Diagnosing Problems on Indoor Plants

Living plants are being used in great numbers and variety in all types of indoor environments. Whereas most indoor environments are satisfactory to maintain the healthy plants for relatively long periods, problems do occasionally occur. Most of the problems are not due to diseases.

The problems generally result from imbalances in the environment or from care practices that give rise to some sort of stress. Inability to recognize symptoms, determine the cause of the stress, and promptly initiate corrective care are the major problems faced by many indoor gardeners.

Determining the cause of indoor plant problems can sometimes require skilled laboratory diagnosis or site consultations. However, most problems are relatively simple to diagnose if we remember that various stress producing elements often affect the plant simultaneously. There may be several elements that are contributing to a particular stress symptom.

Many of the "symptoms" of problems on indoor plants are not specific. In other words, a certain symptom may be distinct and striking; but it may result from any number of environmental factors. As you attempt to improve your diagnostic skills, do not be misled into thinking a distinct symptom should always have a distinct or specific cause.

Here are a few symptoms of indoor plant problems along with possible causes. Again, thorough investigation is the only way to solve many of these common problems.

Brown or scorched leaf tips can be one of several things: poor root health from overwatering, excessive soil dryness, excessive fertilizer, nutrient toxicity, low humidity, or pesticide injury.

Leaf spots, blotches, blemishes, blisters, or scabby spots could be: sunburn from too much sun as on a sunroom or front porch, cold injury if stored below 50 degrees, chemical injury, or overwatering.

Foliage is yellow-green on the older leaves may be: insufficient fertilizer (especially nitrogen), plant is pot-bound, , poor drainage, or insufficient light.

If the foliage is yellow-green on the newer leaves, the cause may be improper soil pH (probably acidic) or possibly a micro nutrient imbalance.

Billy Skaggs is a Agricultural Agent Hall County Extension Coordinator - 734 East Crescent Drive Gainesville, GA 30501 Phone:(770)531-6988 Fax: (770)531-3994 Email: [email protected]