Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Older leaves turning yellow and dropping, starting from the bottom of the plant, sometimes with green veins remaining visible Common Causes:

• Natural aging process (especially for lower leaves)
• Nitrogen deficiency from poor soil or lack of fertilization
• Overwatering leading to poor root oxygenation

Solutions:

• Remove yellowed leaves to maintain plant appearance
• Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring and early summer
• Check soil drainage and reduce watering frequency if soil stays wet

Prevention: Maintain consistent watering schedule and fertilize twice yearly during growing season

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf edges turning brown and crispy, sometimes progressing to entire leaf, particularly on younger growth Common Causes:

• Winter damage from cold, dry winds
• Salt burn from fertilizer excess or poor water quality
• Drought stress during hot summer months

Solutions:

• Trim damaged foliage in early spring after last frost
• Flush soil with clean water to remove salt buildup
• Deep water during drought periods and add 2-3 inch mulch layer

Prevention: Provide wind protection in winter, use slow-release fertilizers, and maintain consistent moisture levels

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Leaves and stems losing rigidity, drooping downward despite adequate soil moisture Common Causes:

• Root damage from overwatering or root rot
• Transplant shock after moving or dividing
• Extreme heat stress during summer afternoons

Solutions:

• Check root health and repot if rot is present
• Reduce watering and improve drainage immediately
• Provide temporary shade during peak summer heat

Prevention: Plant in well-draining soil, avoid disturbing roots unnecessarily, provide afternoon shade in hot climates

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Sudden or gradual loss of leaves, sometimes affecting entire branches Common Causes:

• Environmental stress from temperature fluctuations
• Root disturbance or damage
• Natural dormancy response in extreme cold

Solutions:

• Maintain stable growing conditions when possible
• Check for root damage and address underlying issues
• Accept some leaf drop as normal in winter months

Prevention: Choose appropriate planting location with protection from extreme weather changes

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Plant remains small, produces few new shoots, lacks vigor compared to typical growth rate Common Causes:

• Poor soil quality or compaction
• Insufficient light (needs at least partial sun)
• Root competition from nearby plants or trees

Solutions:

• Amend soil with compost and ensure proper drainage
• Relocate to brighter location or prune overhead canopy
• Create root barrier or increase spacing from competitors

Prevention: Plant in appropriate location with good soil preparation and adequate space

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Long, weak stems with sparse foliage, plant appears stretched and open Common Causes:

• Insufficient light causing etiolation
• Lack of pruning allowing natural legginess
• Over-fertilization promoting soft growth

Solutions:

• Gradually move to brighter location
• Prune back by 1/3 in late winter to promote bushiness
• Reduce nitrogen fertilization and balance nutrients

Prevention: Provide adequate light and prune annually to maintain compact form

Pest Problems

Aphids

Identification: Small, soft-bodied insects clustering on new growth and flower buds, often green or black Damage Signs: Distorted new growth, sticky honeydew on leaves, sooty mold development Treatment:

• Spray off with strong water stream
• Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly
• Release ladybugs or lacewings for biological control Prevention: Monitor new growth regularly, maintain plant health to resist infestations

Scale Insects

Identification: Small, brown or white bumps on stems and leaves that don't move when touched Damage Signs: Yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew, branch dieback in severe cases Treatment:

• Scrape off with fingernail or soft brush
• Apply horticultural oil during dormant season
• Use systemic insecticide for severe infestations Prevention: Regular inspection and pruning of affected branches, maintain plant vigor

Spider Mites

Identification: Tiny red or brown specks on leaf undersides, fine webbing in severe cases Damage Signs: Stippled or bronzed leaves, premature leaf drop, overall decline Treatment:

• Spray with water regularly to disrupt colonies
• Apply miticide or insecticidal soap
• Introduce predatory mites for long-term control Prevention: Increase humidity around plant, avoid dusty conditions, regular monitoring

Disease Issues

Leaf Spot Diseases

Symptoms: Circular brown or black spots on leaves, sometimes with yellow halos Causes: Various fungal pathogens favored by wet, humid conditions Treatment:

• Remove and destroy affected leaves
• Apply fungicide containing copper or chlorothalonil
• Improve air circulation through pruning Prevention: Water at soil level, avoid overhead irrigation, space plants properly

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves and stems, distorted growth Causes: Fungal infection promoted by poor air circulation and high humidity Treatment:

• Apply fungicide or baking soda solution
• Remove severely affected parts
• Improve air circulation around plant Prevention: Plant in full sun to partial shade, avoid overcrowding, water early in day

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, wilting despite moist soil, foul odor from soil Identification: Dark, mushy roots when examined, healthy roots are white/tan and firm Treatment:

• Remove plant and trim away rotted roots
• Repot in fresh, well-draining soil
• Reduce watering frequency significantly Prevention: Plant in well-draining soil, avoid overwatering, ensure proper drainage

Root Bound

Symptoms: Slowed growth, water runs through pot quickly, roots visible at surface Identification: Circular root mass when removed from container, roots growing through drainage holes Treatment:

• Transplant to larger container or ground
• Tease apart circling roots before replanting
• Prune roots if severely bound Prevention: Repot every 2-3 years, choose appropriate container size

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden leaf drop, wilting, or color change after temperature extremes Causes: Rapid temperature changes, unexpected frost, or extreme heat Treatment: Provide temporary protection, water appropriately, wait for recovery Prevention: Choose cold-hardy varieties for your zone, provide winter protection if needed

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Crispy leaf edges, increased spider mite susceptibility High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal disease development, soft growth Solutions: Group plants together, use pebble trays, or adjust spacing as needed Prevention: Match planting location to natural humidity preferences

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached or scorched leaves, especially on south/west exposures Too Little Light: Sparse growth, poor coloration, legginess Solutions: Relocate plant or provide shade/supplemental light as needed Prevention: Choose appropriate planting location based on light requirements

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant shows no improvement after 2-3 weeks of treatment
• Multiple problems occurring simultaneously
• Unsure of pest or disease identification

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Plant in well-draining soil with organic matter
• [ ] Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots
• [ ] Fertilize twice yearly with balanced fertilizer
• [ ] Prune annually to maintain shape and air circulation
• [ ] Monitor regularly for pest and disease issues
• [ ] Provide appropriate light conditions for variety

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove damaged parts, address immediate issues like drainage or pests Week 2-3: New growth should begin appearing if recovery is successful Month 1+: Full recovery with consistent new growth and improved appearance

Remember: Most Nandina domestica 'Twilight' problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.