17 August 2024

Uncommon Plant Concerns and Potential Remedies

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Is keeping your plants healthy a monumental task? One day, they are in great condition; the next, you see random discolouration or mould. Do you google the symptoms and don’t find a definitive answer? We’ve come up with a consolidated list of all the uncommon concerns you can see in your plants, the causes and their remedies that can help your garden be its best version all year round.

Concern	Cause	Remedy
Plant leaves turning black	Overwatering, fungal infections, or frost damage	Ensure proper drainage, reduce watering, and use fungicides if a fungal infection is suspected. Protect plants from frost by covering them or moving them indoors.
White mould on soil	Overwatering, poor air circulation, or high humidity.	Avoid frequent watering, improve air circulation, and remove the affected top layer of soil. Consider using an organic fungicide.
Plants wilting despite regular watering	Root rot, poor drainage, or pests.	Check roots for rot and trim away affected areas. Repot the plant in well-draining soil. Ensure the pot has proper drainage holes. Check for pests and treat accordingly.
Leggy growth (stretched-out stems)	Insufficient light.	Move the plant to a brighter location or provide supplemental lighting. Prune leggy growth to encourage bushier growth.
Plants not flowering	Lack of light, improper fertilisation, or incorrect temperature.	Ensure the plant gets adequate light. Use a fertiliser high in phosphorus to promote blooming. Check and adjust the temperature to suit the plant's needs.
Yellowing Leaves with Green Veins (Chlorosis)	Nutrient deficiencies and pH imbalance.	Test soil pH and adjust if necessary. Use a peat-free compost that is specifically designed to address nutrient deficiencies.
Plants drooping in the morning	Nighttime temperature drops or overwatering.	Ensure plants are kept at a consistent temperature overnight. Adjust the watering schedule to prevent overwatering.
Plants with shiny, sticky leaves	Pests like aphids, scale, or mealybugs produce honeydew.	Wash leaves with a mixture of water and mild and organic soap. Spray insecticidal soap or use neem oil to treat pests.
Roots branching out of the drainage holes	Root-bound plant.	Repot the plant into a bigger container with fresh soil to give roots more space to grow.
Plants Not Producing Fruit	Poor pollination, insufficient light, or nutrient imbalances.	Ensure proper pollination by hand-pollinating or attracting pollinators. Provide adequate light and use a nutrient-rich fruit and vegetable compost
White crust on soil surface	Salt buildup from fertilisers or hard water.	Remove excess salts by flushing the soil with distilled water to reduce the frequency of fertilisation.
Yellowing leaves on succulents	Overwatering, underwatering, or sudden temperature changes	Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings; water thoroughly but infrequently, and keep succulents in a stable environment.
Plants leaning to one side	Uneven light source or lack of support.	Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure. If necessary, use plant supports or trellises to maintain plant structure.
Plants dropping buds or flowers	Environmental stress, such as temperature changes or drafts.	Keep plants in a stable environment, away from drafts and sudden temperature changes. Ensure consistent watering and avoid moving the plant too frequently.
Curled leaves	Pests like aphids, environmental stress, or nutrient deficiencies.	Check for pests and treat accordingly. Make sure the plant is kept away from extreme temperatures or drafts. Use a balanced fertiliser to address potential nutrient deficiencies.

We would love to know if your garden is flourishing after implementing these plant remedies and using our range of natural composts — tag us on Instagram pictures of your beautiful garden!