Plant Pathology Infobytes

July 28, 1999
Recognize Foliage Plant Problems

Foliage plants grown inside the home are often subject to growing problems not associated with outside plants. Because of limited growing space, "inside plants" often suffer and send off distress signals sooner than plants which have more space in which to develop.

Some of the common symptoms and causes of foliage plant problems are the following:

  • Brown tips or burned margins of leaves are often caused by too much fertilizer or too dry growing conditions. It's a good idea to do a little reading-up on the fertility and water requirements, since different plants generally have different fertility and water needs.
  • Yellowing and dropping of leaves can be caused by gas fumes, too much water, poor drainage, or poor growing medium aeration.
  • Weak growth, light green or yellow leaves are frequently caused by too intense light, lack of fertilizer, or a poor root system (root rot could be responsible).
  • Wilting could bed due to too much water along with poor drainage, stem root, root rot, lack of water, or too much heat.
  • Spindly growth and small leaves are frequently caused by too little light.

Of course, other factors could be involved, but those listed are most often responsible for poor growth of foliage plants at this time of the year. Again - read up on the growing requiring requirements of your particular plants, and adjust environmental requirements accordingly to fit your plants' needs.

If you have specific questions, please feel free to give us a call at the County Extension Office.


Written by the late Dr. Frank Killebrew

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