Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Lower leaves turn yellow and drop off, starting from the bottom of the plant and progressing upward. Yellowing may appear between leaf veins initially. Common Causes:

• Nitrogen deficiency in soil, especially in poor or depleted soils
• Natural aging of older leaves as plant matures
• Overwatering leading to poor root oxygen availability

Solutions:

• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) diluted to half strength monthly during growing season
• Remove yellowed leaves to redirect energy to healthy growth
• Check soil drainage and reduce watering frequency if soil stays wet

Prevention: Amend soil with compost annually and ensure proper drainage by adding perlite or coarse sand to heavy soils.

Brown/Crispy Leaves

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

• Low humidity, especially in hot, dry conditions
• Salt buildup from fertilizers or hard water
• Wind damage causing rapid moisture loss

Solutions:

• Increase watering frequency during hot spells, ensuring deep watering
• Flush soil monthly with plain water to remove salt buildup
• Provide windbreak or relocate container plants to sheltered spot

Prevention: Mulch around base to retain moisture and use rainwater when possible to avoid mineral buildup.

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Stems and leaves lose rigidity and droop despite adequate soil moisture. Plant appears limp. Common Causes:

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

Solutions:

• Check roots for rot; trim damaged roots and replant in fresh, well-draining soil
• Provide temporary shade during hottest part of day (2-4 PM)
• Water thoroughly after transplanting and avoid fertilizing for 2 weeks

Prevention: Plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates.

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Healthy-looking leaves suddenly drop from plant, often following environmental changes. Common Causes:

• Temperature fluctuations or cold drafts
• Drought stress followed by overwatering
• Natural response to summer heat stress

Solutions:

• Maintain consistent watering schedule, checking soil moisture regularly
• Protect from cold winds with barrier or fleece in winter
• Accept some leaf drop in summer as natural adaptation

Prevention: Choose planting location away from cold air pockets and maintain consistent care routine.

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Plant remains small with minimal new growth despite adequate time. Leaves may be smaller than normal. Common Causes:

• Poor soil quality or compacted soil
• Insufficient light (needs full sun to partial shade)
• Root competition from nearby plants

Solutions:

• Improve soil with organic matter and ensure pH is between 6.0-7.5
• Relocate to sunnier position receiving at least 6 hours direct sun
• Clear area around plant base and apply 2-3 inch mulch ring

Prevention: Test soil before planting and amend as needed. Choose appropriate spacing when planting.

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Long, weak stems with widely spaced leaves. Plant appears sparse and floppy. Common Causes:

• Insufficient light causing plant to stretch toward light source
• Over-fertilization with high nitrogen fertilizers
• Lack of pruning allowing unchecked growth

Solutions:

• Move to location with more direct sunlight
• Reduce fertilizer application and switch to low-nitrogen formula
• Prune back by one-third after flowering to encourage bushy growth

Prevention: Plant in full sun location and prune regularly to maintain compact shape.

Pest Problems

Aphids

Identification: Small, soft-bodied insects clustering on new growth and flower buds. Green, black, or white in color. Damage Signs: Curled leaves, sticky honeydew on foliage, stunted growth, and distorted flowers. Treatment:

• Spray off with strong water stream every 2-3 days
• Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly until controlled
• Introduce ladybugs or lacewings as natural predators Prevention: Inspect plants weekly during spring and avoid over-fertilizing which produces soft, aphid-attracting growth.

Flea Beetles

Identification: Small, jumping beetles that create tiny holes in leaves. Most active in spring. Damage Signs: Shot-hole appearance in leaves, particularly on young plants. Severe infestations can defoliate plants. Treatment:

• Apply diatomaceous earth around plant base and on leaves
• Use row covers during peak beetle season (spring to early summer)
• Spray with pyrethrin-based insecticide for severe infestations Prevention: Remove garden debris where beetles overwinter and plant trap crops like radishes nearby.

Cabbage White Caterpillars

Identification: Green caterpillars with faint yellow stripes, offspring of white butterflies common in gardens. Damage Signs: Large, irregular holes in leaves. Caterpillars and dark green droppings visible on foliage. Treatment:

• Hand-pick caterpillars daily and destroy
• Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray weekly
• Cover with fine mesh netting to exclude butterflies Prevention: Plant companion plants like thyme and sage to deter butterflies. Check plants regularly during butterfly season.

Disease Issues

Clubroot

Symptoms: Wilting during day despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, swollen and distorted roots when examined. Causes: Soil-borne fungus thriving in acidic, poorly drained soils. Treatment:

• Remove and destroy affected plants immediately
• Lime soil to raise pH above 7.0
• Improve drainage and avoid planting brassicas in area for 4+ years Prevention: Test soil pH before planting and amend to neutral. Ensure excellent drainage.

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves, especially during humid weather. Leaves may yellow and drop. Causes: Fungal disease favored by poor air circulation and overhead watering. Treatment:

• Remove affected leaves and destroy
• Apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide weekly
• Improve air circulation by proper spacing and pruning Prevention: Water at soil level, provide adequate spacing, and choose resistant varieties when available.

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, wilting despite moist soil, foul odor from soil, black or brown mushy roots. Identification: Carefully remove plant and inspect roots - healthy roots are white/cream colored and firm. Treatment:

• Remove plant and trim all affected roots with sterile scissors
• Replant in fresh, well-draining soil with added perlite
• Reduce watering frequency and ensure pots have drainage holes Prevention: Never allow plants to sit in standing water. Use well-draining soil mix and water only when top inch is dry.

Root Bound

Symptoms: Slowed growth, water runs straight through pot, roots visible at drainage holes or soil surface. Identification: Roots form dense mat when removed from pot, circling the root ball. Treatment:

• Repot in container 2 inches larger in diameter
• Gently tease apart circling roots before repotting
• Water thoroughly after repotting and place in shade for a week Prevention: Repot every 2-3 years or when roots appear at drainage holes.

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden leaf drop, wilting, or browning following temperature extremes. Causes: Rapid temperature changes, unexpected frost, or extreme heat above 90°F. Treatment: Provide temporary protection with shade cloth or frost blanket. Water deeply during heat stress. Prevention: Harden off plants gradually when moving outdoors. Monitor weather forecasts and protect as needed.

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Crispy leaf edges, flower buds dropping before opening. High Humidity Symptoms: Increased fungal diseases, soft growth prone to rot. Solutions: Group plants together to increase humidity or use pebble trays. Improve air circulation in humid conditions. Prevention: Choose planting locations appropriate for your climate's natural humidity levels.

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached or scorched leaves, especially during afternoon sun. Too Little Light: Leggy growth, poor flowering, pale green leaves. Solutions: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates or relocate to sunnier spot if lacking light. Prevention: Research light requirements before planting and observe site throughout day before choosing location.

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant declining despite multiple interventions
• Unknown pest or disease not responding to treatment
• Structural damage to main stems or crown

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Plant in well-draining soil with pH 6.0-7.5
• [ ] Provide full sun to light shade exposure
• [ ] Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings
• [ ] Prune after flowering to maintain shape and vigor
• [ ] Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season
• [ ] Monitor weekly for pests and diseases during active growth

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove damaged parts, adjust care routine, begin treatments Week 2-3: New growth should appear if plant is recovering. Continue monitoring and treatments. Month 1+: Plant should show significant improvement. Resume normal care routine gradually.

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