Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Lower leaves turning pale yellow to bright yellow, starting from the edges and progressing inward, eventually falling off Common Causes:

• Overwatering leading to waterlogged soil
• Natural aging of older leaves
• Nutrient deficiency, particularly nitrogen

Solutions:

• Check soil moisture and allow top 2 inches to dry between waterings
• Remove yellowed leaves to redirect energy to healthy growth
• Apply balanced liquid fertilizer at quarter strength monthly during growing season

Prevention: Establish consistent watering schedule, ensure proper drainage, and maintain regular feeding routine

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf edges turning brown and crispy, dry patches appearing on leaf surfaces, brittle texture Common Causes:

• Low humidity (below 50%)
• Fluoride or chlorine in tap water
• Direct sunlight exposure

Solutions:

• Increase humidity with pebble trays or humidifier
• Switch to filtered or rainwater for watering
• Move plant away from direct sun to bright indirect light

Prevention: Maintain 60-70% humidity, use room temperature filtered water, provide consistent bright indirect light

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Leaves and stems losing turgidity, plant appears limp despite moist soil, stems may bend downward Common Causes:

• Root rot from overwatering
• Severe underwatering
• Temperature stress

Solutions:

• Check roots for rot and trim affected areas if present
• Adjust watering based on soil moisture levels
• Move away from drafts, heaters, or AC vents

Prevention: Use well-draining soil mix, water when top 2 inches are dry, maintain temperature between 65-75°F

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Sudden loss of multiple leaves, both old and new growth affected, leaves may fall while still green Common Causes:

• Environmental shock (sudden temperature or light changes)
• Overwatering or underwatering stress
• Pest infestation

Solutions:

• Stabilize environmental conditions gradually
• Review and adjust watering practices
• Inspect for pests and treat accordingly

Prevention: Avoid sudden environmental changes, maintain consistent care routine, regular pest inspections

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Little to no new growth during growing season, small leaves, overall plant remains same size Common Causes:

• Root bound conditions
• Inadequate light
• Nutrient depletion

Solutions:

• Repot into container 1-2 inches larger if roots are circling
• Move to brighter location with indirect light
• Begin regular fertilization schedule

Prevention: Repot every 1-2 years, provide adequate bright indirect light, fertilize monthly in spring/summer

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Long stems with sparse leaves, plant reaching toward light source, weak stem structure Common Causes:

• Insufficient light levels
• Overcrowding with other plants
• Natural growth pattern needing pruning

Solutions:

• Move closer to light source or add grow light
• Provide adequate spacing between plants
• Prune back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth

Prevention: Rotate plant weekly for even growth, maintain proper light levels, regular pruning

Pest Problems

Spider Mites

Identification: Tiny red or white specks on leaf undersides, fine webbing between leaves and stems Damage Signs: Stippled or speckled leaves, yellowing, leaf drop Treatment:

• Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution
• Wipe leaves with damp cloth to remove mites
• Isolate infected plant to prevent spread Prevention: Maintain high humidity, regular leaf cleaning, inspect new plants before introducing

Mealybugs

Identification: White, cotton-like clusters in leaf joints and stem crevices Damage Signs: Sticky honeydew on leaves, stunted growth, yellowing Treatment:

• Dab with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab
• Apply systemic insecticide for severe infestations
• Prune heavily infested areas Prevention: Regular inspection of leaf joints, quarantine new plants, maintain good air circulation

Thrips

Identification: Tiny, slender insects that move quickly, silver or bronze streaks on leaves Damage Signs: Distorted leaves, silver patches, flower damage Treatment:

• Apply blue sticky traps to catch adults
• Spray with spinosad or neem oil
• Remove damaged leaves and flowers Prevention: Regular monitoring, remove debris around plant, maintain clean growing area

Disease Issues

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaf surfaces, distorted new growth Causes: High humidity with poor air circulation, overcrowding Treatment:

• Apply fungicide or baking soda solution
• Remove affected leaves immediately
• Improve air circulation around plant Prevention: Space plants adequately, avoid overhead watering, maintain moderate humidity with good airflow

Botrytis (Gray Mold)

Symptoms: Gray, fuzzy mold on leaves and stems, soft rot at affected areas Causes: Cool, humid conditions with poor air circulation Treatment:

• Remove all affected plant parts
• Apply copper-based fungicide
• Reduce humidity and improve ventilation Prevention: Water at soil level, remove dead plant material promptly, ensure good air movement

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves despite moist soil, foul odor from soil, mushy stem base Identification: Dark, mushy roots when removed from pot, healthy roots should be white/cream colored 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, use well-draining soil mix

Root Bound

Symptoms: Roots circling pot bottom, water runs through quickly, growth slows despite good care Identification: Roots visible through drainage holes, solid root mass when removed from pot Treatment:

• Repot in container 1-2 inches larger
• Gently tease apart root ball before repotting
• Trim any circling roots to encourage outward growth Prevention: Repot every 1-2 years in spring, monitor for roots at drainage holes

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden leaf drop, wilting, blackened leaves after cold exposure Causes: Exposure to temperatures below 50°F or above 80°F, cold drafts Treatment: Move to stable temperature location, remove damaged foliage, reduce watering temporarily Prevention: Keep away from windows in winter, AC vents, and heating sources

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Crispy leaf edges, brown tips, increased pest susceptibility High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal growth, soft rot, mold development Solutions: Use humidity tray for low humidity, improve ventilation for high humidity Prevention: Maintain 60-70% humidity with good air circulation

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached leaves, brown patches, wilting despite moist soil Too Little Light: Pale leaves, leggy growth, loss of variegation Solutions: Adjust placement based on symptoms, use sheer curtains to filter direct sun Prevention: Provide bright, indirect light consistently, avoid direct sunlight

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant continues declining after 2 weeks of adjusted care
• Multiple problems occurring simultaneously
• Unsure of pest or disease identification

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Check soil moisture before watering - top 2 inches should be dry
• [ ] Inspect leaves weekly for pests or disease
• [ ] Maintain humidity between 60-70%
• [ ] Provide bright, indirect light
• [ ] Keep temperature between 65-75°F
• [ ] Fertilize monthly during growing season

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove damaged foliage, adjust care conditions, monitor closely Week 2-3: New growth should begin appearing, continue consistent care Month 1+: Full recovery with healthy new leaves, resume normal care routine

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