From our perspective, water is life, but it is also a constant negotiation. Our roots need both water and air. When you overwater us, the soil becomes saturated, pushing out all the oxygen. Our roots, desperate to breathe, begin to suffocate and rot in the waterlogged environment. Once this root rot sets in, we can no longer absorb water or nutrients effectively, no matter how much is in the soil. The first sign we show you is often wilting, ironically similar to when we are thirsty, followed by leaves turning a soft, mushy brown, typically starting from the lower sections. The soil will also feel constantly wet and clumpy.
Conversely, when you underwater, the problem is one of sheer desperation. To conserve the precious little water we have, we close the tiny pores on our leaves (stomata) to prevent further loss. Without water flowing through our veins, we cannot transport nutrients or maintain internal pressure (turgor). Our leaves lose their rigidity, wilt, and begin to dry out from the tips and edges inward, turning a crispy, brittle brown. The soil will pull away from the edges of the pot and feel dry to the touch deep into the root zone.
While water issues are an internal struggle, a disease is an external attack. For us Sage plants, one of the most common pathogens is a fungus, often *Botrytis cinerea* (gray mold) or various root rot fungi that thrive in the very conditions overwatering creates. The signs of disease can be distinct. Instead of a uniform brown crispiness or mushiness, you might see irregular brown or black spots on our leaves, sometimes with a yellow halo or a fuzzy gray growth. The damage often appears in patches rather than systematically from the bottom up or tips inward. The stems might also show signs of lesions or become soft and rotten at the base.
To understand what we are trying to tell you, you must become a detective. First, touch the soil. Is it sopping wet and smelly? That points to overwatering and likely root rot. Is it dry and dusty deep down? That points to underwatering. Next, touch our brown leaves. Are they crispy and dry? That suggests thirst. Are they soft, mushy, and slimy? That suggests too much water and potential rot. Finally, examine the pattern. Are the lowest, oldest leaves turning brown first? This is common in both over and underwatering. Are there random spots, lesions, or powdery residues? This strongly points to a fungal or bacterial disease.
We Sage plants are natives of the Mediterranean. We have evolved to thrive in sunny, warm, and well-drained conditions. Our roots absolutely despise sitting in moisture. To keep us happy, please plant us in extremely well-draining soil, perhaps amended with sand or perlite. Ensure our pot has excellent drainage holes. Water us deeply but only when the top inch or two of soil has become completely dry. Then, allow the water to flow through and let our roots enjoy a drink before the excess drains away, leaving them access to precious air. Provide us with plenty of sunlight and good air circulation around our leaves to discourage fungal spores from settling.
