Pomegranate trees are great for the casual gardener because they don’t require a lot of attention. However, if you’ve noticed that the leaves on your pomegranate tree are beginning to turn yellow, it may be time to step in and fix the problem. In some cases, the issue is small, but it may also be cause for concern.
The most common reason for pomegranate trees turning yellow is overwatering. Other reasons include using wrong or bad fertilizer, sap-sucking insects, a lack of sunlight, transplant issues, or even seasonal changes.
These reasons for pomegranate trees turning yellow are all fixable. Let’s look more into why these issues pop up and cause the yellowing of leaves. And let’s also look into some solutions as to what you can do to remedy these problems.
Overwatering
Pomegranate trees, unlike most other fruit bearers, are used to more dry climates. A young tree needs extra water to get established. And during the hot summer months, it is advised to water every other day. Other times, once a week is plenty. However, be sure your soil has proper drainage around the tree so that the tree isn’t sitting in water. This leads to root rot, causing the leaves to be yellow.
Nutrients
Pomegranate trees, just like any other plant, need proper nutrients to survive. Water, soil, and sunlight all play a role in pomegranate trees receiving the nutrients they require. If the problem isn’t in the watering, then it is time to take a look at the soil and sun.
Soil and Fertilizer
To receive proper nutrients, pomegranate trees prefer the soil to be slightly acidic. Too much or too little nitrogen will cause the leaves to be yellow. Choose a fertilizer that isn’t too high in nitrogen and use it once a year between January and before the first bloom of the season.
Sunlight
Proper sunlight allows the tree to make food for itself. Lack of food will cause the leaves to turn yellow. Pomegranate trees are tropical plants, and they need about six to seven hours of sunlight each day. If your plant is indoors, take it outside every day for some sunlight or place it by a window where it will receive plenty of light.
Pests
If pests are the problem, the leaves will usually appear with a curl and a spotted yellow color. Insects will feed off the leaves, stealing needed nutrients from the tree. For the most part, pests can be driven away by spraying the tree down with water on a regular basis. For others, like scale, you will have to break out the insecticides or make your own from natural recipes. This website offers many homemade solutions.
A New Plant
If you transplanted a pomegranate tree from a pot to the outdoors, there is a period of adjustment that has to occur. The leaves may turn yellow during this time. It is called transplant shock. Be sure to water your tree immediately after transplanting, provide about two or three inches of mulch, and protect it from cold or freezing temperatures. With time, if protected and cared for, the leaves will turn back to green.
Weather and Seasons
Pomegranate trees are deciduous, so before winter comes, they will shed its leaves. Before this happens, the leaves will often turn yellow and fall off. But come spring, they will return green. It is a good idea to prune the tree in the fall. This helps the tree to stress less in making fruit as it is gearing up to protect itself for the winter months.
How to Know If My Tree Is Dying
Look for dead leaves and dead branches. The branch may also look like it is splitting. This is usually caused by pests and insects that have gotten in and destroyed the tree. Also, look at the tree’s trunk for brownish-green spots. This would mean pest issues as well.
Conclusion
Pomegranate trees will turn yellow for various reasons. These reasons include improper water, sun, or nutrients. Additionally, the problem may be insects, transplant shock, or even just the changing temperatures. Take a look at your yellowing leaves to investigate the problem. It might