Blackening of leaves in dracaena and sticky plaque on an orchid: the cause of the problem and its solution
Hello, I have 2 questions:
1) Dracaena leaves turn black. She was bought in a store 2 weeks ago, until she was transplanted. What's the matter with her? And how to save?
2) On orchids, sticky plaque, everything around on the windowsill is sticky. What it is?
Subject to the rules of caring for indoor plants, they rarely get sick. However, sometimes, for one reason or another, incomprehensible processes begin to occur with the flower, and its appearance loses its former attractiveness. This is primarily reflected in the deciduous mass. So, what do the described problems in dracaena and orchids indicate and how to save the plants?
Blackening of leaves in an adult dracaena
Since the photo above shows that the flower is old enough, the cause of blackening must be sought in violation of the conditions of its maintenance or watering. Black spots on the leaves can appear as a result of:
- Excessive moisture. Dracaena does not tolerate overflow. As a result of frequent watering, moisture stagnates in the pot, which means that air does not flow to the root system and it does not "breathe". For this reason, nutrients cease to flow to the flower, and it begins to die. First, spots appear on the leaf plates, and then the trunk itself becomes soft and sheds the leaves. Solution to the problem: let the earthy coma dry well, then loosen it carefully. Water only when the soil is dry, in small portions, and make sure that the remaining liquid in the pot does not stagnate. Blackened leaves should be removed, even if all are damaged. During the year the flower will be renewed.
- Low temperature and drafts. Dracaena is very thermophilic and dies when the room temperature is below 18 degrees Celsius. The leaves first turn black, and then completely fall off. The same reaction of the plant to drafts. Solution to the problem: if hypothermia was not long-lasting, the flower can be saved by cutting and rooting a non-frozen top or a healthy stalk.
In the case when all the leaves of the dracaena have turned black, it is almost impossible to save it.
Sticky bloom on orchids
Appearance on the leaves orchids sticky plaque may indicate the following:
- The sticky liquid released in small amounts serves to attract pollinating insects.
- The orchid is so protected from pests that die in sticky drops.
- Too frequent feeding provoke excess sugar in the flower, which begins to stand out in the form of a sticky coating. It is necessary to reduce feeding, and possibly completely change the substrate, so that rotting does not begin.
- Irregular watering, or rather a lot of liquid at one time after prolonged water "starvation". Dry the soil and check drainage. If the pot is on an overly lit windowsill, rearrange it.
- The presence of pests (mites, scale insects, worms, aphids) or a disease with powdery mildew.
If a sticky coating is found, orchid leaves should be carefully inspected for insects. If they are found, treat the flower with appropriate preparations and put it separately.
It is recommended to wash the sheet plates using soap.