Learning how to water plants to increase growth in pots, container or garden - especially how to water roots and tubers. Specialities: root growth or tuber growth of lawns, fuchsias, geraniums, dahlias and begonias.

22 July 2011

Signs Of Over-Watering Triphylla Fuchsia

yellowing triphylla leaf tips The yellowing leaf tips of this triphylla fuchsia are a sure indication something is wrong. Because they have appeared following torrential rain, it is likely to be over-watering. Check the roots.

overwatered pot rootsSure enough, this reveals poor growth at the base of the pot and patches of brown dying roots - a sure sign of over-watering. The compost is still dark and soggy.

REMEDY
Good job the weather has been cool, or damage could have been much worse. Had browning become so bad that the roots had begun to smell, then replacement of the bottom compost would be necessary. However, because we have tackled the problem early, just drying out on a paper towel, then replacing into pot, should sort things. It will not remove the yellowing, but new leaves should be fine. New roots will soon grow into the damaged areas.

PREVENTION
Adding more perlite (and even grit) to the compost (25%) might have prevented the problem by allowing better drainage and aeration. Protecting the plants by covering the foliage with clear polythene bags, as outlined last year, is also a great help.

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