Chlorosis
/ˌklɔˈroʊsɪs/
Definition
Chlorosis is a plant condition in which leaves lose green color because chlorophyll, the pigment used in photosynthesis, is reduced or fails to form normally. It often appears as overall yellowing or as yellow tissue between still-green veins, especially on new or older leaves depending on the cause. Common triggers include nutrient deficiencies, root damage, poor drainage, high soil pH, disease, or environmental stress.
Effects on Plants
- Photosynthesis drops: By reducing chlorophyll, chlorosis lowers a leaf’s ability to capture light and make sugars. Plants often respond with slower growth, weaker stems, and reduced flowering or fruiting.
- Pattern helps diagnose the cause: Yellowing on newer leaves often points to iron deficiency because iron moves poorly within the plant. Older leaves turning pale first is more typical of mobile nutrients such as nitrogen or magnesium.
- Root and soil problems can trigger it: Poor drainage, compacted soil, root damage, and high soil pH can limit nutrient uptake even when nutrients are present. This is common in alkaline soils, where iron becomes less available.
- It can signal stress beyond nutrition: Some cases are linked to pests, disease, cold soil, or waterlogged conditions rather than a simple fertilizer shortage. Looking at leaf pattern, roots, and recent weather usually gives better clues than color alone.
Related Terms
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plant cells that absorbs light for photosynthesis, the process plants use to make…
Chloroplast
Chloroplast is a specialized structure, called an organelle, found in plant cells and many algae. It contains…
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the biological process in which plants, algae, and some bacteria use light energy to convert carbon…
Leaf spot
Leaf spot refers to a plant disease symptom in which discrete dead or discolored patches form on leaves. The spots are…
Overwatering
Overwatering describes a condition in which soil stays wet for too long or is watered more often than roots can use. In…
Underwatering
Underwatering describes a condition in which a plant receives less water than it needs to maintain normal growth and…
Soil pH
Soil ph measures how acidic, neutral, or alkaline soil is, based on the concentration of hydrogen ions in the soil…
Micronutrients
Micronutrients are essential mineral elements that plants need in very small amounts for normal growth and metabolism…