If watering is the problem
, trim off shoots and leaves that are dry. They're not going to be resurrected or come back, because they're dead tissue. If it has affected only the tips, you can trim only the burnt part and let the blade go through its life cycle. If the problem is a lack of watering, start by hydrating the substrate very well. You can place the pot inside a bucket of water, leave it for a few minutes to soak well, and then let it drain very well. Prefer to water copiously less frequently, if your fear is to overdo it with water. You can purchase a humidity indicator, which are terracotta instruments that will tell you when it's time to water.
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If it is too much water that has affected the plant, then you can transplant the plant using some fresh substrate, which is not so wet and let it slowly dry out well. Always remember to touch the substrate before watering and if you have doubts, you can always wait another day. It is much easier to recover a plant that has dried out a bit than one that has rotted due to too much water.
If the problem is a lack of
humidityAmbient humidity has nothing to do with watering, so there is no need to change the watering pattern. To increase humidity levels, you only need to spray the leaves of your plants once a day with a fine mist of water. Avoid excesses or waterlogging, because this attracts mold and mildew, use a sprinkler. Another option is to place a plate with pebbles and fill it with water, so that the water evaporates little by little without affecting the roots and leaves of the plant. If it's indoors, you can always get a humidifier. One trick is to group several species with similar characteristics together so that they themselves regulate the ambient humidity. Drardines and ferns are magnificent for this task.
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If the problem is an excess of fertilizer
To remove excess salts or fertilizer on a plant, you must "wash" the substrate. Water profusely, trying to make the large amount of water wash away the compost that has accumulated. If you feel that the problem is much more serious, it is advisable to do a transplant, mixing with fresh substrate to dilute the fertilizer. Don't forget to wash the leaves and stems thoroughly, as well as remove or trim any that have been damaged. In this way, you stimulate the growth of new leaves.
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When the problem is too much sun and extreme temperatures
, it's important to keep non-full-sun plants away from direct rays. Keep them at a safe distance from the window and use thin curtains to filter out excess sun. Avoid watering them from above and/or at times when the sun is high, as the water droplets can act as magnifying glasses and magnify the sun's rays, causing severe burns.
Protect plants from strong breezes and frost. Avoid placing them where there are frequent drafts, such as near doors and windows that open. If they are on the terrace or similar, store them at home as soon as the temperatures start to drop. Also pay attention to the position of the plants. Try not to crowd them too much and be careful that the leaves do not touch the walls, as this also causes stains and other inconveniences.
If the problem is fungi or bacteria
, start by isolating the affected plants. Remove the diseased leaves with scissors and if you see that it has attacked almost all the stems, it is better to do a severe pruning. Dispose of trimmings properly. Never leave them lying near other plants or add them to compost to prevent the spores from spreading further. Remember to disinfect the tools thoroughly with diluted bleach or alcohol after use so that you don't contaminate other plants.
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Use a broad-spectrum fungicide to treat the substrate and the plant. There are homemade mixtures such as baking soda with mineral oil and water, but if the disease is very strong and does not subside, it is better to resort to a good commercial fungicide that can save your plant from the clutches of this problem. In case the infection is too advanced, it is better to discard the plant than to risk contaminating all the others.
Prevent fungal and bacterial infections
- Avoid grouping the plants too tightly, you should allow some air to circulate between them to avoid excessive accumulation of moisture.
- Use a plant sprinkler because this fine dew dries quickly and doesn't build up on the leaves, which can attract mold and other fungus.
- Avoid watering the plants from above, do it directly into the substrate.
- Remember that in winter you don't need to water as often, so you should space out your waterings to avoid excess moisture.
- Always disinfect tools before using them on other plants.
- If one plant has been contaminated, isolate and use the fungicide as a preventative on the other plants, even if they appear to be healthy.
- Avoid watering at night or late in the afternoon to prevent moisture build-up. The best time to water is very early in the morning.
- Plants should be in pots of appropriate size. If they are excessively large, they will accumulate water from watering and can develop fungus.