Chlorotic Foliage

Definition - What does Chlorotic Foliage mean?

Chlorotic foliage is foliage that is suffering from a visible yellowing of leaf tissue due to a lack of chlorophyll. In some cases chlorotic foliage can be naturally occurring, however it can also be an indication of poor plant health. Causes of chlorotic foliage can vary and can occur at any time of the year.

When severely affected, the death of an entire plant may occur if the cause is not treated. This is because plants use the chlorophyll in their leaves to create carbohydrates through photosynthesis.

MaximumYield explains Chlorotic Foliage

Although chlorotic foliage can be naturally occurring, the most common causes are plant viruses, nutrient deficiencies, pests, weedkiller damage, poor drainage, and weather-related problems.

Treatment of chlorotic foliage varies with the cause. For example, if the cause is poor drainage, the problem can be alleviated by carefully tilling or mulching the soil around the plant. However, if the chlorotic foliage is caused by lack of nutrients, the type of nutrient the plant requires will have to be determined before a remedy can be administered.

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