Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Older foliage turns yellow starting from the tips and edges, gradually spreading throughout the leaf blade. New growth may appear pale or chlorotic. Common Causes:

• Overwatering leading to root stress and nutrient lockout
• Natural aging of older leaves (normal if limited to bottom foliage)
• Nitrogen deficiency from poor soil or infrequent fertilizing

Solutions:

• Check soil moisture and allow top 2-3 inches to dry between waterings
• Remove yellowed leaves at the base to redirect energy to healthy growth
• Apply slow-release native plant fertilizer in spring if deficiency suspected

Prevention: Establish proper watering schedule based on season and ensure well-draining soil mix with added perlite or coarse sand.

Brown/Crispy Leaves

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

• Low humidity or excessive air movement from heating/cooling vents
• Fluoride or chlorine sensitivity from tap water
• Salt buildup in soil from fertilizer or hard water

Solutions:

• Increase humidity around plant or relocate away from air vents
• Switch to rainwater or filtered water for sensitive specimens
• Flush soil thoroughly with clean water to remove salt deposits

Prevention: Use rainwater when possible, maintain 40-50% humidity, and leach soil every 3-4 months to prevent mineral buildup.

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Normally upright foliage becomes limp and droops downward despite adequate soil moisture. Plant loses its characteristic architectural form. Common Causes:

• Root damage from overwatering or root rot
• Extreme heat stress during summer months
• Transplant shock after repotting or division

Solutions:

• Check roots for rot and trim damaged portions if present
• Provide temporary shade during heat waves above 95°F
• Minimize disturbance to roots and water carefully after transplanting

Prevention: Use well-draining Australian native potting mix and avoid disturbing established root systems unnecessarily.

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Excessive shedding of leaves beyond normal turnover, leaving bare stems or sparse foliage coverage. Common Causes:

• Seasonal adjustment to temperature changes
• Root bound conditions restricting nutrient uptake
• Sudden environmental changes (light, temperature, location)

Solutions:

• Maintain consistent growing conditions during transition seasons
• Repot if roots are circling or emerging from drainage holes
• Gradually acclimate plant to new conditions over 7-10 days

Prevention: Repot every 2-3 years and avoid sudden environmental changes, especially during active growth periods.

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Little to no new growth during spring/summer growing season. Plant remains same size for extended periods. Common Causes:

• Insufficient light (needs bright indirect to partial sun)
• Compacted or depleted soil lacking nutrients
• Root bound conditions limiting expansion

Solutions:

• Move to brighter location with 4-6 hours filtered sunlight
• Refresh top 2-3 inches of soil with quality potting mix
• Divide congested clumps or upgrade to larger container

Prevention: Provide adequate light year-round and refresh soil annually with organic matter or slow-release fertilizer.

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Unusually long, weak stems with sparse foliage. Plant loses compact, tufted appearance. Common Causes:

• Insufficient light causing etiolation
• Excessive nitrogen fertilizer promoting soft growth
• Lack of periodic trimming to maintain shape

Solutions:

• Relocate to brighter position with morning sun exposure
• Reduce fertilizer frequency and switch to balanced formula
• Trim back stretched growth by 1/3 to encourage bushiness

Prevention: Ensure minimum 4 hours bright indirect light daily and trim annually to maintain dense growth habit.

Pest Problems

Scale Insects

Identification: Small brown or white oval bumps attached to leaf blades and stems. May appear waxy or cottony. Damage Signs: Yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew residue, sooty mold growth on foliage Treatment:

• Scrape off visible scales with fingernail or soft brush
• Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap thoroughly
• For severe infestations, use systemic insecticide as directed Prevention: Regular inspection of new growth and leaf undersides, quarantine new plants for 2 weeks before introducing.

Mealybugs

Identification: White, cotton-like masses in leaf joints and crown. Slow-moving insects visible under fluff. Damage Signs: Stunted growth, leaf yellowing, sticky honeydew deposits Treatment:

• Dab individual bugs with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol
• Spray with neem oil solution weekly until eliminated
• Remove heavily infested leaves and dispose in sealed bag Prevention: Avoid overwatering which creates favorable conditions, maintain good air circulation around plants.

Grasshoppers

Identification: Various species of jumping insects that chew irregular holes in foliage Damage Signs: Ragged holes in leaves, missing leaf sections, droppings on foliage Treatment:

• Hand-pick grasshoppers in early morning when less active
• Apply diatomaceous earth around plant base as barrier
• Use floating row covers during peak grasshopper season Prevention: Remove weedy areas near plantings that harbor grasshoppers, encourage natural predators like birds.

Disease Issues

Leaf Spot (Fungal)

Symptoms: Circular brown or black spots with yellow halos on foliage. Spots may merge in humid conditions. Causes: High humidity, poor air circulation, overhead watering splashing spores Treatment:

• Remove and destroy affected leaves immediately
• Apply copper-based fungicide according to label directions
• Improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage Prevention: Water at soil level, space plants adequately, remove fallen leaves promptly to reduce disease spread.

Crown Rot

Symptoms: Base of plant becomes soft and mushy, foliage yellows and collapses from center outward Causes: Overwatering, poor drainage, planting too deeply, high humidity at soil level Treatment:

• Remove plant from soil and trim all rotted tissue
• Dust cuts with fungicide and allow to callous overnight
• Replant in fresh, sterile, well-draining mix Prevention: Ensure crown sits slightly above soil level, use gritty mix, water only when top 2 inches are dry.

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves despite moist soil, foul odor from pot, mushy brown/black roots when examined Identification: Healthy roots are white/cream colored and firm. Rotted roots are brown/black and mushy. Treatment:

• Remove from pot and wash roots clean of soil
• Trim all affected roots with sterile scissors
• Repot in fresh, dry, well-draining mix and withhold water for several days Prevention: Use pots with drainage holes, never let plant sit in standing water, use well-draining Australian native mix.

Root Bound

Symptoms: Roots circling pot interior, emerging from drainage holes, water runs straight through pot Identification: Dense mat of roots visible when removed from pot, minimal soil remaining Treatment:

• Carefully tease apart circling roots or make vertical cuts
• Repot in container 2 inches larger or divide plant
• Water thoroughly after repotting and monitor closely Prevention: Repot every 2-3 years in spring, choose appropriate pot size for mature plant dimensions.

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden leaf drop, browning, or wilting after temperature extremes. Growth stops abruptly. Causes: Exposure to temperatures below 25°F or above 110°F, rapid temperature swings Treatment: Move to protected location, remove damaged foliage, maintain consistent temperatures Prevention: Protect from frost in zones 7 and below, provide afternoon shade in extreme heat, acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions.

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Brown leaf tips, increased pest susceptibility, slower growth rate High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal growth, soft spots on leaves, crown rot risk Solutions: Maintain 40-60% humidity using pebble trays or grouping plants, ensure adequate air movement Prevention: Monitor humidity levels, adjust based on season, avoid misting which can promote disease.

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached or scorched leaves, brown patches on sun-exposed sides Too Little Light: Sparse growth, loss of golden coloration, weak stems Solutions: Provide bright indirect light or morning sun with afternoon shade, rotate plant quarterly Prevention: Observe plant response and adjust location seasonally as sun angle changes.

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant continues declining despite treatment efforts
• Unsure of pest or disease identification
• Valuable specimen at risk of loss

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Water only when top 2-3 inches of soil are dry
• [ ] Ensure pot has adequate drainage holes
• [ ] Provide bright indirect light or partial sun
• [ ] Fertilize lightly in spring with native plant food
• [ ] Inspect regularly for pests and diseases
• [ ] Maintain good air circulation around plant

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove damaged portions, adjust care conditions, begin appropriate treatment Week 2-3: Monitor for new growth, continue treatments, maintain optimal conditions Month 1+: Expect visible recovery signs, resume normal care routine, assess overall health

Remember: Most Lomandra longifolia 'Miners Gold' problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.