Why Are Your Borage Plant Leaves Turning Yellow:
Causes and Solutions

Borage is a beautiful herb that is popular for its blue, star-shaped flowers and cucumber-like flavor. However, if you notice your borage plant leaves turning yellow, it could be a sign of a problem. There are several causes of yellowing leaves in borage plants, but fortunately, most of them are easily treatable. In this article, we will explore the common causes of yellowing leaves in borage plants and how to fix them.

Causes of Yellowing Leaves in Borage Plants

Nutrient Deficiency

One common reason why borage plant leaves turn yellow is a nutrient deficiency. Nitrogen, magnesium, and iron deficiencies are the most common causes of yellowing leaves in plants. Nitrogen is essential for plant growth and is responsible for producing chlorophyll, which gives plants their green color. Without enough nitrogen, the leaves will turn yellow.

Magnesium is also important for chlorophyll production, and a deficiency can cause the leaves to become pale or yellow. Iron deficiency causes the leaves to turn yellow between the veins while leaving the veins green.

Overwatering

Another reason why borage plant leaves turn yellow is overwatering. When plants receive too much water, their roots become waterlogged and cannot absorb oxygen properly. This can lead to root rot, which prevents the plant from getting the nutrients it needs to produce healthy green leaves.

Disease

Disease can also cause yellowing leaves in borage plants. Common diseases that affect borage plants include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Powdery mildew causes a white powder-like substance to form on the leaves, while leaf spot causes brown spots on the leaves. Root rot causes the roots to rot, which prevents the plant from absorbing water and nutrients.

Pests

Pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can also cause yellowing leaves in borage plants. These pests feed on the sap of the plant and can cause damage to the leaves. Over time, this damage can cause the leaves to turn yellow.

Solutions for Yellowing Leaves in Borage Plants

Nutrient Deficiency

If your borage plant has a nutrient deficiency, there are several things you can do to fix it. First, you can add nitrogen-rich fertilizer to the soil around the plant. You can also add magnesium sulfate or Epsom salt to the soil to provide magnesium.

If your plant has an iron deficiency, you can add chelated iron to the soil or spray iron sulfate directly onto the leaves.

Overwatering

To prevent overwatering, make sure your borage plant has proper drainage. If it’s planted in a container, make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom. You should also reduce watering frequency and only water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Disease

To treat diseases that cause yellowing leaves in borage plants, you can use fungicides such as neem oil or copper sulfate. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.

Pests

To get rid of pests that cause yellowing leaves in borage plants, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. These products are safe for plants and humans but effective against pests.

FAQ

Q: Can I eat borage leaves if they’re turning yellow?

A: It’s not recommended to eat borage leaves that are turning yellow because they may contain toxins.

Q: Can I save my borage plant if its leaves are already yellow?

A: Yes, you can save your borage plant by identifying and treating the underlying problem causing its leaves to turn yellow.

Q: How often should I fertilize my borage plant?

A: Borage plants don’t require frequent fertilizing but adding fertilizer once every two months during its growing season should be enough.

Conclusion

Yellowing leaves in borage plants can be caused by several factors such as nutrient deficiency, overwatering, disease or pests. Thankfully, most of these issues have simple solutions that can bring back your plant’s health and beauty. By following our solutions for treating each problem accordingly and caring for your plant properly going forward, you can keep your borage thriving with lush green foliage all season long!