As gardeners, we love to have all our plants always in perfect condition. Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia) is one of the most common houseplants because it is easy to take care of. However, there are different situations where you suddenly may find dumb cane leaves turning yellow due to several causes. Throughout this article, I will detail the main reasons why the leaves of your dumb cane turn yellow and how to fix it.
If you suddenly detect a yellowing-leaves process, you can reverse and prevent it. I will also explain how to properly inspect your dumb cane to find the problem of yellow leaves. After reading this article, you will know what the problem is that is causing the leaves of your dumb cane to turn yellow. Continue reading to learn all about yellow leaves on dumb cane plants.
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Why Are My Dumb Cane Leaves Turning Yellow
So, Why are my dumb cane leaves turning yellow? Yellowing leaves on a dumb cane (Dieffenbachia) plant means various issues, including improper care, environmental factors, or pests. Here are some common reasons for yellowing leaves on dumb cane plants:
- Watering stress causes leaves to turn yellow
- Inadequate lighting conditions for growing a dumb cane
- Leaves turning yellow and brown due to pests and disease
- Nutrient deficiencies leading to yellowing leaves
- Temperature stress affects dumb cane leaves
- Low humidity leads to stressful dehydration on dumb cane leaves
Fortunately, all these problems in dumb cane have a solution. Throughout this article, I will explain how to fix these problems that cause yellow leaves on a dumb cane and how to avoid them. The leaves that are already yellow will not turn green again, but it will prevent the remaining leaves from turning yellow.
Dumb Cane Leaves Turning Yellow Due to Watering Stress
Both overwatering and underwatering may cause a sudden appearance of dumb cane leaves turning yellow. Overwatering is one of the most common problems that cause yellow leaves in dumb cane. Usually, people think that their plant needs water daily, which is not the case. Before watering your dumb cane, verifying that the substrate is dry would be best. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it is time to water. Hold off on watering for a few days if it is still moist.
On the other hand, underwatering may also cause an unexpected presence of dumb cane leaves turning yellow. Although it is a little more difficult for this to happen because the dumb cane is quite tolerant to underwatering, it can happen that due to lack of watering, the leaves turn yellow and brown. To check the moisture of the substrate, use a moisture meter that is very inexpensive and will alert you when the substrate is dry, and the dumb cane needs watering.
Dumb Cane Leaves Turning Yellow Due to Lighting
Too much exposure to light may cause an unpredicted appearance of dumb cane leaves turning yellow. Dumb cane grows in the tropical forests of South America under the canopy of trees where it does not receive direct sunlight. That is why if the dumb cane receives direct sunlight, it will cause foliar burns on the leaves.
However, suppose your dumb cane is kept in a consistently low-light location. In that case, it might struggle to produce enough energy through photosynthesis. That can lead to slow growth and yellowing leaves. Move your dumb cane to a spot where it receives bright, filtered sunlight.
So, to avoid yellow leaves on the dumb cane due to lighting, it would be best to place your dumb cane in a location that receives indirect sunlight to prevent leaf sunburn. You may need a grow light during winter to avoid yellow leaves on your dumb cane plant.
Dumb Cane Leaves Turning Yellow And Brown Due to Pests and Disease
Pests, such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs, among other pest-causing diseases, may cause a rapid appearance of dumb cane leaves turning yellow.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause stippling (tiny yellow spots) on the leaves, eventually leading to yellowing and browning. You might also notice fine webbing on the plant.
Aphids: Aphids can cluster on new growth, causing distortion, yellowing, and sticky honeydew residue.
Mealybugs: These white, cottony insects can hide in leaf axils and along stems. They feed on plant sap, causing leaves to turn yellow and drop.
You can remove these pests with a strong water spray, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or ladybugs. Learn more about how to mix neem oil for plants.
Also, diseases may cause dumb cane leaves to turn yellow. Overwatering can lead to root rot, manifesting as yellowing and browning leaves, wilting, and a general decline in the dumb cane’s health. If root rot is suspected, remove the dumb cane from the pot, trim away affected roots, dry them, and repot them in fresh, well-draining soil.
Dumb Cane Leaves Turning Yellow Due to Nutrient Deficiency
Various nutrient deficiency issues can lead to your dumb cane leaves turning yellow, with nitrogen and phosphorus deficiency being the most prevalent. Usually, this does not happen in newly repotted dumb cane because the substrate is new and has sufficient nutrients.
If your dumb cane has been in the same pot with the same substrate for more than a year, you may need to apply fertilizer to prevent yellow leaves. Use an NPK 6-12-6 fertilizer for houseplants according to the manufacturer’s directions. You should fertilize a dumb cane plant during its active growth in spring and summer.
- Easy-to-use fertilizer for all indoor plants including ferns, spider plants, pothos, and croton
- Houseplant fertilizer spikes feed continuously for up to 2 months
- When used as directed, plant food spikes are safe to use on all indoor, potted plants
Dumb Cane Leaves Turning Yellow Due to Temperature Stress
Temperature stress may lead to the development of dumb cane leaves turning yellow. Dumb cane is sensitive to cold temperatures. Suppose the dumb cane is exposed to cold drafts, chilly air, or temperatures below its preferred range (usually between 65-75°F or 18-24°C). In that case, it can lead to yellowing and even browning of leaves. Remember to keep your dumb cane away from cold drafts from windows, doors, and air conditioning units.
Excessive heat, together with low humidity, can cause stress to your dumb cane plant. High temperatures can increase the rate of water loss from leaves through a process called transpiration, which can result in leaf yellowing. To mitigate this, place your plant in a location with moderate temperatures and provide adequate humidity through misting or using a humidifier.
Dumb Cane Leaves Turning Yellow Due to Low Humidity
Another reason that may lead dumb cane leaves to turn yellow is low humidity. Dumb cane plants are native to tropical regions and thrive in higher-humidity environments. When humidity levels are too low, it can lead to stress and various issues for the plant, including yellowing leaves.
One of the best ways to prevent yellowing due to low humidity is to raise the humidity levels around the plant. You can do this by placing a humidity tray filled with water near the plant, using a room humidifier, or misting the plant regularly. Grouping plants can also help create a microclimate with higher humidity.
Final Conclusions
When faced with the issue of a dumb cane turning yellow as a gardener, it is essential to consider various factors contributing to this problem. Dumb cane leaves turning yellow can be caused by several things, including watering stress, inadequate lighting, pests, disease, nutrient deficiency, temperature stress, and low humidity. Carefully inspect the dumb cane to find out what is causing the yellow leaves. Correctly identifying the yellow leaf problem will ensure that you can provide the dumb cane with what it needs to continue to grow correctly. Use the information provided in this post to address any issues causing the presence of yellow leaves on your dumb cane plant.
