What's Wrong With My Plant?

When a plant seems to be suffering and you're not sure what to do, don't overreact. Instead, sort through all the possibilities. Chances are you'll be able to figure out the exact cause of the problem and take the appropriate measures to deal with it. "If, despite your best efforts, the plant doesn't respond well to the treatment," says master gardener Paul James, "rip it out and try something else." Here, he offers suggestions for how to diagnose and treat common plant problems.

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Fungal Disease

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Fungal diseases appear on leaves as discolorations--black, white or rust-colored spots--or as powdery or moldy growths (shown above). They may also cause leaves to become distorted (shown to the right). In some cases they cause odd growths such as golf-ball-sized galls. Bacterial diseases can cause similar symptoms but generally kill plants rather quickly. Fungal diseases tend to cause a slow death.

To avoid having fungal disease in the first place:

If possible, avoid using disease-prone plants.

Provide good air circulation around plants by properly spacing them apart.

Water around the base of plants, instead of on the leaves.

Rake and remove fallen leaves of infected plants.

Apply a fresh layer of mulch to garden beds at the beginning of the growing season.

If fungal disease is a problem in your garden, consider applying a fungicide. A wide variety of fungicides are available on the market, and there are a number of homemade remedies. Find out more on the prevention and treatment of fungal disease.