Question
Lemon Lime
Hello!Could you tell me please what's going on with my plant?
Thank you.
AnswerLeaf Spots on Lemon-Lime
Hi there: it sounds like the problem is leaf spot. This can appear for a number of reasons, such as poor air circulation, overwatering or high humidity. Likewise there are several potential culprits, including fungal disease, bacteria, insects and poor growing conditions.
Removal of spotted leaves is important, so stay diligent on this practice.
Also remove any fallen leaf litter within the plant's interior and on the soil surface since this decaying material can harbor diseases and pests.
Take a good look at the soil. If the soil is too wet, let it dry out completely before watering again. And visa versa, if the soil is too dry, give it a good drink. Keeping plants sufficiently watered helps to keep them healthy. Instead of watering on a set schedule, water only when the soil begins to dry out.
If you notice brown spots on the tips and edges of leaves, this could be a sign of excess salts, chlorine or fluoride in the water. Avoid using tap water if possible; instead use rainwater or distilled water.
If you prefer tap water, allow it to sit for at least 24 hours so that the chlorine and fluoride can evaporate. Also, if you notice an accumulation of white deposits on the outside of the pot (especially near the drainage holes), this is a sign of excess salts.
Use rain water or distilled water to flush out excess salts.
Because your leaf-spot problem could be caused by several potential culprits, it's best to make sure the disease is properly identified before determining the course of treatment. Take a good sample of the damaged leaves to your local extension service office.
The extension agent can identify the problem and make specific recommendations on how to treat it and whether a chemical treatment is necessary.
Good cultural practices that keep plants stress-free also help keep them healthy and disease-free. A healthy plant that receives sufficient water, sunlight and air circulation is more resistant to disease and pest problems than a stressed-out plant.
Here are some tips for maintaining healthy plants:
1. Avoid purchasing unhealthy or disease-prone plants. Carefully inspect your plants before you bring them into your garden or home. If their health is questionable, keep them quarantined from other plants until you have been able to diagnose the problem, treat it appropriately and are sure it has recovered.
2. Keep plants properly spaced apart. This helps to provide good air circulation around each plant.
3. Water around the base of the plant. Avoid splashing water on the foliage.
4. Provide adequate sunlight.
5. If it's a houseplant, wipe leaves clean of dust.
6. Remove any fallen leaf litter and discard. Avoid composting any plant material that could potentially harbor diseases or pests.
Unfortunately, if doing all these things doesn't work, it may be best to remove the plant altogether and start with a new one. Discard the plant in the trash. Since pests and disease can linger, it is best not to compost an infested plant.
Hope this helps,Bill
