If you’ve been gardening for a while, then you know that there are certain plants that are just hard to kill. Vinca is one of those plants.
Even if you forget to water it for a week, it will still be alive. But what do you do when your vinca leaves start turning yellow? Is your plant sick or dying?
Don’t worry – it’s probably just getting too much sun. Keep reading to find out more about why this happens and what you can do to prevent it.
[Related Article: How To Keep Vinca From Getting Leggy]
Potted Vinca Leaves Turning Yellow
There could be a number of reasons why your potted vinca leaves are turning yellow. It could be due to too much sun, not enough water, or even a nutrient deficiency.
Here are a few things to check if you’re not sure what the problem is:
1. Check the amount of sunlight the plant is getting. Vincas need at least six hours of sunlight a day, but too much sun can also cause the leaves to turn yellow. If the plant is getting too much sun, try moving it to a shadier spot.
2. Make sure you’re watering the plant enough. Vincas like to be kept moist, but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
3. Inspect the leaves for signs of nutrient deficiency. Yellow leaves could be a sign that the plant isn’t getting enough nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. Try feeding the plant with a balanced fertilizer and see if that makes a difference.
4. Look for pests. Aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs can all suck the nutrients out of vincas, causing the leaves to turn yellow. Treat the plant with an insecticide if you suspect pests are to blame.
5. Check for diseases. Some fungal diseases, like powdery mildew, can cause vinca leaves to turn yellow. If you think disease might be the problem, take a sample of the affected leaves to your local cooperative extension office for diagnosis.
With a little detective work, you should be able to figure out what’s causing your vinca’s yellow leaves. Once you know the problem, you can take steps to fix it and get your plant back to looking its best.
Potted Vinca Care Tips
Here are a few general care tips to keep in mind when growing vincas in pots:
1. Vincas like to be kept moist, but they don’t like sitting in soggy soil. Be sure to provide drainage holes in the bottom of your pot and water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
2. Vincas are heavy feeders and will need to be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer and apply it according to the package directions.
3. Potted vincas will need to be repotted every year or two to refresh the soil and provide room for new growth.
4. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and powdery mildew can all be problems when growing vincas in pots. Treat the plant with an insecticide or fungicide if you notice any of these pests or diseases.
With a little care, you can easily grow beautiful vincas in pots. Just be sure to keep an eye on the plants and address any problems that come up. By following these tips, you can enjoy healthy and vibrant vincas for years to come.
Conclusion
So, if your vincas are looking a little yellow, don’t worry. There could be any number of reasons for the change in color, but most likely it’s something simple that you can fix.
Just take a look at the list of things to check and see what might apply in your situation. And if all else fails, give us a call and we’ll help you figure out what’s going on.