Chlorophytum: causes of yellowing leaves and can it be kept indoors?

Chlorophytum is a herbaceous plant native to South America, with approximately 200 subspecies. Since the 19th century, the flower has become known in Europe. Only a few hybrid species of Chlorophytum are grown indoors, and they not only have a unique appearance but are also easy to care for.

The plant is also known for purifying indoor air and neutralizing harmful microorganisms. It also boasts beautiful blooms from early spring to mid-fall. Chlorophytum is easily propagated by division and cuttings, and can be pruned as desired.

For abundant growth, the flower requires constant moisture. It can be grown not only indoors but also outdoors in a pot during the warmer months. It is also often used for decorative purposes alongside other indoor plants.

Characteristics of the indoor plant Chlorophytum

In its natural habitat, the flower prefers to grow on the bark of shaded trees. Chlorophytum belongs to the Asparagus family of indoor herbaceous perennials and is often called the green lily. The plant has a short woody stem that is hidden from view beneath the leaves.

The leaves are narrow and long, and can be bright green or have multiple colors, such as cream and pale green. The flower has tendrils with rosettes at the ends. The plant's leaves point downward and can reach 60-80 cm in length. The plant lives for about 8-10 years indoors. In warmer weather, it is often planted in a pot and brought outdoors.

The flower's active growth period lasts from late winter to mid-autumn, and its blooms can be observed from March to November. Flowers form at the ends of tendrils. Small white flowers with six long, narrow petals emerge from small buds. The buds are funnel-shaped and form small inflorescences. Six to ten buds can grow from a single tendril.

Caring for Chlorophytum at Home

Chlorophytum is easy to care for, but to ensure it blooms profusely and grows vigorously, you need to follow some recommendations.

Basic rules of cultivation

The plant's growing conditions also depend on the season. In spring and summer, watering increases, and wiping and misting the leaves should be a regular routine. The average room temperature is around 22 degrees Celsius, and the pot is taken out to the balcony or outdoors in the morning and evening. The amount of sunlight remains the same.

In winter and fall, reduce the frequency of watering; the plant doesn't require constant misting, and the leaves are wiped only once a week. The pot is placed in a cool room to stimulate growth after the dormant period.

Soil

First and foremost, the soil must be loose to allow water and air to penetrate easily. The pH of the substrate should be neutral. To prepare this soil, mix turf, leaf mold, humus, and sand. Always add a thick layer of drainage material to the pot before adding the soil.

Watering and fertilizing

Chlorophytum is a moisture-loving species. In summer, watering should be done several times a week. During the colder months, watering is reduced to once every 7-10 days. However, it is important to water the plant as needed, based on the moisture content of the surface layer of the substrate. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while drought can cause leaf tips to dry out and drop off.

To determine the substrate's moisture level, stick a match into it for half an hour. The degree to which the match swells indicates the soil's moisture level. Furthermore, water the plant only with warm, filtered water. Tap water is hard, and the ions it contains can harm the spider plant.

The plant also thrives in high humidity. To maintain this, regularly wipe the plant with warm water to remove dust, which tends to accumulate in the center of the leaf. You can also shower the plant.

To do this, construct a structure using nylon cord and a small plastic container. Make a hole in the bottom of the container and fill it with water. Then, using a wooden stick, pull the nylon cord through the drainage holes into the pot, reaching the top layer of soil. Water the plant thoroughly until the cord is saturated and begins to supply moisture.

Fertilize the plant several times a month during the active growth period to accelerate its development. Any fertilizer can be used. The plant is often watered with aquarium water to replenish its nutrient balance. Mature plants do not require fertilization.

Light and temperature

Chlorophytum is not fussy about the amount of light it receives. It can be placed on any windowsill or in the back of the room, in partial shade. During warmer months, the plant prefers morning and evening sunlight, as direct rays can burn the leaves. In spring and summer, it's best to bring the pot outside only in the morning or place it in the shade. Adequate light results in richer leaf color, and the plant itself becomes more lush and bushy.

In winter, it's best to keep it cool, not dropping below 10 degrees Celsius. Make sure the pot isn't placed in a draft or too close to hot radiators.

Reproduction

Chlorophytum can be propagated by seed. To do this, collect the seeds, dry them, and set them aside until planting time. This is best done in December. Soak the seeds for 24 hours in potassium permanganate or growth stimulants, then plant them in soil consisting of peat and sand.

Soil is poured into a shallow container, the seeds are placed on the surface of the substrate and pressed down lightly, without covering with soil. The container is then covered with plastic or a lid and left in a warm place for several months until sprouts appear.

During this period, they are sprayed with water and opened for ventilation. Once the young plant has more than 2-3 leaves, it can be repotted. This method is rarely used because it has a low germination rate, but it is effective in breeding.

Florists most often propagate by cuttings. To do this, select a small cutting with a few leaves and roots and carefully separate it from the mother plant. The cutting is immersed halfway in a glass of warm water until the root system is fully developed. The water should be changed weekly. Once the roots have formed, the plant is repotted into a pot with growing medium. This method of propagation can be used at any time of year.

Transfer

Repotting into a larger pot is only necessary annually for young plants; for mature plants, it can be done once every few years. Repotting should be done in late winter or early spring, before the plant begins to actively grow and produce buds.

To repot, water the plant thoroughly in the old pot to make it easier to remove. Carefully remove the plant, shaking off any loose soil. Afterwards, carefully inspect the roots for damage. Add a thick layer of expanded clay to the bottom of the new pot, then fill it with prepared soil.

Make a small hole in the soil and transfer the chlorophytum plant into it. After transplanting, water the plant. Experts do not recommend placing the pot directly in the sun to allow the chlorophytum time to adapt.

Causes of yellowing leaves in chlorophytum and treatment methods

There are several reasons why chlorophytum leaves turn yellow. First, it's important to note that yellowing and shedding of the lower layers of leaves is a normal process associated with aging. It's important to pay attention to the yellowing of the upper leaves.

If the leaves first fade and lose their bright green hue, then turn yellow, it could be due to insufficient light. To solve this problem, place the pot in a sunny location and ensure it receives sufficient light. In winter, you can use lamps. However, be careful to avoid leaf burn in summer.

Yellowing can also occur due to a mineral deficiency, which can be compensated for by adding fertilizer. Yellowing can also occur if the pot is too small.

If the lower leaves suddenly turn yellow, reconsider your watering. This most likely indicates overwatering. It could also indicate root rot. To resolve this, remove the plant from its pot, trim off the damaged roots, and repot it in new soil.

Yellowing and drying leaf tips indicate insufficient humidity in the room. Therefore, this type of chlorophytum needs to be wiped more frequently and sprayed with warm water.

If the leaves dry out after turning yellow, this indicates insufficient soil moisture. Watering frequency should depend on the soil's moisture content, so don't let it dry out.

Leaves can also turn yellow due to excessively high room temperatures. The optimal temperature is 18-24 degrees Celsius. This plant should be moved to a balcony and misted with warm water more frequently.

Additionally, this could be a sign of mechanical damage to the leaf. In this case, it should simply be carefully removed.

Is it possible to keep a chlorophytum flower at home?

Chlorophytum is often kept as a houseplant due to its many beneficial properties.

Benefits for the home

It's important to note that the spider plant is called the "house filter." Thanks to its chemical composition, the plant easily neutralizes dust and harmful microorganisms in the room. Scientists have proven that the plant can purify the air within a radius of several meters, so having a few plants is enough to keep your apartment clean.

Furthermore, the plant has the ability to fix harmful chemicals. The faster it grows, the more harmful substances are released into the air. For example, it has been scientifically proven that the air around the plant is completely sterile. The plant absorbs nicotine and tar, which are found in cigarette smoke, best. Chlorophytum can thrive in environments with excess carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

Chlorophytum not only purifies but also humidifies the air. To enhance this ability, add crushed activated carbon to the pot tray. The leaves should also be thoroughly washed and sprayed, especially the central part.

Chlorophytum combats negative energy in the home. According to Feng Shui, the plant not only absorbs energy but also promotes human transformation and brings changes to the lives of its owners. Experts claim that thanks to its cleansing properties, the flower eliminates the negative impact of toxins and microorganisms on a person, making them balanced, calm, and improving their emotional state.

Possible harm

Avoid eating the leaves of the flower, as they can damage the oral mucosa. Cats eat the leaves to relieve hairballs. To eliminate this problem, plant special cat grass for your cat, as spiderwort is toxic to animals.

Frequently asked questions about growing flowers

Chlorophytum is a species of houseplant that attracts attention with its vibrant greenery and delicate white flowers. Not only does it make a beautiful home decoration, but it's also an excellent air purifier of dust and bacteria. It can also become a summertime favorite in cottages and open verandas if repotted.