Blueberries are a true American favorite fruit. They are used in desserts all over the US, and also are great as an antioxidant-rich snack. If you love blueberries, you may have taken to growing them in your own garden. As with any gardening project, though, you might run into issues that could hurt your blueberry plant. One such problem is your blueberry plant’s leaves turning red.
As the seasons change, it’s normal for the leaves on your blueberry plant to turn from green to red in the fall. But if you see the colors changing at other times of the year, it’s usually a sign of a much bigger problem. You will want to address this as soon as possible to keep your plants in the best health.
In this article, you’ll learn everything need to know about reddening blueberry leaves. You’ll learn all about keeping a healthy blueberry plant, and the many reasons why its leaves turn red. Along with answers to some of the most common questions about their care, you’ll also learn how to fix each common problem. This will help you feel better about their care. Let’s take a closer look!.
If you’ve noticed the leaves on your blueberry plants turning red, especially between the veins, it’s likely a sign of a nutrient deficiency. While autumn foliage is expected on many plants, red leaves on blueberries in spring or summer is cause for concern. Fortunately, with a few adjustments to your soil and fertilizer, you can get your plants back to producing healthy green growth.
What Causes Red Leaves on Blueberries?
The most common cause of red leaves on blueberry plants is magnesium deficiency. Blueberries thrive in acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. However very acidic soils can make magnesium unavailable for plant uptake.
Magnesium is a critical nutrient for chlorophyll production and photosynthesis. Without adequate magnesium the leaves cannot produce enough chlorophyll, causing the green color to fade. This reveals the reddish pigments known as anthocyanins that are always present in the leaf but normally masked by green chlorophyll.
Because magnesium is mobile within the plant the deficiency symptoms first appear on lower and inner leaves. The leaf edges remain green, while the spaces between the veins turn yellow or orange. As the deficiency worsens the inner leaf tissue will turn bright red.
While magnesium deficiency is the most likely cause of red leaves on blueberries, other nutrient shortages can also cause leaf reddening, including:
- Iron deficiency – Causes yellowing between veins which can turn red in severe cases.
- Manganese deficiency – Interveinal yellowing leading to red, brown, or necrotic spots.
- Phosphorus deficiency – Deep red or purple leaf discoloration, starting at the tips.
Environmental stresses like drought, waterlogging, extreme temperatures, or herbicide damage can also turn blueberry leaves red.
Correcting Nutrient Deficiencies
The best way to fix red leaves caused by magnesium or other nutrient deficiencies is to adjust the soil pH and improve fertilization. Here are some tips:
- Test your soil pH and aim for a range of 4.5-5.5. If the pH is too low, lime can be added to raise it.
- Apply an acidic fertilizer formulated for blueberries, such as ammonium sulfate. Choose a slow-release product to provide nutrients throughout the season.
- Foliar sprays of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) can provide rapid relief of magnesium deficiency. Apply monthly.
- If soil tests confirm a shortage of iron, manganese, or phosphorus, find a fertilizer containing those nutrients.
- For rapid correction, chelated liquid supplements can be sprayed on the leaves.
- Mulch plants with compost, pine needles, or bark to improve nutrient availability.
- Ensure plants receive 1-2 inches of water per week, avoiding drought stress.
Along with soil-applied fertilizers, foliar sprays are an effective way to get nutrients directly into the plant’s tissues. Sprays should coat both sides of the leaves but avoid runoff. Apply in early morning or late evening to prevent leaf burn. Repeat applications may be needed for severely deficient plants.
When applying fertilizers, always follow label directions to avoid excess salt buildup in the soil. Excess nitrogen can also cause issues for blueberries, so moderation is key.
Other Causes of Red Leaves in Blueberries
While nutritional deficiencies are the most common cause, other factors can also turn blueberry leaves red:
-
Herbicide damage – Reddening between leaf veins can occur after exposure to certain herbicides like 2,4-D. Avoid spraying herbicides near blueberry plants.
-
Root damage – Girdling roots, nematodes, or soil compaction can reduce nutrient uptake, potentially leading to reddish leaves. Carefully inspect roots and improve soil structure. Mulch around plants.
-
Cold injury – Hard freezes can damage blueberry flower buds, causing surrounding leaves to turn red. Provide protection when temperatures drop below 20°F.
-
Water stress – Too much or too little water prevents roots from taking up magnesium. Ensure plants receive about 1-2 inches of water per week, more in extreme heat.
-
Diseases – Fungal infections like phomopsis twig blight can cause reddish lesions on stems and leaves. Prune out affected tissue and remove fallen debris around plants.
When in doubt about the cause of leaf reddening, consult your local extension office or send a sample to a plant diagnostic lab. Proper diagnosis will lead to the right solution.
Caring for Blueberries with Red Leaves
Patience and attentive care is required to help blueberry plants recover from nutrient deficiencies. Even once the soil is corrected, it takes time for new green leaves to grow. Here are some tips for caring for affected plants:
-
Remove severely red or dying leaves to prioritize new growth. Avoid overpruning.
-
Water plants regularly to encourage recovery. Drip irrigation works well for blueberries.
-
Use mulch and shade cloth if needed to reduce drought stress and sun scalding.
-
Avoid overbearing plants by pruning out some flower buds. The remaining berries will be higher quality.
-
Control weeds and grass that compete for water and nutrients. Hand pull or use acidic mulch.
-
Prune plants each winter to remove dead wood and encourage new shoots.
-
Protect plants from late spring frosts which can damage leaf tissues.
-
Control insect pests like aphids that can weaken and stress plants.
-
Avoid excessive nitrogen which can inhibit magnesium and iron uptake.
With prompt treatment and good care, blueberry plants can make a full recovery from reddish leaves. Leaves should regain normal green coloration within a few weeks after correcting nutrient deficiencies. Pay close attention to soil pH, as blueberries are quite sensitive compared to other fruit crops. Aim for a balance between acidity and nutrient availability.
Enjoying Vibrantly Healthy Blueberry Bushes
While red leaves on your blueberries may cause alarm, this symptom is treatable with a little TLC and soil adjustment. Patience and persistence will pay off with vibrant green foliage and bountiful fruit. Always be on the lookout for early signs of deficiencies so problems can be corrected before plants are severely impacted. With the right growing conditions, blueberry bushes will reward you with sweet, antioxidant-rich berries for many summers to come.
What Keeps Blueberry Leaves Green?
Different chemical compounds inside the leaves of most plants make the leaves green. These compounds are green. The most important and abundant green chemical in leaves is chlorophyll. This is very important for the plant because it lets the plant photosynthesize, which means it uses water, air, and sunlight to make food for itself.
It’s crucial the leaves of blueberry plants stay green since this is what allows them to stay nourished. Otherwise, you would find the plant’s health failing, as it cannot sustain itself. Additionally, you can add to the food by giving it fertilizer, but this doesn’t always fix the main issue.
Why are My Blueberry leaves Turning Red? 5 Reasons
FAQ
How do you fix red leaves on blueberries?
How do you treat blueberry leaves with red spots?
Why are my plant leaves turning red?
What happens when blueberries turn red?
Why do blueberry leaves turn red?
Over time and similar to other plants, the leaves will yellow, then turn entirely red. You will notice this first in the youngest leaves on the plant. This can lead to a variety of diseases, so it needs to be stopped immediately. Thankfully, the solution to a magnesium deficiency in your blueberry plants is to simply add epsom salt.
Do blueberries turn red in autumn?
Remember to take your heat-loving potted blueberry plants indoors during late fall. Even though your blueberries should not produce red leaves during spring or summer, remember that blueberry leaves (just like the leaves of several other plants) can turn red in autumn. Blueberry bush leaves turning red in autumn should not bother you.
Do blueberry plants have red leaves?
Realizing the signs of nutrient inadequacy in blueberry plants is essential for taking the correct remedial measures to guarantee their prosperity. Nutrient deficiencies can cause red leaves on blueberry plants, but luckily they are easy to treat. The first step is to determine which nutrient the plant is lacking.
Do blueberries have red spots?
For example, you will notice red spots on blueberry leaves if they have red ringspots. Red leaves in your blueberries can indicate various diseases, so you should take a twig or leaf to a local extension office for proper diagnosis.
