Houseplant Diseases, Symptoms and Treatments
Just as humans, houseplants are living organisms and as such are vulnerable to the attack of other living organisms that can then cause disease. Listed below are a few of the symptoms to watch for along with some helpful tips for treating these pesky diseases.
The first disease is Powder Mildew. The symptoms of this disease are a powdery substance either white or brown that is easily removed with a brush of the hand or a wipe of a soft cloth. This disease usually occurs as a result of insufficient sunlight or excessively dry soil.
The treatment for this condition is really simple. A thorough cleaning of the leaves with a cloth to remove the mildew works wonders. However, for a longer and more effective prevention method, use a midewcide and place your plant in an area that receives more sunlight and remember to water the plant more frequently.
If your plant displays brown spots upon its leaves, this is usually a sign of improper watering. These spots are leaf fungi and can easily be corrected without the use of fungicide. Simply researching the proper amount and frequency of watering along with moving the plant to more accessible sunlight or under a lamp will help alleviate this condition.
Plants that have spots in the shape of concentric rings are infected with a fungus. In order to alleviate this condition, you must remove all dead leaves from the plant. In addition, do not allow water spots to rest on the leaves for an extended period of time as this promotes the growth process of the fungus. For this problem, the use of a fungicide will work best.
Bacteria can also be a culprit to producing leaf spots. In the case of a bacterial infection, the leaves will display a yellow halo which enlarges to the point that it looks like a yellow blob on the leaf, if the plant is kept wet. For dryer conditions, the spots on the leaves appear brown and speckled. In order to alleviate this problem, keep your plants warm according to the species requirements and move it to an area where it can spread out. It may also be beneficial to use a bactericide.
Stem rot is another ailment commonly caused by inappropriate watering. The symptoms include leaves that literally hang off the plant and easily fall into your hand as well as the outer edges of the leaves turning yellow in color. The solution to this problem is fungicide which will produce immediate results. However, for long term prevention, research into how much and how often to water your species of plant will be highly beneficial.
The deadliest disease to plants is Root Rot. This is another ailment brought about by improper watering methods. The bacteria in the soil become greater with excess moisture, allowing them to start at the root and make their way up the rest of the plant. The leaves of the plant will start to turn yellow, at this point, you can certainly try easing the water routine; however, most plants do not recover from this debilitating disease.
In order to ensure a healthy growing plant free from disease, it is best to start with a disease free plant. This can be accomplished by purchasing your plants from a reputable nursery. In addition, always use a sterilized soil. Soil from around the yard can contain many unknown elements that can enhance the onset of disease. Lastly, always prevent with proper treatment as well as treating the ailment upon the first signs of infection.
Proper care and dedication can leave you with a beautiful and healthy indoor garden.
Indoor Houseplant Care
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