Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Lower leaves turning pale yellow while upper leaves remain green; eventual leaf drop if untreated. Yellowing may start at leaf edges or spread uniformly across the leaf surface. Common Causes:

• Overwatering leading to waterlogged soil
• Nitrogen deficiency from insufficient feeding
• Natural aging of lower leaves during blooming period

Solutions:

• Check soil moisture and reduce watering frequency if soil stays wet
• 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 moisture without waterlogging; use well-draining potting mix; establish regular feeding schedule during active growth

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf tips and edges turning brown and crispy; leaves feel dry and papery to touch; browning progresses inward from edges Common Causes:

• Low humidity, especially in indoor environments
• Chemical burn from over-fertilization
• Excessive direct sunlight during hottest part of day

Solutions:

• Increase humidity by misting regularly or placing on pebble tray
• Flush soil with water to remove excess fertilizer salts
• Move to location with bright but filtered light during peak sun hours

Prevention: Maintain 40-50% humidity; dilute fertilizer to half strength; provide morning sun with afternoon shade

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Stems bending downward; leaves looking limp despite moist soil; flowers may also droop and close prematurely Common Causes:

• Heat stress from temperatures above 75°F (24°C)
• Root damage from overwatering or root rot
• Transplant shock after repotting

Solutions:

• Move to cooler location with temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C)
• Check roots for rot; trim damaged roots and repot in fresh soil
• Provide shade and maintain consistent moisture after transplanting

Prevention: Keep in cool conditions; ensure proper drainage; handle roots gently during transplanting

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Sudden dropping of green leaves; leaves fall off when touched lightly; bare stems visible between foliage Common Causes:

• Temperature fluctuations or cold drafts
• Underwatering during hot weather
• Spider mite infestation weakening plant

Solutions:

• Maintain stable temperatures away from heating/cooling vents
• Water thoroughly when top inch of soil is dry
• Inspect for pests and treat with insecticidal soap if needed

Prevention: Protect from temperature extremes; establish consistent watering routine; inspect regularly for pests

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Plant remains small; few new leaves or flowers; growth appears to stall despite proper care Common Causes:

• Poor soil quality or compacted growing medium
• Insufficient light for photosynthesis
• Pot-bound roots restricting growth

Solutions:

• Refresh potting mix with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil
• Move to brighter location with 4-6 hours of morning sun
• Transplant to larger container if roots circle the pot

Prevention: Use quality potting mix; provide adequate light from the start; repot annually in spring

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Long, weak stems with sparse foliage; flowers only at stem tips; plant appears stretched and unstable Common Causes:

• Insufficient light causing plant to reach for sun
• Lack of pinching to encourage bushy growth
• High nitrogen fertilizer promoting leaf over flower growth

Solutions:

• Gradually increase light exposure to prevent shock
• Pinch growing tips to encourage branching
• Switch to bloom-boosting fertilizer (5-10-5)

Prevention: Provide bright, indirect light; pinch tips when plant reaches 3-4 inches; use balanced fertilizer

Pest Problems

Aphids

Identification: Small, soft-bodied insects clustered on new growth and flower buds; green, black, or white in color Damage Signs: Sticky honeydew on leaves; curled or distorted new growth; yellowing leaves Treatment:

• Spray with strong water stream to dislodge aphids
• Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly
• Release ladybugs as natural predators Prevention: Inspect new plants before introducing; maintain good air circulation; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen

Spider Mites

Identification: Tiny red or brown specks on leaf undersides; fine webbing between leaves and stems Damage Signs: Stippled, yellowing leaves; bronze or silver discoloration; severe leaf drop Treatment:

• Increase humidity to discourage mites
• Wipe leaves with damp cloth regularly
• Apply miticide for severe infestations Prevention: Maintain humidity above 40%; mist plants regularly; quarantine new plants

Whiteflies

Identification: Small white flying insects that flutter when plant is disturbed; found on leaf undersides Damage Signs: Yellowing leaves; sticky honeydew deposits; sooty mold growth Treatment:

• Use yellow sticky traps to catch adults
• Spray with insecticidal soap every 3 days
• Remove heavily infested leaves Prevention: Inspect regularly; maintain good air circulation; avoid placing near infested plants

Disease Issues

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves and stems; leaves may curl and distort Causes: High humidity combined with poor air circulation; overcrowding of plants Treatment:

• Improve air circulation between plants
• Apply fungicide containing sulfur or potassium bicarbonate
• Remove affected leaves to prevent spread Prevention: Space plants properly; water at soil level; provide morning sun to dry foliage

Gray Mold (Botrytis)

Symptoms: Gray, fuzzy mold on flowers and leaves; brown spots that spread rapidly Causes: Cool, humid conditions; overhead watering; dead plant material left on plant Treatment:

• Remove all affected parts immediately
• Reduce humidity and improve ventilation
• Apply copper-based fungicide Prevention: Deadhead spent flowers promptly; avoid overhead watering; maintain good sanitation

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves despite moist soil; foul odor from soil; plant wilts and doesn't recover after watering Identification: Roots appear brown or black instead of white; mushy texture; easily pull away from plant Treatment:

• Remove plant from pot and trim all affected roots
• Repot in fresh, sterile potting mix
• Reduce watering frequency and ensure proper drainage Prevention: Use well-draining soil; water only when top inch is dry; ensure pots have drainage holes

Root Bound

Symptoms: Roots visible at soil surface; water runs through pot quickly; growth slows despite proper care Identification: Roots circling inside pot; dense root mass when removed from container Treatment:

• Gently tease apart circling roots
• Repot in container 1-2 inches larger
• Trim excessive roots if severely bound Prevention: Repot annually; choose appropriate pot size; monitor root growth through drainage holes

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden wilting; leaf drop; flower buds falling before opening Causes: Rapid temperature changes; exposure to cold drafts or hot air vents Treatment: Move to stable environment; maintain temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C) Prevention: Acclimate plants gradually to new locations; protect from extreme temperatures

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Crispy leaf edges; flower buds drying before opening High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal growth; soft, mushy stems Solutions: Use humidity tray for low humidity; improve air circulation for high humidity Prevention: Maintain 40-50% humidity; monitor with hygrometer

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached or scorched leaves; wilting despite moist soil Too Little Light: Pale leaves; stretched growth; few flowers Solutions: Adjust location based on symptoms; use sheer curtains to filter intense light Prevention: Provide bright, indirect light; monitor plant response and adjust accordingly

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant doesn't respond to treatment within 1 week
• Multiple problems occurring simultaneously
• Unsure of pest or disease identification

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Water when top inch of soil is dry
• [ ] Provide bright, indirect light
• [ ] Maintain temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C)
• [ ] Feed bi-weekly during growing season
• [ ] Inspect weekly for pests and diseases
• [ ] Ensure proper drainage and air circulation

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove damaged parts; adjust care conditions; begin appropriate treatment Week 2-3: New growth should appear; existing symptoms stabilize; continue monitoring Month 1+: Plant shows significant recovery; resume normal care routine; maintain preventive measures

Remember: Most Lobelia 'Cascade Improved Mixed' problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.