Why Are My Lamb's Ear Leaves Mushy? πŸ‘

Stachys byzantina

By Kiersten Rankel

Jun 18, 20244 min read

Lamb's ear
  1. Overwatering leads to mushy leaves and fungal infections like root rot.
  2. Treat with sterilized scissors and water only when top inch of soil is dry.
  3. Improve drainage with perlite/sand and repot with care for plant health.

Spotting Trouble: Signs Your Lamb's Ear is Too Wet

πŸ’¦ Overwatering Symptoms

Wilting leaves and waterlogged soil are like red flags on a beach: they tell you to stop watering and reassess. Lamb's Ear doesn't need a daily drink; it's more of a sip-and-go kind of plant. If the leaves are drooping or the soil feels like a wet sponge, it's time to back off on the H2O.

πŸ„ Telltale Fungal Infections

Fungi love moisture like ducks love water. Root rot and leaf spot are the party crashers here, turning your plant's roots into mush and its leaves into a spotty mess. If you spot brown or yellow patches on the leaves or a funky smell from the soil, it's likely your Lamb's Ear is hosting an unwanted fungal fiesta.

Potted Lamb's Ear plant with some browning leaves and visible soil.

First Aid for Mushy Leaves

🌿 Immediate Steps to Take

Snip the soggy sorrow away. Grab your sterilized scissors and cut off the mushy leaves with the precision of a surgeon. It's a race against rot, so be swift and dispose of the infected foliage like hazardous wasteβ€”no compost heroics here.

πŸ’§ Adjusting Your Watering Habits

Your Lamb's Ear is not a fish; it doesn't need to swim. Check the soil before wateringβ€”two inches deep should be dry. If it's not, back away from the watering can. Embrace a less-is-more philosophy and let the soil's thirst guide you.

πŸ„ Dealing with Fungal Foes

When fungi throw a party, it's time to crash it. Start with organic options like neem oil, and if the invaders persist, escalate to copper-based fungicides. Suit up in your PPE and spray with the focus of a sniper, following the label to the letter. Remember, moderation is your mantraβ€”overdoing it can backfire.

Potted Lamb's Ear plant with sparse, dried stems and dry soil.

Revamping Your Plant's Environment

🌱 Improving Soil Drainage

Perlite and coarse sand aren't just additives; they're your Lamb's Ear's lifeline to better health. These materials are like the bouncers at the club of your potting mix, keeping the clingy water molecules from overcrowding and suffocating your plant's roots. To whip your soil into shape, mix in these gritty heroes for a texture that's loose and breathable. A well-draining soil mix isn't just good practiceβ€”it's a non-negotiable for Lamb's Ear survival.

🏺 Repotting with Care

Repotting isn't just a chore, it's a rescue mission for your waterlogged Lamb's Ear. When you give your plant a new home, think 'drainage or bust.' Choose a pot with holes that mean business, and if you're up for it, throw in a layer of pebbles at the bottom for good measure. Terracotta pots? They're not just a pretty face; they wick away moisture like nobody's business. When you repot, handle those tender roots as if they're fine china, and give them a fresh start in soil that's been pimped out with the right mix of perlite and sand. Remember, snug is good, but straitjacket tight is a no-go. Your Lamb's Ear will thank you with perky, dry leaves that are anything but mushy.

Lamb's Ear plant in a plastic container with visible soil and some browning leaves.

Keeping Your Lamb's Ear Happy and Healthy

πŸ’§ Watering Wisdom

Watering your Lamb's Ear is less about sticking to a strict schedule and more about understanding its needs. Check the soil before watering; if the top inch is dry, it's time to hydrate. Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots, and always water at the base to keep the leaves dry. This isn't a plant that enjoys a wet head.

🌱 Ongoing Soil and Plant Care

To maintain a thriving Lamb's Ear, repot every couple of years with a fresh, well-draining potting mix. This refreshes the soil and gives the roots new space to grow. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and practice good hygiene by removing any dead or decaying leaves promptly. Remember, a clean plant is a happy plant.

Avoid mushy Lamb's Ear leaves and fungal foes πŸ„ by letting Greg remind you to water only when the top inch of soil is dry, ensuring perfect plant health.