Question

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The text above is a follow-up to ...

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The text above is a follow-up to ...

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If the leaves are turning yellow, does that mean that I'm overwatering?

If so, do I cut those yellowed leaves off?

help!
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Hi Diane,

Yellow leaves are a generic symptom that can signal several things, including both under and overwatering. If the leaves are a pale yellow and limp, it is more likely to be from keeping the soil too moist. If the leaves are brighter yellow, it may be from allowing the soil to get too dry. If you repotted, then the roots are probably staying too moist.

Inadequate light can also cause yellow leaves and excessive light can cause leaf bleaching.

Finally, exposure to cold temps can cause leaf yellowing.

Once leaves begin to discolor, they never get green again, so you might as well cut them off for aesthetic reasons.

If you send me additional information about your care of your Gloxinia - light, water, repotting, etc. - then I may be able to give you a more specific cause.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com

If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

If this information has been helpful, please take the time to give me a rating and nomination.

  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

I would call them light yellow and limp, and then they dry up. The flowers themselves seem droopy. Sitting in the light from a west window. Been watering once a week. Now I have pulled all the yellow leaves off, and it's looking spindly and it was just a beautiful lush plant 1 month ago.  Thanks for your assistance.


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Hi Diane,

Gloxinias are not very forgiving about improper watering. From the information you provided, I would guess that the soil didn't dry out sufficiently between waterings and the roots have rotted.

Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Regards,
Will Creed

So, it's a goner? Is there nothing I can do to resurrect this thing? Thanks  

Answer
Hi Diane,

Gloxinias often go into dormancy in the fall. You are a bit late on this, but they may be the only hope at this point.

Leave it in its pot. Move it to a cool location that is out of the sun. Stop watering it entirely. Any remaining leaves and stems will whither and die. Keep it out of sight so you won't be tempted to interrupt the dormancy by watering it!  

In March, soak the soil, give it a little fertilizer, and move it to a sunny windowsill. Resume normal watering. If the roots are still healthy, you should get lots of healthy new growth and flowers a month or two later.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please take the time to give me a rating and nomination.

Will Creed