Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Lower leaves turning yellow and dropping off, often starting from the bottom of the plant and progressing upward Common Causes:

• Overwatering leading to soggy soil conditions
• Nitrogen deficiency, especially in container-grown plants
• Natural aging of lower leaves as plant matures

Solutions:

• Check soil moisture and allow top 2-3 inches to dry between waterings
• Apply balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) monthly during growing season
• Remove yellowed leaves to redirect energy to healthy growth

Prevention: Ensure well-draining soil, water only when needed, and maintain regular feeding schedule during active growth

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf edges turning brown and crispy, leaves feeling dry and papery to touch Common Causes:

• Underwatering or drought stress
• Low humidity in indoor environments
• Fertilizer burn from excessive feeding

Solutions:

• Increase watering frequency during hot, dry periods
• Mist around plants (not directly on leaves) to increase humidity
• Flush soil with water if fertilizer burn suspected

Prevention: Maintain consistent moisture levels, avoid fertilizing during drought stress, and use diluted fertilizer solutions

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Stems and leaves drooping despite adequate soil moisture, loss of turgor pressure Common Causes:

• Root damage from overwatering or root rot
• Extreme heat stress during peak summer
• Transplant shock after moving or repotting

Solutions:

• Check roots for rot and trim affected areas if necessary
• Provide afternoon shade during extreme heat
• Minimize disturbance after transplanting and keep soil evenly moist

Prevention: Plant in well-draining soil, provide adequate spacing for air circulation, and transplant during cooler weather

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Sudden dropping of green leaves, bare stems appearing on lower portions Common Causes:

• Temperature fluctuations or cold shock
• Overwatering leading to root stress
• Spider mite infestation causing leaf damage

Solutions:

• Move plants away from drafts and maintain stable temperatures
• Reduce watering frequency and improve drainage
• Inspect for pests and treat with insecticidal soap if needed

Prevention: Protect from cold winds, maintain proper watering schedule, and inspect regularly for pests

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Plant remains small, new growth is minimal or slow, flowering is reduced Common Causes:

• Poor soil nutrition or compacted soil
• Insufficient sunlight (needs full sun)
• Root-bound conditions in containers

Solutions:

• Amend soil with compost and ensure pH is 6.0-7.0
• Relocate to full sun location receiving 6+ hours daily
• Repot into larger container or divide overcrowded plants

Prevention: Plant in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil in full sun location with adequate space for growth

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Long, weak stems with few leaves, plants falling over or requiring staking Common Causes:

• Insufficient light causing etiolation
• Over-fertilization promoting soft growth
• Lack of pruning or pinching

Solutions:

• Move to brighter location with direct sunlight
• Reduce nitrogen fertilizer and focus on phosphorus for blooms
• Pinch growing tips early in season to promote bushiness

Prevention: Provide full sun exposure, pinch young plants regularly, and avoid excessive nitrogen

Pest Problems

Aphids

Identification: Small, soft-bodied insects clustered on new growth and flower buds, green or black in color Damage Signs: Curled leaves, sticky honeydew on foliage, stunted new growth Treatment:

• Spray off with strong water stream
• Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil
• Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs Prevention: Avoid over-fertilizing, encourage beneficial insects, and inspect plants regularly

Spider Mites

Identification: Tiny red or yellow specks on leaf undersides, fine webbing on leaves Damage Signs: Stippled or bronzed leaves, leaf drop, overall plant decline Treatment:

• Increase humidity around plants
• Apply miticide or horticultural oil
• Remove severely infested leaves Prevention: Keep plants well-watered during dry periods, mist regularly, and avoid dusty conditions

Whiteflies

Identification: Small white flying insects that flutter when plant is disturbed Damage Signs: Yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew, sooty mold growth Treatment:

• Use yellow sticky traps
• Apply insecticidal soap weekly
• Vacuum flying adults in early morning Prevention: Inspect new plants before introducing, maintain good air circulation, remove affected leaves promptly

Disease Issues

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves and stems, especially in humid conditions Causes: Poor air circulation, overhead watering, high humidity with cool nights Treatment:

• Apply fungicide or baking soda solution
• Remove affected leaves immediately
• Improve air circulation around plants Prevention: Space plants properly, water at soil level, choose resistant varieties when possible

Root Rot

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, wilting despite moist soil, foul odor from soil Causes: Overwatering, poor drainage, heavy clay soils Treatment:

• Remove plant and trim rotted roots
• Replant in fresh, well-draining soil
• Reduce watering frequency significantly Prevention: Ensure excellent drainage, avoid overwatering, add perlite to heavy soils

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Plant wilts despite wet soil, leaves yellow and drop, growth stops Identification: Dark, mushy roots with foul odor when examined Treatment:

• Remove from soil and cut away all affected roots
• Treat remaining roots with fungicide
• Replant in fresh, sterile, well-draining medium Prevention: Water only when top 2-3 inches of soil are dry, ensure pots have drainage holes

Root Bound

Symptoms: Roots circling pot bottom, water runs through quickly, growth slows Identification: Dense mat of roots visible at drainage holes or soil surface Treatment:

• Carefully remove from pot and loosen root ball
• Trim circling roots and repot in larger container
• Water thoroughly after repotting Prevention: Repot annually in spring, choose appropriate pot size, monitor root growth

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden leaf drop, wilting, blackened foliage after cold exposure Causes: Exposure to temperatures below 50°F, sudden temperature changes Treatment: Remove damaged foliage, provide protection from further cold, water sparingly until recovery Prevention: Bring containers indoors before first frost, mulch outdoor plants, avoid planting too early

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Crispy leaf edges, flower bud drop, increased pest susceptibility High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal growth, soft stems, reduced flowering Solutions: Use pebble trays for low humidity, increase air circulation for high humidity Prevention: Monitor humidity levels, provide appropriate ventilation, group plants appropriately

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached leaves, scorched patches, wilting despite moist soil Too Little Light: Leggy growth, pale leaves, few or no flowers Solutions: Provide filtered shade during hottest part of day, or move to brighter location as needed Prevention: Plant in location with morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant continues to decline despite treatment efforts
• Unknown pest or disease symptoms appear
• Sudden death of established healthy plant

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Plant in well-draining soil with pH 6.0-7.0
• [ ] Provide full sun exposure (6+ hours daily)
• [ ] Water deeply but infrequently
• [ ] Deadhead spent flowers regularly
• [ ] Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season
• [ ] Inspect weekly for pests and diseases

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove affected parts, adjust care routine, monitor closely Week 2-3: New growth should appear if recovery successful, continue monitoring Month 1+: Plant should show vigorous growth and flowering if issues resolved

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