Marianne's Response

Hints for treating yellowing leaves with green veining

I have several plants that are yellowed, showing the veins in green. How can I tell if there is an iron deficiency or a shortage of nitrogen? Or could there be another reason? would a fine-ground hardwood mulch with a bunch of fine powder fix the nitrogen like sawdust does. I increased fertilization after spreading the mulch.

Thanks,
Jack

Posted by Jack Russell on May 16, 2014

Marianne's Response

When I hear \"yellowed showing veins of green\" I think lack of iron. There is also this same yellow foliage if you water too much or the plants are lacking in any nutrient. First, feel the soil and if it is damp do not water until the top few inches are dry. Then apply a slow release plant food like Osmocote and see if the foliage greens up in a few weeks. If nothing happens, try adding an iron chelate product following the instructions on the package. Lack of iron is mostly just for acid loving plants like rhododendrons, camellias and gardenias. Too much water is more common for potted plants especially during cool, rainy weather. If you would like to send a photo that would help in solving this mystery. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti