Uncommon Plant Concerns and Potential Remedies
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Is keeping your plants healthy a monumental task? One day, they are in great condition; the next, you see random discolouration or mould. Do you google the symptoms and don’t find a definitive answer? We’ve come up with a consolidated list of all the uncommon concerns you can see in your plants, the causes and their remedies that can help your garden be its best version all year round.
| Concern | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Plant leaves turning black | Overwatering, fungal infections, or frost damage | Ensure proper drainage, reduce watering, and use fungicides if a fungal infection is suspected. Protect plants from frost by covering them or moving them indoors. |
| White mould on soil | Overwatering, poor air circulation, or high humidity. | Avoid frequent watering, improve air circulation, and remove the affected top layer of soil. Consider using an organic fungicide. |
| Plants wilting despite regular watering | Root rot, poor drainage, or pests. | Check roots for rot and trim away affected areas. Repot the plant in well-draining soil. Ensure the pot has proper drainage holes. Check for pests and treat accordingly. |
| Leggy growth (stretched-out stems) | Insufficient light. | Move the plant to a brighter location or provide supplemental lighting. Prune leggy growth to encourage bushier growth. |
| Plants not flowering | Lack of light, improper fertilisation, or incorrect temperature. | Ensure the plant gets adequate light. Use a fertiliser high in phosphorus to promote blooming. Check and adjust the temperature to suit the plant's needs. |
| Yellowing Leaves with Green Veins (Chlorosis) | Nutrient deficiencies and pH imbalance. | Test soil pH and adjust if necessary. Use a peat-free compost that is specifically designed to address nutrient deficiencies. |
| Plants drooping in the morning | Nighttime temperature drops or overwatering. | Ensure plants are kept at a consistent temperature overnight. Adjust the watering schedule to prevent overwatering. |
| Plants with shiny, sticky leaves | Pests like aphids, scale, or mealybugs produce honeydew. | Wash leaves with a mixture of water and mild and organic soap. Spray insecticidal soap or use neem oil to treat pests. |
| Roots branching out of the drainage holes | Root-bound plant. | Repot the plant into a bigger container with fresh soil to give roots more space to grow. |
| Plants Not Producing Fruit | Poor pollination, insufficient light, or nutrient imbalances. | Ensure proper pollination by hand-pollinating or attracting pollinators. Provide adequate light and use a nutrient-rich fruit and vegetable compost |
| White crust on soil surface | Salt buildup from fertilisers or hard water. | Remove excess salts by flushing the soil with distilled water to reduce the frequency of fertilisation. |
| Yellowing leaves on succulents | Overwatering, underwatering, or sudden temperature changes | Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings; water thoroughly but infrequently, and keep succulents in a stable environment. |
| Plants leaning to one side | Uneven light source or lack of support. | Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure. If necessary, use plant supports or trellises to maintain plant structure. |
| Plants dropping buds or flowers | Environmental stress, such as temperature changes or drafts. | Keep plants in a stable environment, away from drafts and sudden temperature changes. Ensure consistent watering and avoid moving the plant too frequently. |
| Curled leaves | Pests like aphids, environmental stress, or nutrient deficiencies. | Check for pests and treat accordingly. Make sure the plant is kept away from extreme temperatures or drafts. Use a balanced fertiliser to address potential nutrient deficiencies. |
We would love to know if your garden is flourishing after implementing these plant remedies and using our range of natural composts — tag us on Instagram pictures of your beautiful garden!
