There are times when the climate is not in our favour or we have consumed something that made us sick. Similarly our plants can also fall sick due to environmental or nutritional problems. The only difference is that we can speak and ask for help, but our plants don’t have the ability to do that. We need to understand the signs that they are displaying to understand that they are in stress. Let’s have a look at some of the symptoms that suggest that our plants need help.
Wilting –
When the plants are loosing water more than they can absorb, they start to loose rigidity. The leaves will start to fall and droop. The stem will eventually become saggy and plant will not be able to stand erect.
In such a situation you should keep the plant in shade and water regularly. This symptom can be due to a fungal or bacterial infection. If symptoms don’t improve then try some antibiotics or antifungal medicines.
Yellowing of leaves –
If the leaves of your plant start to change colour to yellow or they start to fade, it could be a sign of nutrient deficiency, poor drainage, damaged roots, compacted roots or high soil pH.
The remedy for this is to provide your plants with good fertilizers with macro as well as micro nutrients, maintain proper drainage and add some sulphur containing substance/fertilizer to lower the pH.
Rotted smell, sponginess and wilting of plants –
The reason for a rotten smell is mostly waterlogging. Over watering your plants may lead to this condition. This will kill the roots of the plants and they won’t be able to absorb water and show the same symptoms as wilting. The leaves will also start to turn yellow.
In such a situation, remove the excess water and make sure that the soil is well drained and porous. Oxygen should reach the roots. Keep the plant in indirect bright light to evaporate excess water. Look out for your plants regularly. If you feel like any of the plant is showing any abnormality, it can be caught in an early stage and can be rectified. Ignorance can lead to damage beyond repair. So what if the plants can’t talk? We as gardeners or plant parents can try and hear the unsaid things also!
Plants drying out –
This can happen if you forget to water your plant regularly. The leaves will start to scorch and fall after drying out and if it continues then the whole plant will shrivel and dry.
If this happens with you then provide the plant with adequate water at regular intervals. Move the plant away from direct sunlight to a place where it can retain moisture for a longer duration. Lack of water may also lead to depletion of nutrients. So it is advisable to supplement it with some fertilizers or compost.
Hope this helps!
Happy Gardening!
Written by
Antra Thada
Reema's Garden 