Phaseolus lunatus Yellow Leaves - Causes & Fixes

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Nitrogen Deficiency

Nitrogen is a mobile nutrient in Phaseolus lunatus; when lacking, the plant moves nitrogen from older leaves to newer growth, causing uniform yellowing (chlorosis) of lower leaves first.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Observe if the yellowing starts on the oldest, bottom leaves while new growth remains green.

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1 Apply a nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer to replenish the soil nutrients and stop the progression of chlorosis.

Back to the Roots Blood Meal & Gypsum (4 Pack)

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2 Monitor the soil moisture levels using a moisture meter to ensure nitrogen uptake is not being hindered by overwatering.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

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3 Ensure the plant is growing in a well-draining medium, potentially amending the soil with perlite to improve nutrient availability.

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Overwatering and Poor Drainage

Excessive moisture in the root zone deprives lima bean roots of oxygen, leading to root asphyxiation and eventual leaf yellowing and wilting.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Stick your finger two inches into the soil to see if it feels saturated or muddy.

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1 Immediately reduce watering frequency and allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter SMM-V3

Water Meters

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2 Repot the plant into a container with superior drainage, such as a Root & Vessel cylinder pot, and use a well-draining medium amended with perlite to improve aeration.

3 Ensure the plant is not sitting in stagnant water by using a saucer to catch excess moisture and emptying it regularly.

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Iron Chlorosis

High soil pH (alkaline conditions) can prevent lima beans from absorbing iron, resulting in bright yellow leaves with distinct green veins (interveinal chlorosis).

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the yellowing is concentrated between the veins while the veins themselves remain dark green.

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shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Lower the soil pH by applying an acidifying amendment to create a more acidic environment suitable for iron uptake.

FoxFarm Happy Frog Acid Loving Plant Fertilizer

Organic

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2 Monitor soil moisture levels closely with a moisture meter to ensure the soil does not become too alkaline or waterlogged, which can exacerbate nutrient lockout.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock

3 Supplement with a chelated iron or a balanced liquid fertilizer to provide immediate nutrient availability to the plant.

FoxFarm Grow Big Liquid Plant Food 1 Quart

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Bean Rust (Uromyces appendiculatus)

This fungal pathogen causes chlorotic spots that eventually turn into brown, pustule-like lesions, which can lead to widespread leaf yellowing and premature leaf drop.

Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the undersides of the leaves for small, raised, reddish-brown bumps or pustules.

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1 Remove and destroy all heavily infected leaves to prevent the fungal spores from spreading to healthy parts of the plant.

2 Apply an organic fungicide to control the spread of the rust lesions and protect new growth.