My leaves are brown with a few holes. What’s the fix?
0ft to light, indirect
14” pot
Last watered 1 month ago
1
@AlacritousKaro Brown spots
Overwatering: Brown spots in the middle of leaves that spread to the edges are a sign of overwatering. This can also be accompanied by yellowing or dropping leaves.
Solution: Ensure proper drainage, use a fast-draining soil, and let the top inch of soil dry before watering again.
Root rot: Mushy, dark brown or black spots can indicate bacterial or fungal root rot, often caused by overwatering.
Solution: Gently inspect the roots. If mushy, cut off the rotten parts and repot the plant in fresh, sterile, and fast-draining soil.
Underwatering: Crispy, dry brown patches can mean the plant needs more water. This may also occur if the plant is root-bound and the soil isn't absorbing water correctly.
Solution: Water more frequently, checking the soil first. If the plant is root-bound, repot it into a larger pot.
Pests: Small dark spots could be from pests like spider mites.
Solution: Look for tiny moving dots, webbing, or sections that appear eaten away. Treat with neem oil or a leaf armor spray.
Nutrient deficiency: Brown spots on the leaf edges while other parts of the plant are yellowing can point to a lack of phosphorus.
Solution: Use a balanced fertilizer, ideally with a 3-1-2 N-P-K ratio.
Holes
Low humidity: Tears in new leaves that won't repair can be from dry air. Buds can stick to themselves and tear as they unfurl.
Solution: Use a humidifier, place the plant in a humid room like a bathroom, or mist new buds daily.
Physical damage: Holes can be from physical trauma, such as leaves being bent or cracked.
Solution: Be more gentle with the plant. The holes themselves will not heal, but you can prune the damaged leaves once the plant is otherwise healthy.
Pests: Some insects eat holes in the leaves.
Solution: Inspect for pests and treat with neem oil or a leaf armor spray as described for brown spots. Make sure that the pot has drainage holes, since the excess water needs to drain off.
Overwatering: Brown spots in the middle of leaves that spread to the edges are a sign of overwatering. This can also be accompanied by yellowing or dropping leaves.
Solution: Ensure proper drainage, use a fast-draining soil, and let the top inch of soil dry before watering again.
Root rot: Mushy, dark brown or black spots can indicate bacterial or fungal root rot, often caused by overwatering.
Solution: Gently inspect the roots. If mushy, cut off the rotten parts and repot the plant in fresh, sterile, and fast-draining soil.
Underwatering: Crispy, dry brown patches can mean the plant needs more water. This may also occur if the plant is root-bound and the soil isn't absorbing water correctly.
Solution: Water more frequently, checking the soil first. If the plant is root-bound, repot it into a larger pot.
Pests: Small dark spots could be from pests like spider mites.
Solution: Look for tiny moving dots, webbing, or sections that appear eaten away. Treat with neem oil or a leaf armor spray.
Nutrient deficiency: Brown spots on the leaf edges while other parts of the plant are yellowing can point to a lack of phosphorus.
Solution: Use a balanced fertilizer, ideally with a 3-1-2 N-P-K ratio.
Holes
Low humidity: Tears in new leaves that won't repair can be from dry air. Buds can stick to themselves and tear as they unfurl.
Solution: Use a humidifier, place the plant in a humid room like a bathroom, or mist new buds daily.
Physical damage: Holes can be from physical trauma, such as leaves being bent or cracked.
Solution: Be more gentle with the plant. The holes themselves will not heal, but you can prune the damaged leaves once the plant is otherwise healthy.
Pests: Some insects eat holes in the leaves.
Solution: Inspect for pests and treat with neem oil or a leaf armor spray as described for brown spots. Make sure that the pot has drainage holes, since the excess water needs to drain off.
