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Overwatering Diagnosis and Remedies

Water seems to be a homeowner’s biggest problem, and more times than not, too much water is the problem. Excessive water in the soil deprives the plant of oxygen. It destroys the root system, thus the plant looks wilted and often the homeowner thinks the plant needs more water, compounding the initial problem. Some signs of over-watering are: Wilted plants when the soil is moist, stunted growth, no new growth, blackened stems and/or water stained edges on the leaves, and a general decline of the plant.

Clay soils are the toughest to predict for water content as clay holds water, is tighter (less oxygen in the first place), and many plants are somewhat intolerant of these conditions. Soil modifiers like gypsum help and should be applied yearly until the soil no longer appears to be of clay consistency (clay soil when wet forms a ball in your hand).

Aeration of the soil by breaking up the surface is one way to help an over-watered plant. Covering the plant with plastic will help prevent further water loss from the top while the root system recovers (be sure to leave some vent holes to prevent heat build up.)

An old rule for watering plants is when you water, water deeply and less often. Freshly planted new plants need to be hand watered directly into the plant for the first week, just as though it were in a pot. The number of times of waterings is then reduced each week until watering is only done during dry periods. A plant that is a little on the dry side will usually recover faster than one that is over-watered. Most of your plants (There are exceptions, please ask us about individual plants.) prefer a dryer type soil. Some plants prefer soils that do not completely dry out. Extra peat moss in those areas will help keep soils moister.

The first year is the most critical and observation of the plant’s growing conditions should be noted several times a week. Checking the new growth gives you the best clues as to what is happening.

Let us know about any specific problems, and we will do our best to give you the answers.