HOUSEPLANT AILMENTS This week’s tip is intended to help you diagnose and treat your ailing houseplants. Symptoms and Causes: Ends of leaves turn black:
Plant was in a cold location too long.
Ends of leaves turn brown:
Plant was in a warm, dry draft or had too little humidity.
Leaves just wilt:
Plant was in a place where it was too hot, or plant needs watering.
Mature leaves turn yellow and fall off:
Plant is starving.
Little tap leaves turn yellow:
Plant needs iron and more exposure to light.
Leaves fall off from the bottom:
Plant is being over watered and isn’t getting enough light. Leaves fall off from the top:
Plant isn’t getting enough water and humidity is too low.
Plant stops growing but looks pretty good:
Plant is getting too much light and is outgrowing its pot.
Houseplant 911!!!: If you have a houseplant near death, it’s time for you to take emergency action! Here’s what to do:
Remove the plant from its present location and put it in a room with a daytime temperature of 70 degrees, a nighttime temperature of 60 degrees, and 50% humidity.
Remove the plant from its pot and repot it in a clean pot of the same size. Drench the potting soil and spray the foliage with a solution of one tablespoon of liquid dish soap and one tablespoon of antiseptic mouthwash in one gallon of warm, weak tea (soak a teabag in a gallon of warm water and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap until the mix is light brown).
Remove and discard all disease-damaged foliage.
Be sure to wash your hands before touching any of your healthy houseplants. Wishing you and your plants good health...  See you next week!
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