Syngonium, also known as arrowhead plant, is a popular indoor plant due to its lush green leaves and easy care requirements.
However, sometimes, the leaves may start to turn yellow, which gets you concerned.
If you notice your arrowhead leaves turning yellow, the following could be potential causes to look out for.
Read also: The Common Causes of Brown Spot on Fiddle Leaf Fig
Arrowhead Leaves Turning Yellow Cause #1: Overwatering
Overwatering is one of the most common reasons for arrowhead leaves turning yellow. This plant prefers to be kept on the dry side, and too much water can cause the roots to rot, leading to yellowing leaves.
When your Syngonium receives too much water, the soil becomes saturated and the roots are unable to access the oxygen they need to survive. Without oxygen, the roots begin to die off, which in turn causes the leaves to turn yellow.
In extreme cases, the yellowing can spread to the entire plant, and it may start to wilt or even die.
Another symptom of overwatering that you may want to look out for is the presence of mushy or blackened roots. This is a clear sign that the roots have begun to rot due to the excess moisture in the soil.
If you suspect that your Syngonium is suffering from overwatering, it is important to check the roots and soil before taking any further action.
To prevent overwatering, it is important to wait until the top inch of soil has dried out before watering your Syngonium again.
A good rule of thumb is to water your plant when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Additionally, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
It is also important to be mindful of the humidity levels in your home.
Syngoniums prefer a humidity level of around 60-70%. If the humidity is too low, the plant will dry out quickly, and if it’s too high, the plant will retain too much moisture, which can lead to overwatering.
Arrowhead Leaves Turning Yellow Cause #2: Lack of Light
Another potential cause of arrowhead leaves turning yellow is a lack of light.
Syngoniums need bright, indirect light to thrive. They are native to the rainforests of Central and South America, where they grow under the canopy of taller trees.
In the home, it should be placed in a spot where it will receive bright, indirect light throughout the day. If the plant is not getting enough light, its leaves may turn yellow and become pale in colour.
When your Syngonium receives too little light, it will start to stretch out in search of more light. This is known as etiolation and it causes the leaves to become elongated and pale in colour.
Additionally, the plant may start to produce fewer leaves and have weaker overall growth.
To prevent a lack of light from causing yellowing leaves on your Syngonium, place it in a spot where it will receive bright, indirect light throughout the day. A west or east-facing windowsill is a good spot.
If you do not have a spot with enough light, you can use a grow light to supplement the plant’s light needs.
It is also important to rotate your plant regularly to ensure that all sides of the plant receive an equal amount of light. This will prevent the plant from leaning towards the light source and becoming unevenly shaped.
Arrowhead Leaves Turning Yellow Cause #3: Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies can cause yellowing leaves on a Syngonium as the plant is unable to absorb the nutrients it needs to grow.
The most common nutrient deficiencies that cause yellowing leaves are a lack of nitrogen and iron.
Nitrogen is essential for the growth of leaves, and a deficiency will cause the leaves to turn yellow and become pale in colour.
On the other hand, Iron is necessary for the production of chlorophyll, which gives leaves their green colour. Without enough iron, the leaves of your plant will turn yellow.
Symptoms of nitrogen deficiency include yellowing of the older leaves, while symptoms of iron deficiency usually affect the new growth. Iron deficiency is also characterized by the yellowing of the leaves with green veins.
To prevent nutrient deficiencies from causing yellowing leaves on your Syngonium, it is important to fertilize your plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or use liquid plant food.
As you fertilize your plant, be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package, and do so at the right time of year and frequency.
Additionally, It is important to ensure that the plant is planted in good-quality soil that is rich in organic matter.
If you suspect that your plant is suffering from nutrient deficiency, you can have a soil test done to determine which nutrient is lacking and how to address it.
Arrowhead Leaves Turning Yellow Cause #4: Pests
Pests such as spider mites and mealybugs can cause yellowing leaves on Syngonium.
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and become stippled with small, pale spots.
Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects that can also cause yellowing leaves and leaf drops.
Another symptom of a pest infestation is the presence of webs on the leaves or stem. This is a clear sign that spider mites have taken up residence on your Syngonium. Mealybugs often leave a sticky residue on the leaves, which can attract other pests like ants.
To prevent pests from causing yellowing leaves on your Syngonium, it is important to regularly check your plant for any signs of infestation. If you do find pests, you can treat them with a pesticide or insecticide designed for use on indoor plants.
Arrowhead Leaves Turning Yellow Cause #5: Disease
Diseases such as leaf spots and stem rot can cause yellowing leaves on a Syngonium.
Leaf spot is caused by a fungal or bacterial infection and results in yellow or brown spots on the leaves.
Stem rot is caused by a fungal infection and results in yellowing leaves and a mushy or blackened stem.
Symptoms of leaf spots include yellow or brown spots on the leaves, while symptoms of stem rot include yellowing leaves and a mushy or blackened stem.
To prevent diseases from causing arrowhead leaves turning yellow, it is important to keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoid overcrowding.
Additionally, it is important to avoid overwatering and ensure that the plant is planted in a well-draining potting mix.
If you suspect that your Syngonium is suffering from a disease, it is important to remove any affected leaves or stem and dispose of them to prevent the spread of the disease. You can also treat the plant with a fungicide or antibiotic.
