- Thujas turn yellow in winter mainly due to physiological drought and nutrient deficiencies.
- Frozen soil prevents water absorption, and magnesium and iron deficiencies affect their condition.
- The solution is regular watering and a spray of Epsom salts, which provides magnesium.
- Do you want to know how to properly prepare and apply this spray so that your thujas become green again?
Why do thujas turn yellow in winter?
Yellowing of thuja is the first sign that something disturbing is happening to the plants. The evergreen scales begin to lose their color, and over time the entire conifer wastes away. In winter, the most common reason for this state of affairs is . This is a common phenomenon resulting from frozen soil. Frost means that plants cannot absorb water and nutrients directly from the ground. Thujas should be watered regularly during frosty and dry winters. It is also a good idea to make a small mound of leaves, cones or peat around the conifer’s roots. It will retain moisture and ensure that the plant can systematically absorb it.
Another reason is disturbances in the metabolism of nutrients. This factor is often associated with physiological drought. Unfavorable weather conditions and problems with water absorption mean that thujas cannot absorb nutrients. In the case of thuja, the most unfavorable conditions are magnesium and iron deficiency. Magnesium is a key element in the growth and development processes of thuja. It is responsible for the intense green color of the needles. When the plant lacks it, it wastes away and turns yellow. Iron deficiency, in turn, stops the plant’s growth and leads to its gradual death. An important element in the absorption of magnesium and iron is the substrate, specifically its pH. If the soil reaction is too high, they stop absorbing nutrients, which results in yellowing. Gardeners indicate that the best soil for thuja is one with a pH level of 4.5 to 6.5.
Mix 200 g of it with water and spray thuja even in winter. They will be green again
Natural spraying is a great form of protection and support for thuja. When conifers start to fade and turn yellow, it is worth testing Epsom salt spray. This is a known agent that is a natural source of magnesium and will provide it to plants. When applied as a spray, directly to the shoots, the plant can immediately absorb magnesium and start distributing it as needed.
Preparing an Epsom salt spray is very simple. All you need to do is dissolve 200 grams of Epsom salt in 10 liters of water. Mix everything thoroughly and pour into a spray bottle. For the spray to be effective, you need to spray the thuja thoroughly from the tips to the roots. After just a few such treatments, the thujas will start to turn green. You can safely use Epsom salt sprays in winter. It is best to do this in the evenings or on cloudy, rainless days. Spraying on sunny days, also in winter, may burn conifers’ shoots.
