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5 Ways To Stop A Majesty Palm From Turning Yellow
Majesty palms are known for being easy going and lovely indoor and outdoor plants that lend a relaxed, tropical vibe to any space. But that doesn’t mean they’re immune to health problems! In fact, a majesty palm turning yellow is one of the most common issues growers face.
Fortunately, my guide on how to fix a majesty palm turning yellow is here to help you restore these to their natural green glory.
Majesty Palm Turning Yellow: Potential Causes
Before you implement one of my many solutions for a majesty palm turning yellow, it is essential to first understand the potential causes of this problem. There could be a variety of reasons why your majesty palm leaves are turning yellow, and the right fix will depend on the underlying issue.
Over Watering
Overwatering your majesty palm can cause the leaves to turn yellow. This effect results from the plant being unable to absorb all the moisture in its soil, causing the roots to rot. When roots start to rot, the plant loses its ability to absorb vital nutrients, leading to discoloration and yellowing of leaves.
Under Watering
Underwatering can also cause majesty palm leaves to turn yellow. This happens when your plant does not receive enough water required for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a process that helps plants convert sunlight into energy; without it, leaves start to turn yellow.
Improper Light Levels
Majesty palms are native to Madagascar and love sunlight. However, too much sunlight can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually die off. On the other hand, insufficient light can also lead to yellowing of leaves and stunted growth.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Plants need nutrients to survive and thrive, just like humans do. If your majesty palm lacks essential nutrients such as nitrogen, magnesium, or phosphorus, it can cause the leaves to turn yellow. This deficiency could be due to poor soil quality or lack of fertilization.
Pests
Pests such as mealybugs and spider mites can also cause majesty palm leaves to turn yellow. These insects feed on the plant’s sap, depriving it of vital nutrients and causing discoloration, including yellowing of leaves.
How to Fix a Majesty Palm Turning Yellow
Create An Optimal Watering Routine
If a withering look accompanies yellow leaves on a majesty palm, you must create an optimal watering routine. Ideally, a majesty palm should receive about a cup of water every 7 to 10 days.
If you are unsure whether it’s time to water, the best way to stay on top of a healthy watering routine is with a moisture meter. This device comes on its own or in plant care bundles and can precisely measure the moisture levels in your plant’s soil.
With a specialized moisture meter, you will never have to guess when it’s time to water your majesty palm again, and this should help stop yellow leaves in their tracks. It’s also much more effective than putting your finger into the soil to test moisture levels.
Watch our video on how to use a moisture meter the right way for optimal watering every time.
Adjust Sunlight Exposure
Majesty palms love sunlight but can suffer when exposed to too much or too little. In their native habitat, majesty palm plants are used to getting up to 8 hours of sunlight per day. So, if your plant is tucked away in the corner of a dark room, it may be time to find a brighter spot for it- especially if stunted growth or brown spots appear in conjunction with yellowing leaves.
On the other hand, if your majesty palm is getting direct sunlight all day long in a climate where it is particularly hot or dry, it may be getting too much light. In this case, consider moving your plant to a spot with filtered or indirect sunlight.
Invest In Better Potting Soil
Most people don’t realize that soil is more than just dirt – and different plants have different soil needs. In the case of majesty palms, they thrive in rich, well-draining soil that keeps their roots happy and healthy.
If your majesty palm is turning yellow due to poor soil quality, consider repotting it with a high-quality indoor soil designed for tropical plants. These mixes typically contain peat moss, perlite, and other nutrients that benefit your majesty palm.
You can tell soil quality is the culprit when yellow leaves accompany other symptoms, such as stunted growth or wilting. Additionally, if the soil stays muddy and doesn’t drain when you water, it’s likely a soil issue that needs to be corrected by investing in a premium indoor soil or smart gravel.
Enhance Nutrient Intake
If your majesty palm is turning yellow due to a nutrient deficiency, you can use liquid indoor plant food fertilizer to address the issue. These fertilizers are specially formulated to give indoor plants the essential nutrients they need in a single bottle.
Learn everything there is to know about using Indoor Plant Food
Indoor plant food might not be the only thing that can help your majesty palm leaves turn green again. You can also enrich the soil with a houseplant multivitamin or root supplement. These houseplant accessories work fast, enhance overall health, and help return color to yellowing leaves.
Enact Better Pest Control
If pests are causing your majesty palm leaves to turn yellow, the first step is getting rid of them.
Use leaf shine wipes to remove any visible pests and eggs on the plant’s leaves. Then, prune the damaged parts of the plant and isolate it for a few weeks to monitor for any remaining pests.
If you took proper care and maintenance during the quarantine period, you should see new life returning to your majesty palm in a few weeks.
And while not a pest per se, mold itself can become a nuisance if you are not careful. Luckily, leaf armor spray can easily stop mold and other common household fungi. You may also need to pull up the roots and cut away at any ones appearing black or mushy with sharp pruning shears.
Care Tips To Stop Your Majesty Palm Turning Yellow
As with any houseplant care, prevention is always better than a cure. To keep your majesty palm from turning yellow in the first place, here are some simple care tips to follow:
- Increase humidity levels. Majesty palms thrive in humid environments, so consider using a humidifier or plant mister to increase moisture in the air.
- Regularly dust leaves. Dust and dirt can block sunlight from reaching your majesty palm’s leaves, causing them to turn yellow. Regularly dusting the leaves with a cloth or using a leaf shine spray can help prevent this.
- Rotate your plant. If one side of your majesty palm is turning yellow while the other remains green, it could be due to uneven sunlight exposure. Rotate your plant every few weeks to ensure all sides get equal light.
- Try bottom watering. Instead of watering from the top, try bottom watering your majesty palm by placing the pot in a tray of water for a few minutes. This allows the plant to absorb water through its roots and helps prevent moisture-related issues.
These care practices, combined with my expert how to fix a majesty palm turning yellow tips, ensure your plant stays healthy and green all year round.
Majesty Palm Turning Yellow? The Fix Is Easy!
Helping your majesty palm turn green again is as simple as addressing any underlying issues and providing the right care. By adjusting light, soil, nutrients, pests, and environmental factors, you can easily prevent and fix a majesty palm from turning yellow. Remember to monitor your plant’s overall health and make adjustments as needed to ensure it stays happy and thriving. Happy growing!
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