Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Leaves of plants in the pot turning yellow, starting from the bottom or throughout the plant, depending on the cause Common Causes:

• Poor drainage in the pot leading to waterlogged soil
• Nutrient deficiency due to leaching in large container
• Pot material retaining too much heat in direct sunlight

Solutions:

• Check drainage holes are not blocked and add drainage layer of pebbles if needed
• Replenish soil nutrients with slow-release fertilizer appropriate for pot size
• Move pot to partial shade during hottest part of day or use light-colored mulch

Prevention: Ensure proper drainage setup before planting, use quality potting mix suitable for large containers, and monitor soil moisture regularly

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf edges turning brown and crispy, progressing inward, especially on plants exposed to wind or sun Common Causes:

• Large pot surface area increasing evaporation rate
• Wind exposure drying out plants faster in elevated containers
• Salt buildup from fertilizer in confined pot space

Solutions:

• Increase watering frequency during hot weather, checking soil 2-3 inches deep
• Position pot in sheltered location or create windbreak
• Flush soil monthly with clean water to remove salt buildup

Prevention: Choose appropriate pot location considering wind exposure, use drip irrigation for consistent moisture, and avoid over-fertilizing

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Plants appearing limp despite adequate soil moisture, especially during midday heat Common Causes:

• Dark pot color absorbing heat and cooking roots
• Insufficient root space for plant size in 30L container
• Compacted soil preventing proper water distribution

Solutions:

• Wrap pot in light-colored material or move to shadier location during summer
• Check if plants have outgrown container and need dividing or upgrading
• Carefully loosen soil with fork and add perlite for better aeration

Prevention: Select heat-resistant pot materials, choose appropriate plant sizes for 30L capacity, and refresh potting mix annually

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Healthy-looking leaves falling off, particularly after environmental changes or stress Common Causes:

• Temperature fluctuations from pot's thermal mass
• Shock from moving heavy pot to new location
• Root disturbance during repotting in large container

Solutions:

• Stabilize temperature by insulating pot or moving gradually between locations
• Use pot trolley or wheels to minimize shock when relocating
• Water thoroughly after repotting and avoid fertilizing for 2-4 weeks

Prevention: Plan pot placement carefully to minimize moving, use wheeled base for mobility, and repot during appropriate season

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Plants remaining small or growing slowly despite adequate care and appropriate season Common Causes:

• Pot too large causing soil to stay wet and roots to struggle
• Poor quality potting mix lacking nutrients or structure
• Inadequate drainage leading to anaerobic soil conditions

Solutions:

• Consider using pot inserts or false bottom to reduce effective pot size
• Replace soil with premium potting mix designed for containers
• Drill additional drainage holes if needed and elevate pot on feet

Prevention: Match pot size to plant needs, invest in quality growing medium, and ensure excellent drainage from the start

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Plants growing tall and spindly with increased spacing between leaves Common Causes:

• Pot placed in too much shade causing light-seeking behavior
• Competition between multiple plants in shared container
• Nitrogen-heavy fertilizer promoting leafy growth

Solutions:

• Relocate pot to brighter location or prune surrounding shade sources
• Thin overcrowded plants or transplant to separate containers
• Switch to balanced fertilizer and pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness

Prevention: Position pot for optimal light exposure, follow spacing guidelines for container planting, and use appropriate fertilizer ratios

Pest Problems

Fungus Gnats

Identification: Small flying insects hovering around soil surface, white larvae visible in potting mix Damage Signs: Generally harmless to plants but indicate overly moist conditions Treatment:

• Allow soil surface to dry between waterings
• Apply layer of sand or decorative stones to deter egg-laying
• Use yellow sticky traps near pot to catch adults Prevention: Avoid overwatering, ensure good air circulation around pot, and use well-draining potting mix

Aphids

Identification: Small soft-bodied insects clustering on new growth, various colors including green, black, or white Damage Signs: Curled leaves, sticky honeydew residue, stunted growth Treatment:

• Spray off with strong water stream, being careful not to damage plants
• Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil solution weekly until gone
• Introduce ladybugs or lacewings as natural predators Prevention: Regular inspection of plants, companion planting with pest-deterrent herbs, and maintaining plant health

Spider Mites

Identification: Tiny moving dots on leaf undersides, fine webbing between leaves Damage Signs: Stippled or bronzed leaves, general plant decline Treatment:

• Increase humidity around pot with regular misting
• Wipe leaves with damp cloth to remove mites and webs
• Apply miticide or neem oil focusing on leaf undersides Prevention: Keep plants well-watered during dry periods, regular leaf cleaning, and quarantine new plants

Disease Issues

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers Causes: Poor air circulation in dense container plantings, humid conditions Treatment:

• Improve spacing between plants in pot
• Apply fungicide or baking soda solution (1 tbsp per gallon water)
• Remove affected leaves and dispose in trash, not compost Prevention: Ensure adequate plant spacing, water at soil level not overhead, and choose resistant varieties

Root Diseases

Symptoms: Yellowing despite adequate nutrients, wilting despite moist soil, foul odor from drainage holes Causes: Overwatering in large containers, contaminated potting mix, poor drainage Treatment:

• Remove plant and inspect roots, cutting away diseased portions
• Disinfect pot with bleach solution before replanting
• Replace all potting mix and improve drainage system Prevention: Use sterile potting mix, avoid overwatering, and ensure pot has adequate drainage

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Plants wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, mushy or black roots visible through drainage holes Identification: Gently remove plant to inspect roots - healthy roots are white/cream, diseased roots are brown/black and mushy Treatment:

• Remove plant immediately and trim all affected roots with sterile scissors
• Treat remaining roots with fungicide and repot in fresh, sterile soil
• Reduce watering frequency and ensure excellent drainage Prevention: Never let pot sit in standing water, use well-draining potting mix, and water only when top 2-3 inches of soil are dry

Root Bound

Symptoms: Roots circling drainage holes, water running straight through pot, stunted growth despite good care Identification: Roots visible on soil surface, plant lifts easily from pot with dense root ball Treatment:

• Carefully remove plant and tease apart circling roots
• Trim excessive roots and repot with fresh soil or divide plant
• Consider upgrading to larger container if plant size warrants Prevention: Monitor root growth annually, repot every 2-3 years, and choose appropriate pot size for mature plant size

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden leaf drop, wilting, or discoloration after temperature changes Causes: Moving pot between indoor/outdoor locations, unexpected frost, extreme heat Treatment: Gradually acclimate plants to new conditions over 7-10 days, provide temporary shade or protection Prevention: Monitor weather forecasts, use wheeled base for easy relocation, and choose temperature-appropriate plant varieties

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Brown leaf tips, increased pest problems, slow growth High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal growth, soft stems, reduced flowering Solutions: Group pots together for increased humidity, use pebble trays, or relocate based on plant needs Prevention: Select plants suited to your climate, monitor with hygrometer, and provide appropriate air circulation

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached or scorched leaves, especially on pot's sun-facing side Too Little Light: Pale leaves, leggy growth, poor flowering Solutions: Rotate pot quarterly for even exposure, use shade cloth or relocate as needed Prevention: Research plant light requirements, observe sun patterns before placing pot, and adjust seasonally

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant decline continues despite troubleshooting efforts
• Unusual symptoms not matching common problems
• Valuable or rare plants showing distress

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Check drainage holes monthly for blockages
• [ ] Test soil moisture before watering (finger test 2-3 inches deep)
• [ ] Inspect plants weekly for early pest/disease detection
• [ ] Refresh top 2-3 inches of potting soil annually
• [ ] Clean pot exterior seasonally to prevent salt/mineral buildup
• [ ] Document care routine to identify patterns in problems

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Address immediate issues (water, drainage, pests), stabilize growing conditions Week 2-3: Monitor for improvement, continue treatments, avoid fertilizing stressed plants Month 1+: Resume normal care routine, consider repotting if root issues were present, gradual return to full health

Remember: Most Garden Gear - 30L Heavy Duty Large Pot problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.