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Why Are Your Calico Hearts Plant Leaves Turning Yellow:
Causes and Solutions

Updated: March 9, 2023

Calico Hearts, or Codiaeum variegatum, is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant and colorful foliage. However, if you notice your Calico Hearts’ leaves turning yellow, it could be a sign that something is wrong. In this article, we will discuss the common causes of yellowing leaves in Calico Hearts plants and provide solutions to help you restore your plant’s health.

Causes of Yellowing Leaves in Calico Hearts Plants

1. Overwatering or Underwatering

One of the most common causes of yellowing leaves in Calico Hearts plants is improper watering. If you overwater your plant, the roots can become waterlogged, depriving them of oxygen and causing them to rot. This can lead to yellowing leaves and even plant death. On the other hand, if you underwater your plant, the leaves can also turn yellow as the plant tries to conserve energy.

2. Lack of Light

Calico Hearts plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. If your plant is not getting enough light, the leaves can start to turn yellow and drop off. This can also happen if you move your plant from a bright location to a darker one.

3. Low Humidity

Calico Hearts plants prefer humid environments. If the air in your home is too dry, your plant may start to show signs of stress, including yellowing leaves.

4. Pests

Pests such as spider mites and mealybugs can infest Calico Hearts plants and cause their leaves to turn yellow. These pests suck sap from the plant’s leaves, leaving them weakened and discolored.

5. Disease

Diseases such as bacterial leaf spot and fungal leaf spot can also cause yellowing leaves in Calico Hearts plants. These diseases are often caused by overwatering or high humidity levels.

Solutions for Yellowing Leaves in Calico Hearts Plants

1. Watering

To prevent overwatering, make sure your Calico Hearts plant has well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. To prevent underwatering, make sure you are watering your plant regularly, but not too frequently.

2. Light

Make sure your Calico Hearts plant is getting enough bright, indirect light. If necessary, move it to a brighter location or supplement with artificial light.

3. Humidity

Increase humidity levels around your Calico Hearts plant by misting it regularly or placing a humidifier nearby.

4. Pests

If you suspect pests are causing the yellowing leaves on your Calico Hearts plant, isolate it from other plants and treat with an insecticide or neem oil.

5. Disease

If your Calico Hearts plant has a disease, remove any affected leaves and decrease watering to prevent further spread. You can also treat with a fungicide if necessary.

FAQ

Q: Can I save my Calico Hearts plant if its leaves have turned completely yellow?

A: It depends on the severity of the damage. If only a few leaves have turned yellow, you may be able to save your plant by addressing the underlying issue (such as overwatering or lack of light) and removing any affected leaves. However, if all of the leaves have turned yellow and the stem is mushy or brown, it may be too late to save the plant.

Q: How often should I fertilize my Calico Hearts plant?

A: Calico Hearts plants should be fertilized every two weeks during their growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Q: Can I propagate my Calico Hearts plant?

A: Yes! Calico Hearts plants can be propagated by stem cuttings in water or soil. Make sure each cutting has at least two leaves and place it in a warm, bright location until roots form.

In conclusion, yellowing leaves in Calico Hearts plants can be caused by a variety of factors such as improper watering, lack of light or humidity, pests or disease. However, with proper care and attention, you can restore your plant’s health and enjoy its colorful foliage for years to come!

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