Hibiscus blossoms are available in a variety of colors, including orange, yellow, red, and pink.
Hibiscus is a tropical and subtropical plant native to the world, and it’s a popular choice for gardening in warm climes.
Yellow leaves are a regular problem for Hibiscus owners.
If you observe your Hibiscus leaves turning yellow, this could be a sign of a variety of issues.
Here are ten possible causes of yellowing Hibiscus leaves and what you may do to repair the problem.
Why Are My Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow and How Do I Fix It?
Hibiscus leaves turning yellow is a typical issue for gardeners.
There are various possible causes for this, but there are also numerous alternatives.
Here are ten possible causes of yellowing hibiscus leaves and what you can do about it.
1. Lack of Water
If the leaves on your hibiscus are turning yellow, this could indicate that the plant is not getting enough water.
Hibiscus plants are native to the tropics and subtropics and require continuous irrigation to grow.
When the soil becomes too dry, the hibiscus leaves droop, turn yellow, and fall off.
This is because the underwatered hibiscus cannot obtain the moisture it requires to thrive.
The simplest method to avoid this is to water Hibiscus plants on a regular basis, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
How To Fix It
Water your Hibiscus on a regular basis, and if feasible, give it a deep watering once a week.
This will assist the plant in developing a robust root system, making it more drought resistant.
If your plant is already stressed, you might try to resuscitate it by giving it a nice soak.
Place your hibiscus plant in a sink or pail of lukewarm water.
Allow the plant to soak for about 30 minutes before removing it and allowing it to drain completely.
2. Overwatering
While Hibiscus leaves can turn yellow due to a lack of water, too much water can also be an issue.
Hibiscus plants are prone to root rot, which can develop when the roots are persistently damp.
This prevents the plant from absorbing the nutrients it requires, causing the leaves to become yellow and eventually drop off.
Furthermore, if the soil does not drain correctly, the plant may be resting in water, preventing the roots from accessing the oxygen they require.
To avoid overwatering, water your Hibiscus plants only when the soil is dry.
It’s also a good idea to water the plant early in the day so that it can dry out before nighttime.
How To Fix It
If you suspect your plant has been overwatered, check the soil first.
If it seems soggy or moist, you’re probably watering too frequently.
Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings, and water Hibiscus plants in the morning if possible so that the leaves have time to dry before dark.
If the plant is already stressed, you might try to revive it by watering less frequently and letting the soil dry fully between waterings.
3. Not Enough Light
Hibiscus plants require a lot of light to survive, and when they don’t get enough, the leaves become yellow.
This is due to the plant’s inability to create the food it need to survive.
Hibiscus plants will become lanky and weak if not given enough light, and its blossoms will be smaller and fewer in number.
To avoid this, place your Hibiscus plant in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
If feasible, try to give it additional light to promote better growth and more Hibiscus flowers.
How To Fix It
If your Hibiscus plant is not getting enough light, you should relocate it to a brighter spot.
Try to give it six hours of direct sunlight per day if at all feasible.
If the plant is already showing indications of stress, move it to a full-sun location as soon as feasible.
4. Too Much Light
While Hibiscus plants require a lot of light to thrive, too much light can be harmful.
If the leaves are exposed to direct sunlight for more than six hours every day, they may turn yellow and develop brown areas.
This is due to burnt foliage, and if the condition is not remedied, the leaves will eventually turn brown and drop off.
To avoid this, place your Hibiscus plant near a window or under a tree where it will receive some partial shade during the day.
How To Fix It
If your Hibiscus plant is receiving too much light, you should relocate it to a more shady place.
If feasible, place it near a window or beneath a tree during the day to provide some shade from the sun.
If the plant is already showing signs of stress, cover the leaves with a light cloth or place them in a dark position to protect them from the sun.
5. Nutrient Deficiency
Hibiscus plants require a variety of nutrients to thrive, and if one or more of these nutrients is deficient, the leaves will turn yellow.
Iron insufficiency is the most prevalent nutrient shortage in Hibiscus plants, causing the leaves to turn yellow with green veins.
Magnesium, manganese, and zinc deficits are some of the other nutrients that can produce yellowing leaves.
To avoid nutritional deficits, amend the soil before planting with compost or organic fertilizer and nourish the plants on a regular basis throughout the growing season.
How To Fix It
If your Hibiscus plant appears to be lacking in nutrients, the best thing you can do is treat it with a balanced fertilizer.
It’s also a good idea to have your soil tested on a regular basis to ensure that it contains all of the nutrients the plant need.
Repotting the plant in new, modified soil can also help alleviate nitrogen deficiencies.
6. Temperature Stress
Hibiscus plants are tropical plants that prefer warm weather.
If the temperature falls too low, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off.
Hibiscus plants can withstand temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but they will not thrive.
Place your Hibiscus plant in an area where the temperature stays above 60 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid temperature stress.
How To Fix It
If your Hibiscus plant is suffering from temperature stress, you should relocate it to a warmer place.
If at all possible, try to select a location where the temperature stays above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the plant is already stressed, you may need to supply some extra warmth with a heat lamp or other similar device.
7. Transplant Shock
Hibiscus plants are extremely sensitive to transplanting and frequently fall into shock when transplanted to a new site.
As a result, the leaves may become yellow and fall off.
It is critical not to injure the roots of a Hibiscus plant when transplanting it.
When transplanting, it is normal for the roots to be destroyed, so extreme caution is required.
To minimize transplant shock, handle the plant with care and avoid harming the roots.
It’s also a good idea to water the plant thoroughly after transplanting and to maintain it in a shady location until it recovers.
How To Fix It
If your Hibiscus plant is suffering from transplant shock, the best thing you can do is keep it watered and in a shady location until it recovers.
The plant will most certainly lose some leaves, but it will recover in time.
If the roots were injured while transplanting, the Hibiscus may need to be replanted in new soil.
This helps to keep the plant from going into shock and allows it to recover faster.
8. Pest Infestation
Hibiscus plants are subject to a variety of pests, and if infested, the leaves may turn yellow and drop off.
Aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites are the most common pests that affect Hibiscus plants.
These bugs suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and turn yellow.
Check your Hibiscus plant for pests on a regular basis to avoid an infestation.
How To Fix It
If you have a pest problem with your Hibiscus plant, the best thing you can do is treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
These products will kill the pests while causing no harm to the plant.
To get rid of the pests, you may need to treat the Hibiscus several times.
You can also clean the leaves with a moist towel to get rid of any pests that have clung to them.
9. Root Rot
Root rot is a common problem for Hibiscus plants, causing the leaves to yellow and fall off.
Too much water causes root rot, which commonly affects Hibiscus plants planted in pots.
The plant roots rot and die, causing the leaves to yellow and fall off.
Water your Hibiscus plant only when the soil is dry to avoid root rot.
Hibiscus plants should also be grown in containers with drainage holes to let excess water to drain.
How To Fix It
If your Hibiscus plant has root rot, it is advisable to remove it from the pot and replant it in new, dry soil.
You should also remove any damaged or rotten roots.
Consider repotting the Hibiscus in a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to drain.
10. Overfertilization
Hibiscus plants are sensitive to overfertilization, and if they are overfed, the leaves will turn yellow.
They only need to be fertilized once a month during the growing season, and if you fertilize them more than that, the leaves will become yellow.
Overfertilization can cause the plant’s roots to burn and the leaves to yellow and drop off.
To avoid overfertilization, fertilize your Hibiscus plant once a month during the growing season.
If you notice the leaves becoming yellow, stop fertilizing the plant and wait for them to recover.
How To Fix It
If your Hibiscus plant has been overfertilized, the best thing you can do is stop fertilizing it and let the leaves recover.
You may also need to rinse the soil with water to eliminate any accumulated fertilizer.
The Hibiscus plant should begin to heal after a few weeks, and the leaves should return to their usual hue.
11. Natural Yellowing
When hibiscus leaves are old and about to fall off, they naturally become yellow.
This is a typical component of the plant’s life cycle and is not cause for concern.
To replace the leaves that have fallen off, the Hibiscus plant will generate new ones.
How To Fix It
There’s nothing you can do if your Hibiscus plant is naturally fading.
Simply wait for the leaves to fall and fresh ones to sprout in their place.
Should I Remove Yellow Leaves From Hibiscus?
Hibiscus plants are well-known for their colorful blossoms. However, the leaves of Hibiscus plants might turn yellow at times.
While this may be concerning, it is usually unfounded.
Hibiscus leaves can turn yellow for a variety of reasons, including stress, nutrient deficiency, or illness.
Most plants will recover on their own given enough time.
If the leaves remain yellow and appear wilted or sickly, they should be removed from the plant.
This will allow the Hibiscus to concentrate its efforts on healthy growth and prevent disease spread.
Why Are My Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow in Winter?
One of the most prevalent causes of yellowing Hibiscus leaves is the plant’s natural response to fewer days and cooler winter temperatures.
This is normal behavior, and there is nothing to be concerned about.
There is no need to take any action at this time because the plant will most likely go dormant.
Just keep an eye on the plant and give it whatever care it need, such as water and sunshine.
If the leaves do not recover to their original hue by spring, another issue may exist.
However, if the leaves are turning yellow and it is still early in the winter, there is no need to be concerned.
Why Are My Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow Overnight?
One of the most concerning causes of Hibiscus leaf yellowing is when it occurs overnight.
Stress is the most typical cause of this.
Hibiscus plants are tropical plants that thrive in warm, humid climates.
If the plant is overly cold or hot, it will go into shock and its leaves will become yellow.
Overwatering, underwatering, or an abrupt shift in light exposure are some sources of stress.
If you feel that stress is causing the yellowing of the Hibiscus leaves, attempt to discover the source of the stress and take actions to relieve it.
Why Are My Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow With Black Spots?
A fungal disease sign is the yellowing of hibiscus leaves with black dots.
In humid or rainy circumstances, fungal infections are most common.
If you discover black spots on the leaves of your Hibiscus, you must act immediately.
Remove any infected leaves from the plant and properly dispose of them.
To prevent the spread of the infection, apply a fungicide to the plant for at least two weeks.
To prevent the infection from spreading, isolate the Hibiscus plant from other plants.
Why Are My Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow With Brown Spots?
Fertilizer burn is a common cause of yellowing hibiscus leaves with brown patches.
This occurs when the plant has been over-fertilized and the roots are unable to absorb all of the nutrients.
Excess fertilizer will then accumulate in the leaves, turning them yellow with brown patches.
If you suspect fertilizer burn, stop fertilizing the plant and thoroughly rinse the soil with water to eliminate any excess fertilizer.
The plant should be fine in a few weeks.
Why Are My Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow And Falling Off?
Hibiscus leaves becoming yellow and dropping off can be caused by a variety of factors such as stress, pests, or disease.
If the leaves are merely becoming yellow, the cause is most likely stress.
If, on the other hand, the leaves become yellow and fall off, this is most likely due to pests or illness.
Hibiscus leaves can turn yellow and fall off due to pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs.
These pests sucking the nutrients out of the leaves, causing yellowing and leaf loss.
Hibiscus leaves can become yellow and fall off due to diseases such as powdery mildew and rust.
If you suspect pests or illnesses are to blame, carefully inspect the plant for signs of pests or disease.
Apply the appropriate pesticide or fungicide to the plant.
Why Are My Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow and Curling?
If the leaves on your Hibiscus are yellowing and curling, they are most likely dehydrated.
As the plant attempts to preserve moisture, the leaves will turn yellow and curl inward.
Check the soil to determine whether it is dry if you believe your Hibiscus is not getting enough water.
Water the plant well and on a regular basis to keep the leaves from turning yellow and curling.
If the plant is growing in a dry climate, you may also need to enhance the humidity around it.
Conclusion
Growing Hibiscus can be a rewarding experience. However, it is essential to be aware of the different problems that can occur. If you notice Hibiscus leaves turning yellow, take the time to diagnose the problem and take steps to fix it. With proper care, your Hibiscus plant will thrive and produce beautiful blooms for years to come.
