How much light does my friendship plant need?

Friendship plants need bright indirect light. A north-facing window or a spot near a bright window with a sheer curtain is ideal.

Can I save my friendship plant if all its leaves have turned yellow?

If all the leaves have turned yellow, it may be too late to save your friendship plant. However, you can try propagating it by taking cuttings from healthy stems and rooting them in water or soil.