Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Lower leaves turn pale yellow and eventually drop off, while newer growth may appear lighter than normal or develop yellow patches between veins Common Causes:

• Overwatering causing poor root oxygen circulation
• Natural aging of lower leaves during active growing season
• Nitrogen deficiency from exhausted soil nutrients

Solutions:

• Reduce watering frequency and ensure soil drains within 30 minutes
• Remove yellowed leaves to redirect energy to healthy growth
• Apply balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength monthly

Prevention: Maintain consistent moisture levels without waterlogging, feed regularly during spring and summer growth periods, and ensure adequate drainage in containers

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf edges turn brown and crispy, progressing inward, often starting at the tips and spreading to entire leaves Common Causes:

• Low humidity, especially in indoor environments
• Fertilizer burn from excessive feeding or concentrated applications
• Intense afternoon sun exposure in hot climates

Solutions:

• Increase humidity to 40-50% using pebble trays or grouping plants
• Flush soil thoroughly with water to remove salt buildup
• Relocate to bright indirect light or provide afternoon shade

Prevention: Monitor humidity levels, dilute fertilizers properly, and position in partial shade during peak summer months

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Leaves and stems lose rigidity and hang downward despite adequate soil moisture, may recover partially overnight Common Causes:

• Underwatering during active growth periods
• Heat stress from temperatures above 80°F (27°C)
• Root damage from recent transplanting or disturbance

Solutions:

• Water thoroughly until excess drains from bottom, then maintain even moisture
• Move to cooler location with morning sun only
• Minimize handling and provide stable conditions for 2-3 weeks

Prevention: Check soil moisture daily during warm weather, provide afternoon shade in summer, and handle roots gently during repotting

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Sudden loss of multiple leaves, including healthy-looking foliage, often triggered by environmental changes Common Causes:

• Temperature fluctuations or cold drafts
• Seasonal dormancy preparation in fall
• Stress from location changes or repotting

Solutions:

• Maintain stable temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Accept natural leaf loss in fall as plant enters dormancy
• Keep in consistent location and avoid frequent moving

Prevention: Position away from heating/cooling vents, gradually acclimate to new locations, and understand natural growth cycles

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Plant fails to produce new leaves or flowers during active growing season, existing foliage remains small Common Causes:

• Pot-bound roots restricting nutrient uptake
• Poor soil quality or depleted nutrients
• Insufficient light for photosynthesis

Solutions:

• Repot into container 2 inches larger with fresh potting mix
• Feed bi-weekly with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Move to brighter location with 4-6 hours morning sun

Prevention: Repot every 2-3 years, refresh top 2 inches of soil annually, and monitor light levels seasonally

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Stems become elongated with sparse foliage, plant loses compact form and reaches toward light sources Common Causes:

• Insufficient light causing phototropism
• Overcrowding with competing plants
• Lack of pinching to encourage branching

Solutions:

• Relocate to brighter spot or supplement with grow lights
• Thin surrounding plants to improve air circulation
• Pinch growing tips to promote bushier growth

Prevention: Provide adequate spacing between plants, rotate container weekly for even growth, and pinch tips regularly in spring

Pest Problems

Aphids

Identification: Small, soft-bodied insects in green, black, or white clusters on new growth and flower buds Damage Signs: Sticky honeydew on leaves, curled or distorted new growth, presence of ants farming aphids Treatment:

• Spray off with strong water stream every 2-3 days
• Apply insecticidal soap solution weekly until eliminated
• Release ladybugs or lacewings for biological control Prevention: Inspect new growth weekly, avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, and maintain good air circulation

Spider Mites

Identification: Tiny red or brown specks on leaf undersides, fine webbing between leaves and stems Damage Signs: Stippled or bronzed leaves, overall decline in plant vigor, webbing visible in severe infestations Treatment:

• Rinse entire plant with lukewarm water focusing on undersides
• Apply neem oil spray every 5 days for 2-3 weeks
• Increase humidity to discourage mite reproduction Prevention: Mist regularly in dry conditions, inspect with magnifying glass monthly, and quarantine new plants

Slugs and Snails

Identification: Silvery slime trails on soil and leaves, irregular holes in foliage, active at night Damage Signs: Large irregular holes in leaves, damage to tender new growth, seedlings consumed entirely Treatment:

• Hand-pick at night or early morning when active
• Create barriers with copper tape or diatomaceous earth
• Use iron phosphate-based baits safe for pets and wildlife Prevention: Remove debris and hiding spots, water in morning to reduce nighttime moisture, and encourage natural predators

Disease Issues

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves and stems, starting as small spots and spreading to cover entire surfaces Causes: High humidity combined with poor air circulation, especially in crowded plantings Treatment:

• Remove affected leaves immediately and dispose in trash
• Apply fungicide containing potassium bicarbonate
• Improve air circulation by thinning surrounding plants Prevention: Space plants adequately, water at soil level to keep foliage dry, and provide morning sun to dry dew quickly

Root Rot (Phytophthora)

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves despite moist soil, musty smell from soil, blackened stem base Causes: Consistently waterlogged soil, poor drainage, contaminated potting mix Treatment:

• Remove from pot and trim all affected roots with sterile scissors
• Repot in fresh, well-draining mix with added perlite
• Reduce watering frequency and ensure proper drainage Prevention: Use containers with drainage holes, avoid saucers that hold water, and sterilize pots before reuse

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Plant wilts despite wet soil, leaves yellow and drop, foul odor from container Identification: Roots appear brown or black and mushy when examined, healthy white roots absent Treatment:

• Remove all diseased roots with sterile pruners
• Dust remaining roots with fungicide powder
• Repot in fresh, sterile potting mix with excellent drainage Prevention: Water only when top inch of soil is dry, ensure pots have adequate drainage holes, and avoid compacted soil

Root Bound

Symptoms: Roots visible through drainage holes, water runs straight through pot, growth slows despite proper care Identification: Dense mat of circling roots when removed from pot, soil breaks apart in root-shaped chunks Treatment:

• Gently tease apart circling roots with fingers
• Trim up to 1/3 of root mass if severely bound
• Repot in container 2-3 inches larger diameter Prevention: Check root growth annually in spring, repot before severe binding occurs, and choose appropriate pot sizes

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden leaf drop, wilting despite adequate moisture, discoloration of foliage Causes: Rapid temperature changes, exposure to cold drafts or hot air vents, frost damage Treatment: Move to stable environment, remove damaged foliage, maintain consistent 65-70°F (18-21°C) Prevention: Acclimate gradually to new locations, protect from temperature extremes, and monitor weather changes

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Brown leaf tips, increased spider mite susceptibility, flower buds dropping High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal growth on leaves, soft rot at stem base, reduced flowering Solutions: Use humidity trays for dry conditions, improve ventilation for excess moisture, aim for 40-50% relative humidity Prevention: Monitor with hygrometer, adjust based on seasonal changes, and group plants appropriately

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached or scorched leaves, especially on south-facing sides, wilting during hottest part of day Too Little Light: Pale green foliage, lack of flowering, stems stretching toward light Solutions: Provide bright indirect light or morning sun only, use sheer curtains to filter intense light, supplement with grow lights if needed Prevention: Observe plant response to current location, adjust seasonally as sun angle changes, and rotate for even exposure

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant continues declining after 2 weeks of corrective care
• Multiple problems occurring simultaneously
• Unusual symptoms not matching common issues

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Check soil moisture before watering - finger test to 2 inches deep
• [ ] Inspect weekly for pest activity, especially on new growth
• [ ] Maintain consistent temperature between 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• [ ] Provide bright indirect light or morning sun only
• [ ] Feed monthly during growing season with diluted fertilizer
• [ ] Ensure excellent drainage in containers and garden beds

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove damaged foliage, adjust care routine, monitor daily for improvement Week 2-3: New growth should begin emerging, continue consistent care, watch for pest resurgence Month 1+: Full recovery expected with proper care, resume normal feeding schedule, assess need for repotting

Remember: Most Polemonium 'Heaven Scent' problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.