Also known as : Albanian spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger', Wulfen spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger'
Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger' is cultivated from Mediterranean spurge. It is known as 'Tasmanian Tiger' for the variegated leaves similar to tiger stripes. Unlike other plants in the genus, mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger' leaves have more white than green. It gives the variegated plant a striking appearance gardeners love. They also appreciate its hardiness.
Hardiness Zones
7 to 10
Care Guide for Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger'
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Watering Care
Average water needs, watering when the top 3 cm of soil has dried out.
Common Pests & Diseases About Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger'
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Common issues for Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger' based on 10 million real cases
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Leaf rot
Leaf rot is a fungal disease causing serious damage to Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger', including discoloration, stunted growth, and eventual death. Prompt identification and control measures can protect the plant from further damage and potentially save it.
Scars
Any light-colored markings that appear on stems but which do not enlarge or multiply are simply scars that have healed.
Solutions: Each source of scarring requires a different approach to help your plant recover. Protect the trunk and leaves from physical damage like scrapes. If pests or disease are the cause of scarring, isolate the plant from others to avoid further spread. Some pests can be removed with organic remedies such as a soft cloth and soapy water solution or diluted isopropyl alcohol spray. Stop sunburn by moving your plant away from direct sunlight and making sure it has the water it needs. Frequent leaf or bud loss may be due to insufficient light or nutrients.
Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.
Underwatering
Leaves may wilt for a variety of reasons.
Solutions: The easiest (and most obvious) way to address underwatering is to fully hydrate the plant. However, this must be done carefully. A common mistake that many gardeners make is to douse their underwatered plants with water. This can overwhelm the roots of the plant and shock its system, something that can be even more damaging than the lack of water to begin with. Instead, water thoroughly and slowly, taking breaks to let the water slowly saturate through the soil to get to the roots. Use room temperature water, as cold water might be too much of a shock. In the future, shorten the time between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil around each plant daily. If it’s dry to at least two inches down, it’s time to water. If a container plant is repeatedly drying out very quickly, repotting into a slower-draining container might be a good idea, too.
Leaf rot
Overview
Symptom
Causes
Treatment
Prevention
Active Period
What is Leaf rot Disease on Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger'?
Leaf rot is a fungal disease causing serious damage to Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger', including discoloration, stunted growth, and eventual death. Prompt identification and control measures can protect the plant from further damage and potentially save it.
Symptom Analysis
Main symptoms on Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger' include yellowing of leaves, wilting, stunted growth, water-soaked spots on leaves, followed by browning and the eventual rotting and falling off of leaves.
What Causes Leaf rot Disease on Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger'?
1
Fungus
This disease is primarily caused by various waterborne fungi including Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia species.
2
Environmental condition
Overwatering, poor drainage, and high humidity can create conditions conducive for fungal growth, leading to leaf rot.
How to Treat Leaf rot Disease on Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger'?
1
Non pesticide
Reduce watering: Overwatering can encourage fungal growth. Reduce the amount of watering to ensure the soil isn't perpetually wet.
Improve drainage: Improve soil drainage by adding compost or other organic materials. Repotting the plant with new, well-draining soil can also help.
2
Pesticide
Fungicide application: Apply a broad-spectrum fungicide that targets the common fungi causing leaf rot. Always follow the product's instructions for best results.
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Scars
Any light-colored markings that appear on stems but which do not enlarge or multiply are simply scars that have healed.
Symptom Analysis
Scars form when the plant repairs wounds. They can be the result of people or pets passing by and scraping the plant. Once the underlying issue is resolved, the plant will heal but a scar may remain.
Pests and pathogens can also cause scarring. Insects may attack the plant for a meal, resulting in extensive scarring when a few invaders turn into an infestation. Diseases such as fungus and bacteria can weaken the plant, causing brown spots, mushy areas, or blisters that lead to scars.
Scars occur on stems when a leaf or bud has been lost and the plant has healed. The harder tissue is like a scab that protects a wound.
On other occasions, scars can signal problems from environmental conditions, such as overexposure to sunlight or heat. It might surprise you to know that plants can suffer from sunburn, even desert dwellers like cactus!
Solutions
Each source of scarring requires a different approach to help your plant recover.
Protect the trunk and leaves from physical damage like scrapes.
If pests or disease are the cause of scarring, isolate the plant from others to avoid further spread. Some pests can be removed with organic remedies such as a soft cloth and soapy water solution or diluted isopropyl alcohol spray.
Stop sunburn by moving your plant away from direct sunlight and making sure it has the water it needs.
Frequent leaf or bud loss may be due to insufficient light or nutrients.
Prevention
Preventing some sources of scarring is easier than others, but all start with careful attention to your plants once you decide to bring them home.
Review specific guidelines for your plant, including soil drainage, watering, and fertilizer requirements.
Inspect plants before planting and use sterile pots and fresh potting soil or media to limit transfer of fungi or bacteria.
Once established, check your plants regularly for signs of scarring or the presence of pests, as it is better to catch problems as early as possible.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
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Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Overview
Discolored spots on the foliage of plants are one of the most common disease problems people observe. These spots are caused by fungal and bacterial diseases, with most infections related to a fungal pathogen.
Brown spot can occurs on all houseplants, flowering ornamentals, vegetable plants, and leaves of trees, bushes, and shrubs. No plants are resistant to it, and the problem is worse in warm, wet environments. It can occur at any point in the life stage as long as leaves are present.
Small brownish spots appear on the foliage and enlarge as the disease progresses. In severe cases, the plant or tree is weakened when the lesions interrupt photosynthesis or cause defoliation.
Symptom Analysis
In most cases, brown spot only affects a small percentage of the whole plant, appearing on a small amount of the leaves. A small infection only puts minor stress on the plant. However, if left untreated and the disease progresses over numerous seasons, it will severely impact the health and productivity of the infected specimen.
Sporulation begins (reproduction of the fungal spores), and tiny spots appear on leaves.
Placement is often random and scattered as diseases are spread through raindrops.
May appear on lower leaves and the interior of the plant where humidity is higher.
Brown spots enlarge and grow large enough to touch neighboring spots to form a more prominent blotch.
Leaf margins may turn yellow.
Tiny black dots (fruiting bodies of the fungi) appear in the dead spots.
Blotches grow in size until the entire leaf is brown.
The leaf falls off the plant.
Severe Symptoms
Partial or complete premature defoliation
Reduced growth
Increased susceptibility to pests and other diseases
Disease Cause
Brown spot, or leaf spot, is a common descriptive term given to several diseases affecting the leaves of plants and trees. Around 85% of diseases exhibiting leaf spots are due to fungus or fungus-like organisms. Sometimes brown spot is caused by a bacterial infection, or insect activity with similar symptoms.
When conditions are warm and the leaf surfaces are wet, fungal spores being transported by wind or rain land on the surface and cling to it. They do not rupture the cell walls but grow in the space between the plant plasma membrane and the plant cell wall. As the spores reproduce, they release toxins and enzymes that cause necrotic spots (i.e., dead tissue) on the leaves, allowing the fungi to consume the products released when the cells degrade.
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Underwatering
Leaves may wilt for a variety of reasons.
Overview
Underwatering plants is one of the quickest ways to kill them. This is something that most gardeners are well aware of. Unfortunately, knowing exactly how much water a plant needs can be tricky, especially considering that underwatering and overwatering present similar symptoms in plants.
Therefore, it’s important to be vigilant and attentive to each plants’ individual needs.
Symptom Analysis
As mentioned earlier, overwatering and underwatering present similar symptoms in plants. These symptoms include poor growth, wilted leaves, defoliation, and brown leaf tips or margins. Ultimately, both underwatering and overwatering can lead to the death of a plant.
The easiest way to determine whether a plant has too much water or too little is to look at the leaves. If underwatering is the culprit, the leaves will look brown and crunchy, while if it’s overwatering, they will appear yellow or a pale green in color.
When this issue first begins, there may be no noticeable symptoms at all, particularly in hardy or drought-tolerant plants. However, they will begin to wilt once they start suffering from a lack of water. The edges of the plant’s leaves will become brown or curled. Soil pulling away from the edges of the planter is a telltale sign, or a crispy, brittle stem.
Prolonged underwatering can cause a plant’s growth to become stunted. The leaves might drop and the plant can be more susceptible to pest infestations, too.
Disease Cause
Underwatering is caused by, quite simply, not watering plants often or deeply enough. There is a heightened risk of underwatering if any of these situations apply:
Extreme heat and dry weather (when growing outdoors)
Grow lights or indoor lighting that is too bright or intense for the type of plant
Using fast-draining growing media such as sand
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Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
More Info on Mediterranean Spurge 'tasmanian Tiger' Growth and Care
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Basic Care Guide
Common Pests & Diseases
Transplant
24-36 inches
The best occasion to transplant mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger' is from the awakening of spring until the cusp of summer. Choose a spot with ample sunlight and well-draining soil. Gentle handling of roots can encourage a seamless transition.
A striking variegated evergreen, mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger' thrives with selective pruning to remove faded inflorescences and maintain shape. Pruning should occur post-bloom to encourage bushier growth and can continue into summer. Early fall pruning is beneficial, but avoid late cuts that can lead to frost damage on new shoots. Careful handling is necessary due to the plant's toxic sap. Pruning enhances the plant's robust form and vibrant foliage, ensuring a year-round ornamental display.
Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger' is a distinct perennial with variegated foliage and striking flower spires. For effective propagation, semi-hardwood cuttings are the key. Taking cuttings from fresh, green growth ensures a higher success rate. Carefully cut below a leaf node and remove lower foliage before planting into a well-draining substrate. Maintaining a moist environment and warm temperature aids in root development. Rooting hormone can be applied to the base of the cutting to stimulate root growth. Once rooted, transplant cuttings into individual pots to develop a stronger root system before planting out.
Leaf rot is a fungal disease causing serious damage to Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger', including discoloration, stunted growth, and eventual death. Prompt identification and control measures can protect the plant from further damage and potentially save it.
Read More
Branch withering
Branch withering is a disease that negatively impacts the vitality of Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger', leading to dieback and decreased ornamental value. It can be caused by various factors ranging from pathogens to environmental stress.
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Mushrooms
Mushroom disease in Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger' leads to growth decline and potential plant death. This guide provides an overview of pathogen causes, symptoms, activity periods, cures, infectiousness, lethality, prevention, and FAQs.
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Leaf tip withering
Leaf tip withering is a plant disease affecting Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger', which leads to the browning and drying of leaf tips, impacting overall photosynthesis. It's mainly caused by unsuitable environmental conditions like temperature fluctuation, dehydration, and nutrient imbalances.
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Soil fungus
Soil fungus is a common ailment affecting Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger' plants, causing discoloration, stunted growth, and potentially plant death. The disease impacts the plant's root system and overall vitality.
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Notch
Notch disease, a physiological disorder affecting Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger', is characterized by notched leaves and stunted growth. It occurs due to environmental stress and poor cultural practices.
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White blotch
White blotch is a disease causing aesthetic and health issues in Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger'. It manifests as irregular white spots on foliage, potentially leading to weakened growth and increased susceptibility to stress.
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Spots
Spots on Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger' are a disease causing discoloration and possibly leaf drop. Severity varies based on conditions and care, impacting the ornamental value and health of the plant.
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Dark spots
Dark spots on Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger' indicate a disease affecting its foliage and overall health, leading to aesthetic decline and potentially inhibited growth.
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Black mold
Black mold, commonly caused by the fungus Alternaria, impacts Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger' by reducing photosynthesis, causing leaf spots, and potential defoliation. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and can lead to plant weakening or death if untreated.
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Stem rot
Stem rot is a fungal disease causing decay in the Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger'. It leads to wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of affected parts, severely impacting the plant’s health and appearance.
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Scars
Scars on Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger' are physical damages rather than a disease, affecting the plant's appearance and potentially exposing it to pathogens. Healthy specimens usually overcome minor scarring with new growth.
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Leaf yellowing
Leaf yellowing is a common disease affecting Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger', characterized by discoloration and weakening of the plant, potentially leading to reduced vigour or death if untreated.
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Leaf blotch
Leaf blotch is a fungal disease that disfigures the foliage of Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger', causing aesthetic damage and potentially reducing the plant's vigor if severe infestations occur.
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Leaf wilting
Leaf wilting is a plant disease that targets the foliage of Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger', causing wilting, dehydration, and potentially death. Poor watering habits, stress factors, and specific pathogens such as fungal infections majorly contribute to this disease. It's moderately infectious and lethal if untreated.
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Whole leaf withering
Whole leaf withering is a disease afflicting Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger', characterized by the decline in vigor and discoloration of foliage. It can spread rapidly and lead to plant demise if untreated.
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Yellow edges
Yellow edges is a disease primarily affecting Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger''s foliage. The condition indicates a nutrient deficit, which inhibits the plant's photosynthesis process, leading to yellow, curling leaf edges. It's a non-infectious disease but can prove lethal for Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger' if left unchecked.
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Mealybug
Mealybugs are pesky pests that infest 'Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger'' by sucking sap, which leads to stunted growth and malformed leaves. They are prevalent in warm climates and can be controlled through both chemical and non-chemical means.
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Scale insect
Scale insects are pests that infest and damage Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger', causing yellowing leaves, wilt, and growth retardation. These insects feed on sap, weakening the plant significantly.
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Non-base branch withering
Non-base branch withering is a disease affecting Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger', exhibiting symptoms such as branch shrinkage and leaf desiccation. The condition significantly impairs the plant's aesthetics and health.
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Dark blotch
Dark blotch is a foliage disease that adversely affects the aesthetic appeal and overall health of Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger'. It's characterized by dark spots on the plant's leaves, often leading to leaf drop, stunted growth, and in severe cases, plant death.
Read More
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About
Care Guide
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Pests & Diseases
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Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger'
Euphorbia characias 'Tasmanian Tiger'
Also known as: Albanian spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger', Wulfen spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger'
Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger' is cultivated from Mediterranean spurge. It is known as 'Tasmanian Tiger' for the variegated leaves similar to tiger stripes. Unlike other plants in the genus, mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger' leaves have more white than green. It gives the variegated plant a striking appearance gardeners love. They also appreciate its hardiness.
Hardiness Zones
7 to 10
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Care Guide for Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger'
Common Pests & Diseases About Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger'
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Common issues for Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger' based on 10 million real cases
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Leaf rot
Leaf rot is a fungal disease causing serious damage to Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger', including discoloration, stunted growth, and eventual death. Prompt identification and control measures can protect the plant from further damage and potentially save it.
Learn More About the Leaf rot
Scars
Any light-colored markings that appear on stems but which do not enlarge or multiply are simply scars that have healed.
Solutions: Each source of scarring requires a different approach to help your plant recover. Protect the trunk and leaves from physical damage like scrapes. If pests or disease are the cause of scarring, isolate the plant from others to avoid further spread. Some pests can be removed with organic remedies such as a soft cloth and soapy water solution or diluted isopropyl alcohol spray. Stop sunburn by moving your plant away from direct sunlight and making sure it has the water it needs. Frequent leaf or bud loss may be due to insufficient light or nutrients.
Learn More About the Scars
Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.
Learn More About the Brown spot
Underwatering
Leaves may wilt for a variety of reasons.
Solutions: The easiest (and most obvious) way to address underwatering is to fully hydrate the plant. However, this must be done carefully. A common mistake that many gardeners make is to douse their underwatered plants with water. This can overwhelm the roots of the plant and shock its system, something that can be even more damaging than the lack of water to begin with. Instead, water thoroughly and slowly, taking breaks to let the water slowly saturate through the soil to get to the roots. Use room temperature water, as cold water might be too much of a shock. In the future, shorten the time between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil around each plant daily. If it’s dry to at least two inches down, it’s time to water. If a container plant is repeatedly drying out very quickly, repotting into a slower-draining container might be a good idea, too.
Learn More About the Underwatering
Leaf rot
Overview
Symptom
Causes
Treatment
Prevention
Active Period
What is Leaf rot Disease on Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger'?
Leaf rot is a fungal disease causing serious damage to Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger', including discoloration, stunted growth, and eventual death. Prompt identification and control measures can protect the plant from further damage and potentially save it.
Symptom Analysis
Main symptoms on Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger' include yellowing of leaves, wilting, stunted growth, water-soaked spots on leaves, followed by browning and the eventual rotting and falling off of leaves.
What Causes Leaf rot Disease on Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger'?
1
Fungus
This disease is primarily caused by various waterborne fungi including Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia species.
2
Environmental condition
Overwatering, poor drainage, and high humidity can create conditions conducive for fungal growth, leading to leaf rot.
How to Treat Leaf rot Disease on Mediterranean spurge 'Tasmanian Tiger'?
1
Non pesticide
Reduce watering: Overwatering can encourage fungal growth. Reduce the amount of watering to ensure the soil isn't perpetually wet.
Improve drainage: Improve soil drainage by adding compost or other organic materials. Repotting the plant with new, well-draining soil can also help.
2
Pesticide
Fungicide application: Apply a broad-spectrum fungicide that targets the common fungi causing leaf rot. Always follow the product's instructions for best results.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Scars
Any light-colored markings that appear on stems but which do not enlarge or multiply are simply scars that have healed.
Symptom Analysis
Scars form when the plant repairs wounds. They can be the result of people or pets passing by and scraping the plant. Once the underlying issue is resolved, the plant will heal but a scar may remain.
Pests and pathogens can also cause scarring. Insects may attack the plant for a meal, resulting in extensive scarring when a few invaders turn into an infestation. Diseases such as fungus and bacteria can weaken the plant, causing brown spots, mushy areas, or blisters that lead to scars.
Scars occur on stems when a leaf or bud has been lost and the plant has healed. The harder tissue is like a scab that protects a wound.
On other occasions, scars can signal problems from environmental conditions, such as overexposure to sunlight or heat. It might surprise you to know that plants can suffer from sunburn, even desert dwellers like cactus!
Solutions
Each source of scarring requires a different approach to help your plant recover.
Protect the trunk and leaves from physical damage like scrapes.
If pests or disease are the cause of scarring, isolate the plant from others to avoid further spread. Some pests can be removed with organic remedies such as a soft cloth and soapy water solution or diluted isopropyl alcohol spray.
Stop sunburn by moving your plant away from direct sunlight and making sure it has the water it needs.
Frequent leaf or bud loss may be due to insufficient light or nutrients.
Prevention
Preventing some sources of scarring is easier than others, but all start with careful attention to your plants once you decide to bring them home.
Review specific guidelines for your plant, including soil drainage, watering, and fertilizer requirements.
Inspect plants before planting and use sterile pots and fresh potting soil or media to limit transfer of fungi or bacteria.
Once established, check your plants regularly for signs of scarring or the presence of pests, as it is better to catch problems as early as possible.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Overview
Discolored spots on the foliage of plants are one of the most common disease problems people observe. These spots are caused by fungal and bacterial diseases, with most infections related to a fungal pathogen.
Brown spot can occurs on all houseplants, flowering ornamentals, vegetable plants, and leaves of trees, bushes, and shrubs. No plants are resistant to it, and the problem is worse in warm, wet environments. It can occur at any point in the life stage as long as leaves are present.
Small brownish spots appear on the foliage and enlarge as the disease progresses. In severe cases, the plant or tree is weakened when the lesions interrupt photosynthesis or cause defoliation.
Symptom Analysis
In most cases, brown spot only affects a small percentage of the whole plant, appearing on a small amount of the leaves. A small infection only puts minor stress on the plant. However, if left untreated and the disease progresses over numerous seasons, it will severely impact the health and productivity of the infected specimen.
Sporulation begins (reproduction of the fungal spores), and tiny spots appear on leaves.
Placement is often random and scattered as diseases are spread through raindrops.
May appear on lower leaves and the interior of the plant where humidity is higher.
Brown spots enlarge and grow large enough to touch neighboring spots to form a more prominent blotch.
Leaf margins may turn yellow.
Tiny black dots (fruiting bodies of the fungi) appear in the dead spots.
Blotches grow in size until the entire leaf is brown.
The leaf falls off the plant.
Severe Symptoms
Partial or complete premature defoliation
Reduced growth
Increased susceptibility to pests and other diseases
Disease Cause
Brown spot, or leaf spot, is a common descriptive term given to several diseases affecting the leaves of plants and trees. Around 85% of diseases exhibiting leaf spots are due to fungus or fungus-like organisms. Sometimes brown spot is caused by a bacterial infection, or insect activity with similar symptoms.
When conditions are warm and the leaf surfaces are wet, fungal spores being transported by wind or rain land on the surface and cling to it. They do not rupture the cell walls but grow in the space between the plant plasma membrane and the plant cell wall. As the spores reproduce, they release toxins and enzymes that cause necrotic spots (i.e., dead tissue) on the leaves, allowing the fungi to consume the products released when the cells degrade.
Solutions
In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary.
Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading.
Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear.
Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread.
Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.
Prevention
Like many other diseases, it is easier to prevent brown spot than cure it, and this is done through cultural practices.
Clear fall leaves from the ground before winter to minimize places where fungi and bacteria can overwinter.
Maintain good air movement between plants through proper plant spacing.
Increase air circulation through the center of plants through pruning.
Thoroughly clean all pruning tools after working with diseased plants.
Never dispose of disease plant material in a compost pile.
Avoid overhead watering to keep moisture off of the foliage.
Keep plants healthy by providing adequate sunlight, water, and fertilizer.
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Underwatering
Leaves may wilt for a variety of reasons.
Overview
Underwatering plants is one of the quickest ways to kill them. This is something that most gardeners are well aware of. Unfortunately, knowing exactly how much water a plant needs can be tricky, especially considering that underwatering and overwatering present similar symptoms in plants.
Therefore, it’s important to be vigilant and attentive to each plants’ individual needs.
Symptom Analysis
As mentioned earlier, overwatering and underwatering present similar symptoms in plants. These symptoms include poor growth, wilted leaves, defoliation, and brown leaf tips or margins. Ultimately, both underwatering and overwatering can lead to the death of a plant.
The easiest way to determine whether a plant has too much water or too little is to look at the leaves. If underwatering is the culprit, the leaves will look brown and crunchy, while if it’s overwatering, they will appear yellow or a pale green in color.
When this issue first begins, there may be no noticeable symptoms at all, particularly in hardy or drought-tolerant plants. However, they will begin to wilt once they start suffering from a lack of water. The edges of the plant’s leaves will become brown or curled. Soil pulling away from the edges of the planter is a telltale sign, or a crispy, brittle stem.
Prolonged underwatering can cause a plant’s growth to become stunted. The leaves might drop and the plant can be more susceptible to pest infestations, too.
Disease Cause
Underwatering is caused by, quite simply, not watering plants often or deeply enough. There is a heightened risk of underwatering if any of these situations apply:
Extreme heat and dry weather (when growing outdoors)
Grow lights or indoor lighting that is too bright or intense for the type of plant
Using fast-draining growing media such as sand
Solutions
The easiest (and most obvious) way to address underwatering is to fully hydrate the plant. However, this must be done carefully. A common mistake that many gardeners make is to douse their underwatered plants with water. This can overwhelm the roots of the plant and shock its system, something that can be even more damaging than the lack of water to begin with.
Instead, water thoroughly and slowly, taking breaks to let the water slowly saturate through the soil to get to the roots. Use room temperature water, as cold water might be too much of a shock.
In the future, shorten the time between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil around each plant daily. If it’s dry to at least two inches down, it’s time to water. If a container plant is repeatedly drying out very quickly, repotting into a slower-draining container might be a good idea, too.
Prevention
Always check the soil before watering. If the top inch of soil feels moist, though not wet, the watering is perfect. If it’s dry, water it immediately. If it feels soggy, you avoid watering until it dries out a bit more.
Also, make sure the lighting is sufficient for the species. Plants grow faster and need more water when there is intense light or lots of heat. Being aware of these conditions and modifying them, if possible, is a good way to prevent underwatering. Many container plants are potted in soil mixtures mean to be well-draining. Adding materials that retain moisture, like compost or peat moss, can also prevent these symptoms.
Other tips to prevent underwatering include:
Choose pots with adequately-sized drainage holes
Avoid warm temperatures
Use large pots with additional soil (these take longer to dry out)
Avoid terracotta pots, which lose water quickly
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