If your mint plants are suddenly losing their green color, you may want to consider some causes. You might notice that they’ve turned yellow due to a soil deficiency. You can learn more about nutrient deficiencies by reading an article from the University of Missouri. If you suspect that your plants need a certain nutrient, you can choose a fertilizer with high concentrations of that nutrient. To help you diagnose the problem, make sure to check the mint’s nutrient content.
Overwatering
Overwatering your mint plant is one of the main causes for its yellowing leaves. Overwatering the soil causes the top layer to become too wet and prevents it from breathing. It is important to water the mint plant only when the top layer of soil feels dry. Mint should be kept in a slightly moist area in order to meet its moisture needs. If you do not want to water the plant, simply take it to a dry location and then add water as needed.
One common reason for the yellowing of mint leaves is the presence of a spider mite. Spider mites are often present on the underside of leaves, so they are most likely to appear on mint plants that are overwatered. These little creatures resemble tiny, moving dots and create webs on the leaves. When they attack your mint plant, they will cause yellow stippling on the leaves and even yellow shedding of leaves. Infestations of spider mites are easy to eradicate by spraying them with water, but insecticidal soap will help in severe cases.
Verticillium wilt
If you notice the leaves of your trees turning yellow and shriveling, it may be time to treat your tree for Verticillium wilt. Verticillium fungus can be found in many soils. It can remain dormant for many years, but it can easily infect trees in stressful conditions. Proper fungus management relies on preventing trees from succumbing to the disease, keeping them healthy, and fertilizing on a regular basis.
The symptoms of verticillium wilt can be confusing, especially if you have no previous knowledge of it. It can affect the lower leaves of your plants, and you can easily identify it by cutting a lengthwise section of the stem and leaf. The disease can also cause wilting, dying, and curling of the shoot tips. The disease affects dozens of different types of plants, including tomatoes, eggplant, pepper, strawberry plants, and brambles. In Maine, this disease is particularly common in late August and early September, but it can affect your plants at any time of the year.
Spider mites
If you notice that your mint leaves are turning yellow and are starting to turn a shade of brown, you may be dealing with spider mites. These insects live in colonies on the underside of leaves and feed by piercing leaf tissue and sucking up plant fluids. Spider mites are most common in regions where the natural predators have been eradicated by pesticides. Some species of spider mite are predatory on plant-feeding mites, but they are extremely common and prolific. Heavy infestations can build up over time without visible damage to your plants.
If you notice mint leaves turning yellow, you should immediately treat the plant. Aphids may be the cause. The insects can be so small that you may not notice them. In addition, spider mites will feed on the sap and cause yellow patches to appear on the leaves. In addition to being pests, spider mites can also damage your mint plant’s water system, preventing it from transporting water through the stem.
Heat intolerance
Your mint plants’ leaves may have turned yellow for several reasons, including overwatering or lack of nutrition. Mint plants may also have a yellow-leaf side if you keep them in a low-light area. To solve this problem, simply relocate the mint plant to a location with more natural light, or direct the plant toward more sunlight. In any case, mint plants should be kept in a slightly humid environment.
Dry air can also cause mint leaves to turn yellow. Insufficiency of nitrogen can cause the leaves to shrivel up. Hard water can cause calcium and salt to build up around the roots of mint plants, robbing them of moisture and nutrients. Heat intolerance and mint leaves turning yellow
Iron deficiency
In addition to iron deficiency, other minerals and elements may also cause mint leaves to turn yellow. Potassium and nitrogen deficiencies may appear on the edges of the leaves and in spaces between the veins. Yellowing of new leaves may also be indicative of an iron deficiency. In addition to iron, other deficiencies can cause the leaves to appear distorted or die. Zinc deficiency is the most common reason for mint leaves to turn yellow.
The root of the problem may be caused by an acidic soil. Mint prefers acidic soils because it can absorb the iron. In contrast, clay soils are highly alkaline and prevent the plant from getting enough iron. If you suspect your mint leaves are suffering from an iron deficiency, check the soil pH. You can add compost or peat moss to the soil to help the plant absorb iron.
Root rot
If you notice that your mint leaves are turning yellow, you may have mint root rot. This condition occurs when the soil in your garden has become infested by black resting spores. You must remove the infected rhizomes and plant the uninfected stems in a different location. Symptoms of mint root rot can vary in severity. If you see your mint leaves turning yellow during the winter months, it is likely to have been affected by this disease.
The root rot of your mint plant can be caused by the same thing as the leafy yellowing of your lemongrass plant. If you notice that the leaves are turning yellow, you should first check the soil for moisture. The soil should feel dry to your finger joints. Mint plants need a planter with at least two drainage holes. Keep in mind that flat surfaces or soil clods may block the drainage holes. You can also elevate the planter and allow water to escape.
