Three Tips on How to Deal with Wilted Nursery Plants

24 October 2018
 Categories: Home & Garden, Blog

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One of the most common reasons why trees fail after being transplanted from the nursery is wilting. Wilted plants often have characteristics such as droopy leaves, yellowish stems and brownish patches. There are a number of reasons why plants could experience wilting, and when it happens, it is sometimes hard, if not impossible, to recover them. Understanding why wilting happens is the first step in ensuring that your plants stay healthy from the nursery to the actual garden.

Giving the plants the right amount of water

Dry soil is the most common reason why plants wilt. When the soil lacks water, the nutrients are unable to get a medium to dissolve in. The roots are also unable to draw in the nutrients because there is no medium to allow osmosis and other transport mechanisms to take place. As a result, the plants end up wilting. Droopy leaves and stems are an indication that the soil might be too dry and that the plant is not getting the nourishment that it needs. The solution is to water the plants deeply and ensure that moisture levels get as deep as four inches below the surface of the soil.

Avoid overwatering the plants

Not many gardeners know that overwatering their plants can also cause wilting. Wilting is common in potted plants whose containers do not have an adequate drainage system. Excess moisture causes root rot, and when the roots are rotten, they will not be able to provide the plant with the nutrients needed to nourish and keep it healthy. It is, therefore, important to remember that for plants to be healthy, the soil needs to be moist and not wet.

Wilt disease

The most common causes of wilting are temporary and can be rectified; however, when it comes to wilt disease, the entire plant's vascular system is attacked by bacteria and other nematodes. The pathogens eat away at the trees, making it impossible for the plant to get proper nutrition. The xylem and phloem are attacked, and it becomes impossible for them to carry nutrients to the leaves. This results in wilting.

Other causes of wilting include extremely high temperatures, infertile soil and too much sunlight. All the conditions that lead to wilting, except wilt disease, can be rectified. You just need to consult your gardening professional about the right amount of water needed by your plants to thrive. Healthy growth results when you provide the right moisture, sunshine, temperature and nutrients to your plants.

Learn more from your local wholesale tree nursery.