Plumeria Leaves Yellowing (Reasons and Ways to Fix it)

by Becky Decker and Anita Shan · August 2, 2024

I was struggling with my plumeria plants. You know what? My plumeria plant leaves were turning yellow. I think many of you must have faced this problem. And now, I have found the solution. Eager to know what it is? Just be patient—you’ll get the answer.

This is one of the most common problems that gardeners face, but after reading this informative guide, all your problems will be solved. Let’s not waste time and see what I have discovered.

I’m here to share solutions for preventing plumeria leaves yellowing. I’ve explained all the various reasons and solutions to help your plumeria plants thrive. Without further ado, let’s save our plumeria plants.

Quick takeaways:

Plumerias are gorgeous plants to get a little bit of tropical paradise in the garden.
Its does blooms with beautiful flowers with a sweet fragrance bringing joy to your life.
You need to give your best to keep your plant healthy with fragrant blooms for many years.

Reasons and Ways to Fix Plumeria Leaves Yellowing:

The following are the main reasons that cause plumeria leaves yellowing and the ways to fix them:

Overwatering:

The most common cause of plumeria leaves yellowing is overwatering which happens when they receive more water than required due to which the roots get waterlogged.
The waterlogged situation causes poor nutrient absorption and oxygen deprivation.
The plant has to suffer from Yellow, drooping leaves signaling stress.

Ways to Fix Overwatering:

1. Assess Soil Moisture: Make sure to frequently check the soil’s moisture level to ensure it’s not persistently wet.

2. Adjust Watering Frequency: Make sure to dry the soil before watering to avoid the conditions of waterlogged soil.

3. Improve Drainage: Just remember the pot should have enough drainage holes so that the water runs off the pot.

4. Choose Well-Draining Soil: With a good drainage pot use a well-ventilated potting mix that will encourage the root system growth.

Plumeria Leaves Yellowing (Reasons and Ways to Fix it)

Underwatering:

Yes, underwatering also causes the plumeria leaves yellowing.
The plant gets disturbed with poor watering which results in a yellow color showing the plant is under stress.

Underwatering Causes:

Inadequate Moisture: The plant requires constant moisture without that the plant will turn yellow.
Environmental Factors: With high temperatures or low humidity result in an increase in demand for hydration, increasing the prospect of underwatering.

How to Fix Underwatering:

1. Adjust Watering Schedule: you need to water the plant regularly, mainly when it is hot outside.

2. Deep Watering: follow the rule of deep watering into the ground down so that it nourishes the root systems.

3. Mulching: Make sure to apply mulch that helps keep moisture level maintained and will protect the roots from heating.

Improper Sunlight:

If the plumeria leaves fade to yellow it can be because of improper sunlight.
To make the Plumerias thrive you need to give them proper sunlight.

Improper Sunlight Causes:

Insufficient Sun Exposure: the Plumerias plant does thrive in full sunlight without which leaves might get yellow when they don’t receive adequate nourishment.
Inconsistent Light: When there is any sudden alteration in the light conditions makes the plant stressful due to which it begins yellowing leaves.

How to Fix Improper Sunlight:

1. Optimal Placement: Ensure the plumeria plant gets direct sunlight between 6–8 hours.

2. Gradual Adjustments: In case you are moving the plant, you need to do it slowly to acclimate.

3. Consider Artificial Light: If you do not have sunlight in your space, try growing plumeria using artificial light.

Soil Conditions:

Plumeria leaves yellowing could also be possible due to the soil condition.s
Yes, the plants are very particular in the case of soil issues such as poor drainages and nutrient deficiencies that result in yellow leaves.

Causes Soil Conditions:

Drainage Woes: The leaves turning yellow is possible when the stagnant water is present all around the plant roots.
Nutrient Imbalance: the leave color changing yellow is because of inappropriate or excessive nutrients.

How to Fix Soil Conditions:

1. Well-Draining Soil: To make a perfect soil mix, amend it with perlite for better drainage.

2. Balanced Fertilization: Always use a balanced and slow-releasing fertilizer.

3. Regular Checks: Check the soil moisture and nutrient level for the best result.

Lack of Nutrition:

Plumeria leaves yellowing, which is also possible due to a lack of proper nourishment that steals beauty from its important components.

Causes of Lack of Nutrition:

The three main causes of lack of nutrition in soil are:

Inadequate soil nutrients.
Insufficient fertilizer is provided to the plant.
When the plant root absorbs poor nutrients resulting from compaction of the soil.

How to Fix Lack of Nutrition:

1. Choose Quality Fertilizer: Make sure to use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that does have all the necessary nutrients.

2. Regular Feeding: In the growing season, you need to feed the plumeria every every 2–4 weeks.

3. Correct Soil pH: You need to make sure the soil pH is 6.0–7.0 having efficient nutrients.

4. Mulch Application: Mulch is used to conserve moisture and help enhance nutrient availability.

5. Avoid Overwatering: If the plant gets overwater that will result in the leaching of nutrients so make sure to water the plumeria only when the topsoil is dry.

Root Damage:

The plumeria plant having root damage will cause the plumeria leaves yellowing.
The discoloration does appear when the plant has a problem absorbing nutrients which is due to damaged roots.
Just make sure to cure the damaged roots and bring back life to the plumeria plant.

Root Damage Causes:

Overwatering: Causing of root damage is caused by overwatering resulting in over-moisture resulting in root rot condition.
Poor Drainage: The plumeria plants suffer from poor drainage will slow down the oxygen movement to the roots.
Physical Injury: There is the possibility of the plant getting damaged during the transplanting of plants or gardening activities.

How to Fix Root Damage:

1. Adjust Watering: To fix root damage allow roots to dry between watering and make sure the soil gets drains well.

2. Improve Drainage: To improve the drainage add gravel or sand in the soil mix.

3. Inspect for Pests: Make sure to inspect the roots to check any signs of pests.

4. Replant Carefully: You need to transplant the plant carefully without disturbing the roots of the plant.

Plumeria Rust:

The Plumeria leaves yellowing is also caused due to Rusting and fungal disease.
The rusting of plumeria causes yellow-orange spots on the lower sides of the leaves and all premature leaves resulting in a drop.

How to Fix Plumeria Rust:

1. Fungicide Application: To control plumeria rusting effectively, you need to use a copper-based fungicide.

2. Pruning Affected Leaves: Make sure to cut all infected leaves and throw them away to prevent the spread of fungi in the plant.

3. Adequate Air Circulation: Need to give the plumeria plant proper spacing between plants to have good airflow and lower humidity.

4. Well-Draining Soil: Always use well-draining soil, for having no waterlogged conditions which will reduce the chance of fungal growth.

5. Morning Watering: If you do morning watering it enables foliage drying and will prevent mildew formation.

Pest Infestation:

The plumeria leaves yellowing is caused by infestation by pests that leads to distress the plant health.
The plumeria plant gets infested with pests such as aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies leaving stress and discolored leaves.

How to Fix Pest Infestation:

1. Inspect Regularly: To deal with pest infestation, check for pests under the surface of leaves.

2. Natural Predators: Make sure to use beneficial insects such as ladybugs which will help you in controlling pest populations.

3. Soap and Water Mix: You need to treat the plant with a solution of soapy water which will help the plant to get rid of pests without killing the plumeria plant.

Natural Life Cycle:

The chances of plumeria leaves yellowing can be seasonal changes or transitions.
During the season change, the plumeria enter a dormancy stage or fall off older leaves will cause yellowing.
When you understand the natural phenomenon it will help you to differentiate it from possible problems requiring intervention.

How to Fix Natural Life Cycle:

1. Patience is Key: The plumeria plant goes through a natural cycle so without worrying be patient.

2. Proper Watering: You need to limit the watering frequency so that there is no overhydration of the plant during the dormancy stage.

3. Nutrient Boost: Make sure to use a balanced fertilizer for feeding plumeria plants to thrive best.

4. Sunlight Exposure: Remember to provide the plumeria plant with ample sunlight.

Soil pH Levels Too High:

The plumeria leaves yellowing is also caused due to high soil pH.
In case the soil becomes too alkaline will result in poor nutrients, and yellowing leaves, and will stop the growth.

How to Fix Soil pH Levels:

1. Test the Soil: You need to test the soil pH to ensure it is alkaline or not.

2. Amend with Elemental Sulfur: To change the soil pH level, add elemental sulfur that will slowly reduce pH.

3. Incorporate Organic Matter: For leveling up the soil pH use organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure that will help in increasing the acidity of the soil.

4. Choose Acidic Fertilizers: Make sure to choose an acidic fertilizer that is loved by the plumeria plant.

Root Bound:

Root bound in plumeria plants does cause the leaves to turn yellow.
If the roots fill up their container it is difficult to absorb nutrients from the soil which causes yellow foliage.

How to Fix Root Bound:

1. Repotting: Make sure to provide the plumeria plant with room to prosper.

2. Loosen Roots: You need to lose the entangled roots gently to promote healthy growth of the plant.

3. Fresh Soil: To maintain the health of plants use well-draining soil that will enhance the absorption of nutrients.

4. Root Pruning: During repotting, just trim over all the large roots to allow use of space.

5. Balanced Fertilization: Make sure to replenish nutrients using a balanced fertilizer.

Poor Ventilation:

Finding the plumeria leaves fading out is possible due to poor ventilation.
When the plant suffers from improper air circulation around it they will appear yellow leaves on the plant.
Moisture retention causes fungal infection and disturbs the plant’s health due to retained moisture.

How to Fix Poor Ventilation:

1. Prune for Airflow: To improve the airflow, just remove all the crowded branches that will make room and enhance the airflow.

2. Strategic Plant Placement: Make sure the plumeria plant does have enough room for airflow.

3. Consider Windbreaks: Consider using windbreaks or other plants to direct the airflow.

Natural Aging of Leaves:

Turning plumeria leaves yellow is also possible due to the natural aging of the plant.
Yes, the plumeria leaves have a life cycle and yellowing is a common stage of aging.

How to Fix Natural Aging of Leaves:

Pruning: The pruning method does help in eliminating all yellow leaves to give chances for new sprouts.
Fertilization: you need to provide the plant with replenished nutrients by using a balanced fertilizer.
Proper Watering: Make sure to water the plant often but don’t overwater it.
Soil Inspection: There is a need to check the soil quality and drainage of the pot.

Cold Damage:

The plumeria would suffer cold damage in colder climates or when there are cold waves.
The plumerias are tropical plants if kept in cold temperatures will cause stressful effects resulting in yellowing effects.

How to Fix Cold Damage:

1. Sheltering: In the colder months you need to shield the plumeria plant by moving it indoors or just keeping a temporary cover over the plant.

2. Mulching: You can provide the plant with an organic mulch around the base of the soil that will be a shield for the roots.

3. Gradual Exposure: The plumeria when gradually given the exposure will the safe for the plumeria plant.

Transplant Shock:

If the plant suffers from transplant shock will make the plumeria leaves yellowing.
In case of plant is moved there are chance to become yellow due to stress.

Transplant Shock Causes:

Root Disruption: The process of transplanting will disturb the fine root system which results in ways of nutrient taking by the root.
Environmental Change: Any change in the level of sunlight, amount of humidity, or temperature will cause strain on plants.

How to Fix Transplant Shock:

1. Gentle Watering: Make sure the plumeria plant is watered regulating to assist in the recovery of plant roots.

2. Appropriate Nutrients: Providing the plant with appropriate nutrients will support new growth with the help of balanced fertilizer.

3. Shade Protection: You need to protect the plant from bright sunlight.

Humidity:

If the plumeria plants suffer from high humidity levels where the glossy green of plumeria is replaced with yellowing leaves.
The plant getting too much moisture will cause fungal problems that will affect nutrient absorption and cause stress.

How to Fix Humidity:

Well-Draining Soil: Make sure to choose soil having fast drainage that will avoid waterlogging conditions.
Strategic Watering: You need to dry plumeria during the day, which will make suitable conditions to water in the morning times only.
Adequate Air Circulation: Just make sure to trim the plant and make their space well for proper airflow.

Final Thoughts:

Now you can easily fix the plumeria leaves yellowing and all the causes are concerns that need a solution so cure your plant as soon as possible.