Plant With Light Green Leaves – Causes And Treatment

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Last Updated on July 25, 2022 by Cristina

You may have noticed a plant with light green leaves in your garden and are wondering what could be the problem.  Let’s learn all about it in this article.

Do you know what causes plants to have light green instead of the normal green color? In this article, we will try to find out more on plants with light green leaves. We will also tell you how to get rid of the causes.

What Is The Difference Between A Plant With Light Green Leaves And Normal Green Leaves?

There are two main differences between them:

  • The first difference is that plants with light green leaves are growing in a slightly different location than normal green plants. That is, they are not grown under enough sunlight but in lesser light. This means that these plants are growing in a place where they are not receiving direct sunlight.
  • The second difference is that they grow with less water. This is why it is important to choose a good spot for your plant. In general, you should choose a place that has well-drained soils that hold enough water for the plant.
Difference Between A Plant With Light Green Leaves And Normal Green Leaves

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Why Do Plants Turn Light Green?

Plant with light green leaves is a result of a number of reasons, many of which are related to the care the plant receives. However, some diseases and insects also contribute to the change of color. These reasons include:

1. Overwatering

Overwatering your plants can cause them to turn into pale green or yellow color and then drop down dead.

2. Ageing

It is normal for all the plant leaves to grow old and fall off.  If you notice a plant with light green leaves or turning yellow, then it could be too old and about to die.

3. Moving Plant

If you move your plant during its growing season, it’s bound to become stressed or die. It will need time to adjust t temperature and light in its new surrounding.  During this time, it’s common to see the leaves turn to pale green or yellow color.

Plant With Light Green Leaves - Moving Plant

4. Issue With Nutrients

If you provide your plant with too much or too little fertilizer, it can drastically be affected.  A deficiency of nitrogen is the major cause of plants with light green leaves.   Adjusting the levels of this nutrient in your plant will turn it from pale green to a dark green color.

5. Temperature Changes

A sudden change in temperature affects the plant’s color.  If the plant is too cold or too hot in its location, its leaves will change into pale green or yellow color.

6. Insects And Diseases

There are many diseases that make the leaves change color and if not treated as early as they appear can kill your plant.  Also, insects that feed on the plant’s roots or leaves will cause the leaves to turn light green.

What Fertilizer Should You Give Your Plant With Light Green Leaves?

Nitrogen deficiency is the number one reason for a plant with light green leaves.  The deficiency is recognized by the pale green color or yellowing of the plant’s leaves and slows down the growth. The leaves also tend to drop sooner than expected due to a lack of enough nitrogen.

Milorganite 32 lb. Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer

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Too much nitrogen on the other hand results in fast growth and spindly weak shoots and dark green leaves.  Therefore, there must be a balance in supplying nitrogen to your plant.

That said, to help your plant with light green leaves it’s best you provide it with nitrogen fertilizer.

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How Does Nitrogen Help Plants With Light Green Leaves?

Nitrogen fertilizer is the most recognized nutrient due to its ability to provide rich green foliage.  It is mainly needed by any vegetation growth for its general health.

The green color on the plant known as chlorophyll is responsible for photosynthesis and nitrogen is largely needed in this process. Plants use nitrogen heavily in new shoots, buds, and leaves.  The air contains about 78% of nitrogen but this is not enough for the plant. The plant must be provided with more nitrogen to absorb through the soil.

Nitrate and ammonium are readily available forms of nitrogen that a plant needs. Nitrogen can also be applied organically by using blood meal, fish fertilizer, feather meal, and other liquid fertilizers.  You can also use compost manure as it contains a lot of nitrogen.

Organic dry fertilizers like compost manure are slow-release fertilizers that help the plant benefit from long-term nitrogen content and build up organic matter in the soil.

Final Thoughts,

Now that we know what causes the plant with light green leaves and how to fix it, we can salvage these plants before they die.  The use of nitrogen in plants is critical for every type of plant.  Ensure you provide enough nitrogen to all your plants.

Nutrients are very important to plants as they provide all the necessary requirements for the growth of plants.  Water and sunlight are also equally important as they provide your plant with the right atmosphere to thrive.  Ensure you learn the balance to water your plants so you don’t under or overwater them. Happy gardening as you learn how to take care of your growing plants.

FAQ’s

What does it mean when plant leaves turn light green?

It means that the plant is either lacking enough or getting too much nitrogen making it turn pale green or yellow.

What plant has long thin green leaves?

Plants like daffodil, tulip, and gladiolus are plants that have long skinny leaves.  The thin leaves on these plants help create less drag and elevate the plant with ease.

Why are my plants light green instead of dark green?

The reason your plant is light green instead of dark green is that it is lacking some nutrients or it is receiving too much nitrogen or water.

How do I make my plant leaves greener?

You can make your plants greener by providing them with adequate water, enough nitrogen and enough light.  All plants need the right amount of sunlight, water and nutrients so they can thrive.

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