From my perspective, rooted in my pot, the most common and dangerous ailment I face is root rot. It begins not with you, but with the care I receive. When my soil is kept too wet for too long, the oxygen around my roots is suffocated. This allows fungi like Pythium and Phytophthora to attack. You might not notice at first, as the problem is hidden. My roots turn brown, mushy, and slimy, losing their ability to drink and feed my leaves. Above the soil, my leaves will signal distress by turning yellow, drooping, and developing brown spots that spread from the center of the leaf outwards, often starting at the bottom of my stem.
To treat this, you must act decisively. Gently lift me from my pot and wash my roots. With sterile shears, cut away all the soft, rotten roots—healthy roots are firm and white. Repot me into fresh, well-draining soil and a clean pot with excellent drainage. Most critically, you must change your watering habits. Only water me when the top 2-3 inches of my soil are dry to the touch.
This disease, caused by Xanthomonas campestris, feels like an invasion. It enters through small wounds or natural openings on my leaves, often spread by splashing water. You will see it as small, dark brown or black spots that appear on new growth. Unlike the spots from root rot, these have a distinctive yellow halo surrounding them and the lesions look wet or soggy. The spots can quickly multiply and merge, causing entire leaves to yellow and drop, severely weakening me.
Treatment requires isolation and precision. Immediately move me away from your other plants to prevent the bacteria from spreading. Using clean, sharp scissors, remove the most severely affected leaves and dispose of them. Avoid misting my leaves, as water on the foliage helps this disease thrive. Ensure I have good air circulation around me. In severe cases, a copper-based bactericide may be applied according to label instructions, but correcting the environment is the most crucial step.
I call this my "crying" symptom. Edema is not a pathogen-based disease but a physiological disorder caused by inconsistent watering. It happens when my roots absorb water faster than my leaves can transpire (release) it. The water pressure causes cells in my leaves to burst, creating small, reddish-brown, corky spots that are often confused with fungal or bacterial issues. These spots are typically scattered and feel slightly raised or scabby.
The treatment for this is all about creating a stable, predictable environment for me. You must establish a consistent watering schedule, allowing my soil to dry out appropriately between drinks. Ensure I am receiving adequate light, as this fuels the transpiration process. Improving air circulation with a gentle fan can also help my leaves manage water more effectively. With consistent care, my new growth will emerge without these blemishes.
This fungal issue appears as if someone has dusted my broad, beautiful leaves with white or gray powdery spots. It is caused by various fungi and thrives in conditions with high humidity and poor air circulation. While it is often less immediately fatal than root rot, it coats my leaves, blocking sunlight and reducing my ability to photosynthesize and create food for myself, leading to stunted growth.
To help me, first wipe my leaves gently with a damp cloth to remove the powdery residue. Improve the airflow around me by ensuring I am not crammed against a wall or other plants. You can treat the fungus by applying a homemade solution of one tablespoon of baking soda and half a teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water, sprayed lightly on my leaves. For more persistent cases, a fungicide labeled for powdery mildew on ornamental plants can be used.
