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Pale Leaves in Carnation
verifiedReviewed by the GreenScout Team
Carnations are long-lasting flowering plants with ruffled, fragrant blooms available in nearly every color except true blue
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Carnation care requirements
These care conditions are most relevant to pale leaves in Carnation. Check each one as a potential cause.
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Light
Full sun, requiring 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for robust flowering and strong stems.
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Fertiliser
Feed every 2–3 weeks during growing season with balanced flower fertilizer (10–10–10) or phosphorus-rich formula (5–10–10).
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Water
Water moderately; keep soil moist but not saturated. Allow top inch to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
symptoms
Symptoms to look for in Carnation
- fiber_manual_recordWashed-out, pale colour
- fiber_manual_recordYellowing between veins
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Common causes in Carnation
- fiber_manual_recordIron deficiency
- fiber_manual_recordMagnesium deficiency
- fiber_manual_recordToo much direct sun
- fiber_manual_recordAlkaline soil
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How to diagnose pale leaves in Carnation
Interveinal yellowing on new growth = iron deficiency. On old growth = magnesium deficiency.
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How to treat pale leaves in Carnation
Apply chelated iron or Epsom salt as appropriate. Adjust soil pH.
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Preventing pale leaves in Carnation
Use ericaceous compost for acid-loving plants. Feed with micronutrient fertiliser.