Common plant problems & fixes!
As this July’s theme is strength I, as a green witch, thought I’d write up something about gardening! I’ll try to keep them simple, but no promises!
-Blake(@sword-witch), Moderator on The Witches Vellichor
1. Green, but wilting
You’re either overwatering the plant, or you overwatered it in the sprouting phase. Touch the soil before watering to see if it’s dry. If you’re sure you haven’t, it’s most likely stress from high temperatures and will pass.
2. Yellowing leaves
This is also commonly associated with overwatering. However, it may also be a lack of potassium or nitrogen. With nitrogen deficiency, the center vein also turns yellow, instead of just the edges of the leaves with potassium. For potassium, bury citrus peels close to the roots, and for nitrogen, add coffee grounds or organic compost.
3. Faded, droopy leaves
In this case, your plant isn’t getting enough sunlight! Reposition it, so it gets at least a few more hours of sunlight than currently.
4. Rust
Rust diseases come in a lot of varities, but in general you should look out for yellowish to orange spots on the leaves. Defoliation also occurs. Remove all the infected parts, preferably getting them far, far from your garden. Separate the plants for a few days if you can, and avoid getting water on the leaves.
5. Misshapen leaves
This is calcium deficiency. For this, you might want to test if your soil is acidic or alkaline: Collect a cup of soil from your garden, and put a few spoonfuls into separate glasses. To the first, add ½ cup of vinegar. If it fizzes, you have alkaline soil. If it doesn’t, add water to the second glass, about twice as much. Add ½ cup of baking soda, and if it fizzes, you have acidic soil. If it doesn’t react at all, it’s neutral and you can add either of the following!
So, you should use a fertilizer high in gypsum for alkaline soil, and lime for acidic soil. If you’re in a pinch, or don’t want to buy new fertilizer, lime shouldn’t do much harm… but it’s a worthy investment if this is a common problem. (Wow, that was longer than expected. Anyways!)
6. Seedlings damping off
Sadly, this is very common. There isn’t a fix for this, but you can prevent it by using seedling pots and using a lighter soil than regular potting soil. Sterilize your growing pots with one part of bleach to 9 parts of water, and make sure to slowly get the seedlings used to the outdoors by slowly giving them more sun, rain and wind, since they live a very protected life indoors.
7. Discolored leaves in seedlings
This can be a number of reasons, but they can usually be saved. Overwatering is very common for seeds, so you need to make sure the excess water can drain off if it gets to that, as it can also stunt growth. Sunburn is also a cause, so you’ll have to relocate them to a slightly, slightly shadier place.
8. Their gardener is feeling guilty
We’ve all been there, feeling bad over a plant that has died. Maybe not even feeling bad, just frustrated, but questioning yourself and thinking you’re just missing a green thumb. The best way to handle it is to learn something new, researching your plants and their common problems to prevent them before they happen. It’s unfortunate, sometimes devastating, but mistakes only prove you’re trying. The passion for the life you may give to your next plant will take you a long way.
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