Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Lower leaves turn pale yellow while veins may remain green, progressing upward if untreated. Leaves may feel soft and limp. Common Causes:

• Overwatering causing oxygen-starved roots
• Nitrogen deficiency from lack of feeding during growing season
• Natural aging of lower leaves as plant matures

Solutions:

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

Prevention: Maintain consistent watering schedule, feed regularly during spring/summer, ensure proper drainage

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf edges turn brown and crispy, starting at tips and progressing inward. Leaves feel dry and papery to touch. Common Causes:

• Low humidity (below 40%)
• Fluoride/chlorine in tap water
• Direct sunlight burning delicate foliage

Solutions:

• Increase humidity with pebble trays or regular misting
• Use filtered or rainwater for watering
• Move to bright, indirect light location immediately

Prevention: Maintain 50-60% humidity, always use filtered water, keep in bright shade

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Entire plant appears limp, stems bend downward, flowers drop prematurely Common Causes:

• Underwatering - soil completely dry
• Root rot from overwatering
• Temperature stress (below 50°F or above 85°F)

Solutions:

• Water thoroughly if soil is dry, should perk up within hours
• Check roots for rot - trim affected parts and repot if necessary
• Move to temperature-stable location (65-75°F ideal)

Prevention: Water when top inch of soil is dry, ensure good drainage, protect from temperature extremes

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Healthy-looking leaves suddenly falling off, often starting with older foliage Common Causes:

• Sudden temperature changes or cold drafts
• Transplant shock after repotting
• Stress from inconsistent watering

Solutions:

• Move away from air vents, windows, or doors
• Minimize handling and maintain stable conditions after repotting
• Establish regular watering routine based on soil moisture

Prevention: Keep in stable environment, repot in spring when actively growing, water consistently

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Plant stops producing new leaves or flowers, remains same size for months Common Causes:

• Pot-bound roots with no room to expand
• Nutrient depletion in old soil
• Insufficient light for photosynthesis

Solutions:

• Repot into container 1-2 inches larger with fresh potting mix
• Begin regular feeding schedule with balanced fertilizer
• Move to brighter location with filtered light

Prevention: Repot annually in spring, feed every 2 weeks during growing season, provide adequate bright indirect light

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Long stems with sparse leaves, plant reaching toward light source, few flowers Common Causes:

• Insufficient light causing etiolation
• Lack of pinching/pruning
• Over-fertilization with high nitrogen

Solutions:

• Move to brighter location gradually over 1-2 weeks
• Pinch growing tips to encourage bushier growth
• Reduce fertilizer frequency and use balanced formula

Prevention: Provide bright, indirect light, pinch tips regularly, use appropriate fertilizer ratios

Pest Problems

Aphids

Identification: Small, soft-bodied insects (green, white, or black) clustering on new growth and flower buds Damage Signs: Sticky honeydew on leaves, curled or distorted new growth, stunted flowers Treatment:

• Spray off with strong water stream
• Apply insecticidal soap every 3-5 days
• Introduce ladybugs as natural predators Prevention: Inspect new plants before bringing indoors, maintain good air circulation, avoid over-fertilizing

Spider Mites

Identification: Tiny red or brown specks on leaf undersides, fine webbing between leaves Damage Signs: Stippled, yellowing leaves with tiny white dots, eventual leaf drop Treatment:

• Wipe leaves with damp cloth to remove mites
• Spray with neem oil solution weekly
• Increase humidity to discourage mites Prevention: Mist regularly, keep leaves clean, quarantine new plants for 2 weeks

Whiteflies

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

• Use yellow sticky traps near plants
• Apply horticultural oil spray
• Vacuum flying adults carefully Prevention: Check undersides of leaves regularly, maintain good air flow, remove affected leaves promptly

Disease Issues

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves and stems, especially in humid conditions Causes: Poor air circulation combined with high humidity and moderate temperatures Treatment:

• Remove affected leaves immediately
• Apply fungicide or baking soda solution (1 tbsp per gallon water)
• Improve air circulation with fans Prevention: Space plants adequately, water at soil level not overhead, ensure good ventilation

Botrytis (Gray Mold)

Symptoms: Gray, fuzzy mold on flowers and leaves, especially in cool, humid conditions Causes: Overwatering, poor air circulation, dead plant material left on plant Treatment:

• Remove all affected parts immediately
• Reduce watering and humidity
• Apply copper-based fungicide if severe Prevention: Remove spent flowers promptly, avoid overhead watering, maintain air movement

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves despite moist soil, foul smell from soil, plant easily lifts from pot Identification: Roots appear brown/black and mushy instead of white and firm Treatment:

• Remove from pot and trim all affected roots
• Repot in fresh, sterile potting mix
• Water sparingly until new growth appears Prevention: Use well-draining soil, ensure pots have drainage holes, never let plant sit in water

Root Bound

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

• Gently tease apart circling roots
• Repot in container 1-2 inches larger
• 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 despite moist soil, flower bud drop Causes: Exposure to temperatures below 50°F or above 85°F, cold drafts Treatment: Move to stable temperature location (65-75°F), remove damaged parts, reduce watering until recovery Prevention: Keep away from heating/cooling vents, protect from drafts, acclimate gradually to new locations

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Brown leaf tips, flower buds dropping before opening, increased pest problems High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal growth, soft rot on stems, poor flower production Solutions: Use humidity trays for dry air, increase ventilation for high humidity, aim for 50-60% relative humidity Prevention: Monitor with hygrometer, group plants together, use appropriate humidity control methods

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached or scorched leaves, flowers fading quickly, wilting despite moist soil Too Little Light: Pale leaves, few or no flowers, leggy growth reaching for light Solutions: Move gradually to appropriate light levels, use sheer curtains to filter intense sun, rotate plant weekly Prevention: Provide bright, indirect light, avoid direct summer sun, supplement with grow lights if needed

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 every 2-3 days
• [ ] Maintain temperature between 65-75°F
• [ ] Provide bright, indirect light
• [ ] Feed every 2 weeks during growing season
• [ ] Inspect for pests weekly
• [ ] Remove dead flowers and leaves promptly

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove affected parts, adjust care conditions, monitor closely Week 2-3: New growth should begin appearing, continue optimal care Month 1+: Full recovery with proper flowering, maintain preventive care routine

Remember: Most Busy Lizzie 'Beacon Mix' problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.