Leaves Yellow

Question

I only water my plants maybe once a month in the winter,  and with very little water. The last time I watered 3 of my plants, the leaves are turning yellow. I read somewhere that it could be due to heat and cold extremes. I am losing 3 of my biggest plants. . . drafacheanious or something like that. . . green with white big leaves. Also, one of my ivy is doing the same.   When I don’t water, they droop.

Answer 1

There are a number of reasons for yellow leaves on a plant. This article will help with the most common and how to fix them: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/plant-leaves-turn-yellow.htm

Answer 2

summer21, your description sounds like the plants aren’t getting enough moisture. If your plants are tropical and inside a normally heated home, they will use and transpire more water than you might imagine. Since most foliage plants like dracena, dieffenbachia, ivy and others don’t really have a dormant period, they need the same care year round. When I water, I make sure the plants soilball is saturated completely. Putting just a little water on any plant makes the root system stay near the top of the soil, resulting in a weaker root system. I also use deeper saucers to catch excess water. I leave it there for 12-24 hours before emptying…usually it evaporates or the plant uses it before having to empty.