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Insufficient Light
When plants do not receive enough light, they grow slowly, require less water and need little or no fertilizer.
Growth will stretch out and will look thin and spindly.
A plant with insufficient light may exhibit any or all of the following characteristics.
1. Growth will be stretched out, producing a tall, spindly-looking plant.
2. Leaves are smaller then normal; they may be curled or cupped.
3. Leaves may turn yellow and drop.
4. Normally variegated leaves lose their variegation.
5. Flowers are pale coloured or there is a lack of flowers.
6. Growth is slow, stunted or there may be no growth at all.
The plant may eventually die.
What can be done when light conditions are insufficient?
Some suggestions are: leave lights on more hours each day; increase light intensity with
supplemental lighting; move plants closer to the window; and avoid areas where light is obscured permanently or for long periods of time.
Excessive Light
Sun scorch is usually the result of
excessive sunlight, enhanced by high temperatures. Rapid changes in light
intensity can also cause problems.
Sun scorch may occur if shade-loving
plants are placed in areas too bright for them. You may also develop sun
scorch problems if plants are left in bright windows during summer.
Sun-scorched plants will:
1. Wilt
2. Develop bleached or transparent spots on leaves facing light.
3. Develop brown or scorched areas on leaves facing light.
When placing indoor plants outdoors, you should select a location which
approximates indoor light levels if they are to avoid sun scorch. A
gradual process of moving plants outdoors will eliminate the possibility
of sudden, damaging light changes. Outdoor light intensities are usually
higher than those indoors.
Underwatering
This is the most damaging to plants when
they are in a drafty location or in low humidity areas, since more water
is lost through the leaves in these situations. Underwatering is
caused by an obvious lack of water. Frequently the problem is sparse and
shallow watering, which does not allow the roots to develop and grow
deeply; therefore, the plant cannot tolerate dry spells. Avoid frequent
shallow watering or watering from the bottom because this can cause fine,
white-crusted salts to form on the soil surface. Watering on a schedule,
rather than according to a plant's needs, can also be a problem.
Generally, plants grow faster in high light conditions and require more
water than in other conditions.
The following symptoms indicate plants have been underwatered:
1. The entire plant wilts; leaves droop and
become curled or cupped.
2. The edges and tips of the leaves will turn brown. Entire leaves
eventually turn brown and drop.
3. There is a general drop of green leaves.
4. Roots are brown and dry.
To avoid underwatering, water more
thoroughly and more often. Some plants will recover from wilt while others
won't. Know the water requirements of each plant.
Lack of watering will often accentuate symptoms of overfertilization.
Check how often and how much you fertilize; too little fertilizer is
better than too much.
Overwatering
Overwatering is the most common mistake.
Plants grown in soil or other media require air, as well as water, for the
roots. The soil in containers provides only a limited amount of space for
air and water. If water fills all of these spaces, then the resulting
oxygen deficiency can severely damage or kill roots. A few thorough
waterings are better than daily doses for established plants. The goal
should be well-drained soil that is evenly moist. Plants should not stand
in water.
Overwatering is often the result of underestimating the water-holding
capacity of the container. Often, the fact that plants are in low light
areas where they require less water is ignored. These
symptoms indicate plants have been overwatered: 1.
The whole plant wilts.
2. The lower leaves turn yellow and drop; others get brown or black spots.
3. The whole plant is stunted and fails to grow.
4. Stems and roots become brown, mushy and decayed. If
a plant has been overwatered, place it in a warm place to allow it to dry
out faster. Water less frequently. Don't water at all if the soil is moist
and the plant is wilting. It is important to note weather, seasons and
growth of the plant. For example, cloudy winter months provide less light,
so plants grow less and need less water. |
