In these modern times I need to be careful of the terms I use, ‘sick’ in some contexts meaning exceptionally good or cool! What a language we have. Although there are some very ‘sick’ looking plants, today I am just talking about the sick sick ones, not those that are sick well!
This time of the year can be a challenge to plants (and gardeners) and you need to keep an eye open for both. The first signs for plants are often seen in the leaves, the colour changing, curling, appearing scorched or falling off – for those that are not meant to.
Scorched tips
If the tips of the leaves edges appear burnt the most common course is overwatering. This mainly applies to plants in pots, so often in the house, where the soil becomes saturated, stagnant and airless. The solution is stop watering until the soil is drier.
If the tips of the leaves edges appear burnt the most common course is overwatering. This mainly applies to plants in pots, so often in the house, where the soil becomes saturated, stagnant and airless. The solution is stop watering until the soil is drier.
Unexpectedly dropping leaves
There can be many reasons for this, the most common though being a sudden change in the environment – temperature, light, overuse of fertiliser or raw manure, especially chicken droppings (all bird manures must be well matured), which can significantly impact shallow rooted plants like citrus and camellias
There can be many reasons for this, the most common though being a sudden change in the environment – temperature, light, overuse of fertiliser or raw manure, especially chicken droppings (all bird manures must be well matured), which can significantly impact shallow rooted plants like citrus and camellias
Poor, weak growth when it should be strong
The major reason is normally underfeeding or poor soil.
The major reason is normally underfeeding or poor soil.
Spots on leaves
This can be from attacking insects, watermarks or fertiliser burns. If from insects you will need to identify them and treat accordingly. If from fertiliser or water, be more careful on how you apply it, avoiding the leaves if possible
This can be from attacking insects, watermarks or fertiliser burns. If from insects you will need to identify them and treat accordingly. If from fertiliser or water, be more careful on how you apply it, avoiding the leaves if possible
Wilting leaves
Normally caused by a lack of water, although too much water can also cause the leaves to wilt. In hot dry areas, plants that prefer humid conditions can also have wilting leaves
Normally caused by a lack of water, although too much water can also cause the leaves to wilt. In hot dry areas, plants that prefer humid conditions can also have wilting leaves
Plant not flowering
Excessive growth from the over application of fertiliser is the normal cause, as can a lack of light for bulbs that have become overshadowed
Excessive growth from the over application of fertiliser is the normal cause, as can a lack of light for bulbs that have become overshadowed
Phew! Quite a few things to keep an eye on. Hopefully no one is experiencing all of these issue in the garden though. If so, that is when you need to keep an eye open for the gardener! Very distressing.
Liquid tea
Following on from last week, I got a couple of good suggestions to pass on
- using the leaves of comfrey plant makes the best fertilizer
- adding leaf mould to your tub of greens and water will stop the smell.
Following on from last week, I got a couple of good suggestions to pass on
- using the leaves of comfrey plant makes the best fertilizer
- adding leaf mould to your tub of greens and water will stop the smell.
Enjoy!
Peter