Yellow leaves, root rot, no flowers? Just two steps to solve it, and you can enjoy worry-free gardening for ten years

Common symptoms

During plant care, the most common problems can be summed up as the following 2 types: the above-soil part and the below-soil part.

The above-soil part

Generally, problems that easily appear in the above-soil part include: no leaf growth, yellow leaves, withered leaves, leaf drop, spots on leaves, holes, no flowering, sparse flowering, flower scorch, short flowering period, pests and diseases, and so on.

The below-soil part

Common problems below the soil include soil that is too dry or too wet, insufficient fertility, poor air permeability, small insects, excessive acidity or alkalinity, and so on.

Once you understand the symptoms, you need to figure out the cause so you can treat the right problem. Below, Huahua will explain how to check the cause!

Cause check: below-soil problems

When you cannot determine the cause, follow the principle of "below first, above second" - that is, check the potting soil first. Never blindly water and fertilize, which can make the problem worse.

When the situation is not serious

1. Dryness and moisture state: you can put your hand 2cm deep into the soil. If it feels slightly moist and the soil layer is loose, there is no need to water for now. If it is too dry, water at the right time according to the plant's preferences.

2. Soil fertility: judge fertility by color. If the color is too light and the soil layer is compacted, fertility is definitely insufficient. You can use decomposed liquid fertilizer water to improve fertility and loosen the soil at the right time.

3. pH: the simplest way to test pH is with pH test paper. If it is too alkaline, you can water with some diluted edible vinegar or ferrous sulfate to improve it!

When the situation is serious

When there is no major problem with the soil medium, you can use a small iron shovel to dig open the soil layer and check the root problems. If the roots are rotten, you need to dig out the plant and perform "surgical removal."

1. For the exposed flower roots, gently shake off the soil, then rinse them clean with clear water;

2. Use scissors to cut off the rotten roots from bottom to top, then apply plant ash or fine stove ash to the wounds;

3. Soak the treated roots in a 0.1% potassium permanganate solution or diluted carbendazim solution for about 1 hour, then place them in a cool place for about 1 day to dry;

4. After the roots are treated, replace the soil and repot.

Cause check: above-soil problems

Above-soil factors include 3 points: light, air humidity, and pests and diseases.

Judging light

1. Generally, when leaves turn yellow and droop, flower branches are thin and weak, flower buds turn yellow and fall off, or flowers are too small or do not bloom, you can judge that there is too little light.

2. Flowers with small, dense leaves are mostly semi-shade plants, such as camellia, asparagus fern, and asparagus grass, and need to be kept indoors in scattered light. Flowers with large, sparse branches and leaves are sun-loving plants, such as bougainvillea, jasmine, dahlia, and scarlet sage, and should be placed outdoors or on a south windowsill to increase light.

Judging humidity

Air humidity is a problem many flower growers easily overlook. Why do flowers bought at the flower market quickly wilt once you bring them home? It is because the humidity at the flower market is much higher!

1. If the leaves are pale yellow, with dry edges and no luster, or the flower color fades and the flowering period shortens, it means the air humidity is too low. At this time, spray the leaves and branches wet, or cover the plant with a plastic bag to increase humidity.

2. During indoor care in spring and summer, if petals become moldy and rot, flowers drop, or pests and diseases spread and branches and leaves grow excessively, it means the air humidity is too high. Open windows in time for ventilation and air exchange!

3. Generally, keeping indoor humidity at 60%-70% is enough. Above 70% is bad for home appliances and furniture; when below 60%, you can spray water on the floor to increase humidity. Flower growers are advised to hang a wet-and-dry bulb hygrometer indoors - convenient and easy to use!

Pest and disease control

Generally, flower pests and diseases are mainly divided into three major categories: fungal, bacterial, and viral.

1. Fungal type: when the environment is too wet, fungal infection is easy. The main signs are mold-like and powdery substances growing on leaves, rotting and discoloration, necrosis, wilting, root rot, and so on;

2. Bacterial type: bacterial infection is not common. The usual signs are water-soaked or oil-stain-like ulcers and bacterial ooze on leaves;

3. Viral type: in hot summer environments, flowers are prone to pest damage, and thus viral infection. The main signs are spots on the plant, ring-like patterns, deformity and dwarfing, and so on.

When flower growers find that a plant is infected with pests or diseases, they should immediately perform "amputation surgery" and cut off diseased branches and dead branches to prevent spread to other parts.

Checking symptoms is actually very simple

Flower growers, once you have learned it

you can also be an experienced doctor!