Plant Health Diagnostic Guide
Subscriber Only Access
Embedded Files
Aaahhh, something's happened to my plant?!
Aaahhh, something's happened to my plant?!
We've all been there. Your plant has a yellowing leaf or you notice a flying bug nearby or maybe a fine spiderweb...aaahhh! This step by step diagnostic guide should be your first point of call.
If you get to the end of this guide and you're still unsure what to do, we can help. Check out our Plant Health Consultation or Plant In-service options and consider how far you're willing to go to get your plant back on track.
You may also find some comfort knowing someone else has been in the same situation. Check our socials for other concerned plant parents as we often see plants that are distressed and share photos, common concerns and tips that may help.
STEP 1 - Take a Closer Look
STEP 1 - Take a Closer Look
Look over your plant, particularly under the leaves and in the crevices where the leaf petiole joins the stem. What can you see?
Check the surroundings and growing conditions, are they suitable for your plant species? Research your plant online or ask for advice about ideal growing conditions.
> If there is nothing obvious, go straight to Step 6.
>If there is evidence of pests or disease, let's dig a bit deeper, go to Step 2.
>If there are no obvious pests or disease but there are other concerns, go to Step 3.
STEP 2 - What Pest or Disease is it?
STEP 2 - What Pest or Disease is it?
We share our favourites on our Books & Resources page. You can also check out other pages on our website such as our Plant Tips page which we are adding to regularly, including one we are currently drafting titled Gnats Out! so keep an eye out for that. Our Plant Profiles may also be of use as they detail common concerns specific to each plant species.
There is such a vast variety of treatment options that there too many to list here. You could look at biological controls (insects that eat other insects or companion planting), natural and organic options (such as homemade white oils or eco products) or more common fungicide or pesticide treatments. Some concerns require multiple different approaches, for example getting rid of those pesky Gnats. If you haven't had them yet, better to be prepared.
We use a combination of treatments in our nursery and it really is determined on a case by case basis. For general control, we use companion planting (garlic chives and oregano - also great for the kitchen) and natural or homemade products that coat the plant and suffocate any chewing or sucking pests like aphids and mealybug. If the infestation is severe or persistent, we opt for a fungicide or pesticide available over the counter.
As a general rule, if you're unsure what pest or disease is present, find a treatment that is broad acting and will control multiple pests and/or diseases increasing your chances of control. But one last word, bugs are part of the ecosystem and you will never eradicate them entirely. Instead opt to control by isolating any infected or new plants for a couple of weeks and treat as concerns arise.
>Now you have identified the issue and treatment, if there are no other concerns lets get started, go to Step 6.
>If there are other concerns or to investigate further, go to Step 3.
STEP 3 - Good Soil is Essential for Good Plant Growth
STEP 3 - Good Soil is Essential for Good Plant Growth
Stick your finger in the soil, is it damp? If you're not keen on getting dirty (although I think if you are reading this you probably are) then you can use a wooden stick like a paddle pop stick or plant name stake. Are there any white fungi or salt deposits on the top of the soil or bottom of the pot?
White salt deposits are a common residue from fertilisers and along with fungi are likely to be harmless to your plant. It can however indicate overfertilising, so to be cautious, the top layer of soil can be gently scraped away and a new layer added. If the residue is excessive, we suggest repotting. We use our Custom Plant Mix and tailor it to the plant's requirements. Keep an eye out for a separate Plant Tip about Repotting coming soon.
Are there little flying insects hanging around the soil of your plant? These are likely Gnats requiring treatment as described at Step 2.
If the soil is dry and leaves no trace on your finger, water your plant. If the water drains straight through, your soil may have become anaerobic, meaning it cannot absorb water. In this instance it is best to soak your plant for about an hour in the sink or bath. I have on occasion left a plant overnight but I would not recommend. It depends on the plant species whether this would be tolerated and may even cause further damage to certain plants. After the soak, use a dibber or other tool to gently poke some holes into the soil being careful to avoid the roots. This will help to aerate the soil.
If the soil is wet, your plant may have been overwatered and requires repotting. Don't worry, your love for this plant is not going unnoticed. There are many factors that contribute to overwatering such as inadequate light, changes to air flow and pots without drainage or left sitting in water. When repotting overwatered plants, it is essential to wash roots thoroughly and repot into a well draining soil. Once repotted, place in bright indirect light and do not water for one day. Water lightly the following day then no further water for at least a week, only watering thereafter when soil is dry.
If the soil is damp, there is no need to water. Let's investigate further.
>Now you have identified and addressed any soil issues, if there are no other concerns
lets get started, go to Step 6.
>If there are other concerns or to investigate further, go to Step 4.
STEP 4 - Plants Breathe Through Their Leaves
STEP 4 - Plants Breathe Through Their Leaves
If you've already covered pests and diseases and had a look at the soil, then the leaves may also be able to provide an insight into your plants distress. There are many reasons that a leaf may not look right or may change over time. Unfortunately this makes it difficult to work out what is going on.
Here are some of the most common leaf symptoms and their most likely cause. We suggest you address these if there are no other obvious concerns:
Drooping, wrinkled or darker coloured leaf, most likely overwatering and requires repotting.
Pale, yellowing or dead leaves, most likely underwatering and requires soak as described at Step 3.
Deformed or speckled leaves, most likely a pest or disease requiring treatment as described at Step 2. Speckled leaves are also a common symptom for irregular watering.
Brown patches or lighter coloured leaf, most likely due to excess fertiliser or nutrient imbalance requiring soak and/or repotting as described at Step 3.
Smaller leaves, most likely due to inadequate light or fertiliser. Smaller leaves are also a common symptom of a root bound plant requiring repotting as described at Step 3.
>Now you have identified and addressed any leaf issues, if there are no other concerns lets get started, go to Step 6.
>If there are other concerns, go to Step 5.
STEP 5 - Are You Being a Drama Queen?
STEP 5 - Are You Being a Drama Queen?
That is true, but there is still hope. Sometimes the problem is not visible and may be linked to surroundings and growing conditions. Anything that is not covered in Steps 1-4 above, is in here.
Are light levels adequate for your plant species? Consider moving your plant to a better position that is more appropriate.
Check humidity levels are suitable to your plant species. If you live in a tropical climate like us, humidity is regularly quite high so drier plants will require particular attention to ensure they are not susceptible to rot.
Check the bottom of your pot and ensure that drainage holes are not blocked. If there are visible roots that are large or blocking the drainage holes, your plant may be root bound and require repotting as described at Step 3. If your pot does not have holes at all, repot your plant into a pot that has drainage.
>Ok so we have surely covered everything by now? If there are no other concerns lets get started, go to Step 6.
>If there are other concerns, consider a Plant Health Consultation or Plant In-service. It's hard to know what's causing a plant distress, particularly if we can't see it. Consider how far you're willing to go to get your plant back on track and take action as soon as possible. Contact Us to enquire or arrange a service today.
STEP 6 - Who Doesn't Love a Good Shower?
STEP 6 - Who Doesn't Love a Good Shower?
Give you plant a makeover and remove any brown or dead leaves. While trimming any dead ends of leaves is not necessary, it will help you monitor any further leaf changes so is recommended. It is best not to prune or propagate at this stage although if lengthy vines are subject to pests and diseases, it will be easier to treat and manage if they are cut back.
Give the leaves a wipe over (particularly the underside) and use an old soft toothbrush to get into any crevices and clean off any obvious residue. This may be enough to control a few pests and if there are no other obvious signs of distress.
Isopropyl alcohol on the end of a cotton bud can be used to remove any remaining critters. Leave to dry in bright indirect light.
Follow up with any required treatments as identified above to control any further infestation. Repeat as directed.
We Look Forward to Hearing How You Go
We Look Forward to Hearing How You Go
Please share before and after photos of your plant makeover on your socials and tag us #potteringwithpurpose. We look forward to seeing your plants thrive!
If you loved this step by step guide, consider leaving a Google Review for our website so we can reach more plant lovers.
Click here to leave a review now.
Subscriber Only Access: Planty People Home │ Current Issue │ Tools and Information │ Downloads │ Previous Issues
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse