Why do the leaves of the iron tree turn yellow?

Cycas revoluta, as a typical southern plant, prefers warm climatic conditions. When maintaining in northern regions, special attention should be paid to anti-cold measures in winter. Sometimes the tips of the small leaves on the large leaves of the iron tree will turn yellow and then gradually dry up inward. Let’s learn why the leaves of the iron tree turn yellow.

1. Low temperature frostbite

The yellowing of the leaves of the cycad tree is usually most obvious around the Spring Festival, mainly because the cycad tree is sensitive to low temperatures. Iron trees planted outdoors are susceptible to frost damage when the temperature drops below freezing if they are not properly insulated. The solution to this problem is to move the iron tree indoors when the temperature is below 0℃ in winter. For large or difficult-to-move iron trees, frost damage can be prevented by tying up the branches and covering them with insulating film.

2. Insufficient light and poor ventilation

Cycas revoluta is a light-loving plant and is usually grown outdoors. But sometimes, due to its large size, it may be moved to a place with insufficient light or poor ventilation, such as a corner or under the shade of a tree, which will cause the leaves of the iron tree to turn yellow. To solve this problem, make sure the cycad is planted in a location with plenty of light and good ventilation. If the plant is too large and affects its position, you can consider appropriate shaping and pruning of the iron tree.

3. Water shortage and drought

Although the cycad is highly drought-resistant, long-term lack of water or poor management in summer may still cause the leaves to turn yellow. Similarly, excessive watering leading to waterlogging can also cause the leaves of the cycad to turn yellow. To deal with this problem, water should be given once a day during the high temperatures in summer, every 3-5 days in spring and autumn, and in winter due to the lower temperature, the iron tree's demand for water decreases, so generally watering once a week is sufficient.

In summary, in response to these possible causes, corresponding maintenance measures can be taken, such as maintaining a suitable temperature, providing sufficient light, watering reasonably, fertilizing at the right time, and preventing and controlling diseases and pests to help the iron tree recover its health and avoid problems such as yellowing and drying of leaves.