Q. My xylosma bush leaves
are dark green with yellow veins, the exact opposite of an iron shortage. I
planted these from 5-gallon containers this past January. As the leaves get
older, they become more yellow. What is the problem and what can I do
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| Leaf vein yellowing on xylosma |
A. You are right, a lack
of available iron commonly affects the color of leaves on newest growth. Mild
iron chlorosis in plants is identified with yellowing leaves with their veins
remaining a darker green. Newest leaves grown from the plant get yellower and
yellower as the season progresses and the green color of the veins may
disappear altogether.
of available iron commonly affects the color of leaves on newest growth. Mild
iron chlorosis in plants is identified with yellowing leaves with their veins
remaining a darker green. Newest leaves grown from the plant get yellower and
yellower as the season progresses and the green color of the veins may
disappear altogether.
Sometimes the chlorosis is so severe the entire leaf,
including the veins, become yellow and the edges of the leaves begin to scorch
during hot weather. Besides leaf yellowing, shortages of iron appear always on
the newest leaves while the older leaves remain darker green.
including the veins, become yellow and the edges of the leaves begin to scorch
during hot weather. Besides leaf yellowing, shortages of iron appear always on
the newest leaves while the older leaves remain darker green.
Yellow Vein
Green leaves with yellow veins has been reported in
citrus, frequently grapefruit, and called “Yellow Vein”. I have not seen Yellow
Vein on xylosma but there’s a first time for everything.
citrus, frequently grapefruit, and called “Yellow Vein”. I have not seen Yellow
Vein on xylosma but there’s a first time for everything.
In the 1950’s Yellow Vein was demonstrated to be from a
lack of nitrogen. Applying high nitrogen fertilizers, like ammonium sulfate,
corrected the problem in citrus the following year.
lack of nitrogen. Applying high nitrogen fertilizers, like ammonium sulfate,
corrected the problem in citrus the following year.
Wood chips applied to the surface of the soil can also
cause a shortage of nitrogen to growing plants if they are not fertilized.
Other possibilities include chemical damage but probably no other plant
nutrient besides nitrogen.
cause a shortage of nitrogen to growing plants if they are not fertilized.
Other possibilities include chemical damage but probably no other plant
nutrient besides nitrogen.
What to do? Flush the soil around the roots with lots of
water and then apply nitrogen fertilizers such as 21-0-0, compost or blood meal.
Flushing the soil with water first might remove any chemicals present causing this
problem.
water and then apply nitrogen fertilizers such as 21-0-0, compost or blood meal.
Flushing the soil with water first might remove any chemicals present causing this
problem.
Apply a nitrogen
fertilizer after flushing with water or the water could wash most of the
nitrogen away. Apply high nitrogen fertilizers to the soil about 12 inches from
the trunk and water it in. Follow label directions on the amount to use since
it varies with each fertilizer and depending on its nitrogen content.