What's wrong with my plant? How to 'read' your leaves

What's wrong with my plant? How to 'study' your leaves

Having beautiful plants in your home or garden is an easy way to show off the green finger. If the condition of your plants starts to question whether you really have any potential as a gardener, there is no need to worry. This helpful guide will give you simple tips to help you play herbalist.

Plants, like people, need certain conditions to thrive. Lack of sunlight (or too much), too much water (or too little), and bugs are just some of the things that can make a plant sick from a momentary shock. Take a look at some of the reasons why your plant may not thrive.

Insects:

Errors can cause a surprising amount of damage, especially considering how small they are. You will notice bugs living in the leaves and you can even find holes where the bugs enjoy lunch. Try spraying the plant with pesticides.

Water:

This is usually most obvious when your plant does not have enough water, but you can water more than one plant. If too much water is applied, the leaves will turn yellow and wither. Try replanting the plant in soil with good drainage and keep one hand light when watering.

Sunlight:

 If the plant hangs and looks tired, it may not get enough sunlight. The sun helps the plant to produce the food it needs to grow. Make sure your plant gets enough sunlight and move it to a brighter place.

In addition to water and sunlight, the plant may need the stimulation of minerals to keep more berk in its leaves. Common deficiencies include potassium, zinc, nitrogen, and iron. Yellow or pale discoloration throughout the leaf at the margins is a sign that one or more of the plants are deficient in minerals.

Plants need a combination of micro and macronutrients to thrive. These nutrients are essential for healthy plant growth. Macronutrients such as calcium, sulfur, magnesium, and nitrogen are found in lime and/or natural fertilizers. Plants need micronutrients such as boron, copper, iron, chloride and zinc to grow, but they are in short supply, according to North Carolina agriculture. Adequate micronutrients are obtained by adding grass clippings to the plants.

Look at the plants and monitor them for small changes so that water, sunlight, or nutrient levels can be adjusted at the first sign of trouble.

How to keep your plants healthy? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Disgusting