What is an indicator of a problem occurring in a plant?

Yellowing leaves are a significant indicator of a problem in a plant. This symptom can arise from various issues such as nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, underwatering, pest infestations, or diseases. When a plant is not receiving enough nutrients, particularly nitrogen, the leaves may begin to yellow as the plant reallocates resources to sustain its growth. Furthermore, yellowing can also suggest stress from environmental factors like excess sunlight or inadequate watering practices, leading to chlorosis.

In contrast, dry leaf edges typically indicate insufficient moisture or humidity, but they do not offer as broad a diagnosis as yellowing leaves. A healthy bloom signifies the plant is thriving and doesn’t indicate any issues. Similarly, a well-formed root system indicates that the plant is established and suggests healthy growth rather than a problem. Thus, yellowing leaves serve as a crucial visual cue for growers to investigate potential underlying issues affecting the plant's overall health.