Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Leaves gradually turning from deep green to pale yellow, starting with older foliage. May affect entire leaves or appear as interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between veins). Common Causes:

• Nitrogen deficiency or poor nutrient uptake
• Overwatering leading to waterlogged soil
• Natural aging of older leaves (normal if limited to bottom leaves)

Solutions:

• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) monthly during growing season
• Check soil drainage and reduce watering if soil stays wet
• Remove yellowing leaves to encourage new growth

Prevention: Maintain consistent fertilization schedule during spring and summer. Ensure pots have drainage holes and use well-draining soil mix.

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf tips and edges turning brown and crispy, progressing inward. Leaves may curl or become papery in texture. Common Causes:

• Low humidity or excessive heat exposure
• Salt buildup from tap water or over-fertilization
• Sunburn from sudden exposure to intense direct sunlight

Solutions:

• Flush soil with distilled water to remove salt buildup
• Move to filtered light if experiencing sunburn
• Increase humidity around plant with pebble tray or grouping

Prevention: Use rainwater or filtered water when possible. Gradually acclimate to brighter light conditions. Maintain 40-50% humidity.

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Strappy leaves lose their upright stance, becoming limp and bending downward despite adequate soil moisture. Common Causes:

• Root damage from overwatering or root rot
• Extreme temperature stress (too hot or cold)
• Transplant shock after repotting

Solutions:

• Check roots for rot and trim damaged portions if found
• Move to temperature-stable location (60-75°F ideal)
• Reduce watering and allow recovery time after transplanting

Prevention: Water only when top 2 inches of soil are dry. Protect from temperature extremes and cold drafts.

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Sudden or gradual loss of leaves, especially during non-dormant periods. Leaves may yellow before dropping. Common Causes:

• Stress from environmental changes (light, temperature, location)
• Severe underwatering or drought stress
• Natural dormancy response in winter (normal)

Solutions:

• Maintain consistent care routine and environment
• Gradually adjust watering if plant has been too dry
• Accept natural leaf loss during winter dormancy

Prevention: Avoid sudden environmental changes. Maintain consistent watering schedule adjusted for seasonal needs.

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Little to no new leaf production during growing season. Existing leaves remain small and plant fails to reach expected size. Common Causes:

• Root bound conditions in too-small container
• Insufficient light for photosynthesis
• Nutrient deficiencies, especially phosphorus

Solutions:

• Repot into container 2 inches larger if roots circle pot
• Move to brighter location with 4-6 hours direct sun
• Apply phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage growth

Prevention: Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Provide adequate light year-round. Feed regularly during active growth.

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Leaves become elongated and pale, losing compact form. Plant appears to reach toward light source. Common Causes:

• Insufficient light causing etiolation
• Overcrowding with other plants
• Excessive nitrogen fertilization

Solutions:

• Gradually move to brighter location with more direct sun
• Provide adequate spacing between plants
• Reduce nitrogen and use balanced fertilizer

Prevention: Ensure minimum 4 hours direct sunlight daily. Rotate plant weekly for even growth.

Pest Problems

Aphids

Identification: Small, soft-bodied insects clustering on new growth and flower buds. Green, black, or white in color. Damage Signs: Sticky honeydew on leaves, curled or distorted new growth, yellowing leaves Treatment:

• Spray off with strong water stream
• Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly
• Release ladybugs for biological control Prevention: Inspect new growth regularly. Keep plants healthy to resist infestations.

Mealybugs

Identification: White, cotton-like masses in leaf joints and crown. Slow-moving insects beneath waxy coating. Damage Signs: Stunted growth, yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew deposits Treatment:

• Dab individual bugs with alcohol-soaked cotton swab
• Spray with neem oil solution every 5-7 days
• Remove heavily infested leaves Prevention: Quarantine new plants. Maintain good air circulation. Regular inspection of hidden areas.

Spider Mites

Identification: Tiny red or brown specks on undersides of leaves. Fine webbing in severe cases. Damage Signs: Stippled or speckled leaves, bronzing of foliage, fine webbing Treatment:

• Spray leaves with water to dislodge mites
• Apply miticide or neem oil treatment
• Increase humidity around plant Prevention: Mist plants regularly in dry conditions. Keep leaves dust-free.

Disease Issues

Root Rot

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves despite moist soil, foul odor from soil, mushy brown roots Causes: Overwatering, poor drainage, contaminated soil or pots Treatment:

• Remove from pot and trim all affected roots
• Repot in fresh, sterile, well-draining soil
• Reduce watering frequency significantly Prevention: Use pots with drainage holes. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Sterilize tools and pots.

Leaf Spot Diseases

Symptoms: Brown or black spots with yellow halos on leaves. Spots may merge and cause leaf death. Causes: Fungal or bacterial pathogens spread by water splash Treatment:

• Remove all affected leaves immediately
• Apply copper fungicide as directed
• Improve air circulation around plant Prevention: Water at soil level, not overhead. Space plants adequately. Remove debris promptly.

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Plant wilts despite wet soil, leaves yellow and drop, stems become soft at base Identification: Roots are brown, black, or mushy instead of white and firm. Foul smell from soil. Treatment:

• Unpot immediately and remove all diseased roots
• Treat remaining roots with fungicide
• Repot in completely fresh, sterile soil mix Prevention: Never let plant sit in standing water. Use well-draining soil mix with perlite. Water only when needed.

Root Bound

Symptoms: Roots circling pot bottom, emerging from drainage holes, water runs through without absorption Identification: Dense mat of roots visible when removed from pot. Minimal soil left in container. Treatment:

• Carefully tease apart root ball
• Trim excessively long or circling roots
• Repot in container 2 inches larger diameter Prevention: Repot every 2-3 years. Choose appropriate pot size. Monitor for roots at drainage holes.

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden wilting, leaf drop, or discoloration after temperature changes Causes: Exposure to temperatures below 50°F or above 90°F, cold drafts, heating vents Treatment: Move to stable temperature area (60-75°F). Remove damaged foliage. Reduce watering until recovery. Prevention: Keep away from AC vents, heaters, and drafty windows. Bring indoors before first frost.

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Brown leaf tips, slow growth, increased pest susceptibility High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal growth, soft rot, reduced flowering Solutions: Use humidity tray for dry air, increase ventilation for excess humidity Prevention: Maintain 40-50% humidity. Use hygrometer to monitor levels.

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached or scorched leaves, brown patches on sun-exposed areas Too Little Light: Pale leaves, leggy growth, no flowering Solutions: Adjust placement gradually over 1-2 weeks. Use sheer curtains to filter intense light. Prevention: Provide 4-6 hours direct morning sun, bright indirect light rest of day.

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant doesn't respond to treatment within 2 weeks
• Multiple problems occurring simultaneously
• Unsure of pest or disease identification

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Check soil moisture before watering - top 2 inches should be dry
• [ ] Inspect for pests weekly, especially undersides of leaves
• [ ] Ensure proper drainage in pots and soil mix
• [ ] Fertilize monthly during growing season (spring-summer)
• [ ] Provide adequate light - minimum 4 hours direct sun
• [ ] Repot every 2-3 years or when root bound

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove damaged parts, adjust care routine, monitor closely Week 2-3: New growth should begin emerging, continue consistent care Month 1+: Full recovery with proper care, resume normal fertilization

Remember: Most Agapanthus 'Seastorm' problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.