What's Killing Your Plants? ─ BuzzFeed Nifty

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Play along as amateur gardening sleuth in this fun troubleshooting video, where we'll help you diagnose and fix a common houseplant problem via a series of easy tests and solutions.

Here is what you'll need!

FOR YOUTUBE CREDITS: Creative Commons image used: "Mealy bugs on a plant in a glasshouse" by CSIRO is licensed under CC BY 3.0


Help me Plant Detective! The leaves of my houseplant have turned yellow and are wilting.

With this fun troubleshooting video, we'll help you diagnose and fix a common houseplant problem via a series of easy tests and solutions.

Step 1: Soil moisture stress - press a finger about an inch into the plant's soil to determine if the soil is over- or under-watered. You can also check for signs of root rot, including mildew smells to determine if it's too much water.

Under-watering solution: More water please! Take note of your plant's watering needs, and create a schedule on paper or set an recurring calendar alert on your phone. Repot in a self-watering container, or add a self-watering element to help you in case you forget or don't have time to water regularly.

Over-watering solution: Decrease the frequency or amount of water. You may need to repot your plant into a container with drainage.

[Sources:http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.or... ]

Step 2: Insect damage - check leaves for signs of damage other than discoloring and evidence of bugs. Tiny holes could mean spider-mites, and fluffy white wax could mean mealy bugs.

Bug infestation solution: Trim or remove affected parts and treat with pesticide.

[Sources: http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/invertebrate..., http://ucanr.edu/sites/uc_master_gard..., Frank McDonough of LA Arboretum]

Step 3: Nutrient deficiency - examine closely the leaves to see how and where exactly they have turned yellow. Look to see if it's just the older leaves that have turned yellow, while newer growth remains green. Deficiencies in manganese, zinc or nitrogen develop on inner or older leaves first and then progress outward.

On the other hand, iron deficient plants start with the younger, newer leaves and progressively works inward to the older leaves.

Another common cause is lack of potassium, which manifests in yellowing tips and edges, typically in younger leaves. You may also see dead or yellow patches

Nutrient solution: Boost with a trace element fertilizer. Remember, it's also possible to over-fertilize your plants which also causes yellowing so follow instructions carefully.

[Sources: https://extension.psu.edu/diagnosing-... https://byjus.com/biology/deficiency-... http://greenhouse.kenyon.edu/troubles...)

Step 4: Environmental light and temperature - consider the surroundings and conditions of where your plant lives. Does the plant live predominantly in shade, or get sufficient sunlight relative to its needs? Do you have a block out curtains indoors that may inadvertently deprive ambient light?

If the plants are subject to extreme weather conditions and temperatures (ie too hot or too cold), it may also turn the leaves yellow.

Light solution: Relocate if possible to a more suitable spot for your plant to receive adequate sunlight. If a permanent solution is not possible, even just a temporary sun bathing could help. Don't forget to draw back curtains or blinds during daylight for indoor plants.

Climate solution: For smaller plants, it may be necessary to move them indoors to protect them from the cold and heat. You can also invest in a lightweight shade fabric or frost cover, especially if you are travelling and not able to protect them for a longer stretch.

[Source: http://extension.illinois.edu/hortihi... ]




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