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In a suitable location, the rhododendron is actually one of the easy-care plants. The plant is also very rarely affected by diseases. Mistakes in care, on the other hand, can have a significant impact on the overall picture, problems almost always first appear in the area of the leaves.
Leaves go limp
It is a bit reminiscent of a sad hare, the rhododendron when it lets its leaves hang down. This is how the plant fights a stressful situation and avoid drying out. Actually, leaving the leaves hanging is a protective function.
Stressful situations for the rhododendron are mainly due to care errors. This is how the plant reacts to extreme heat or cold as well as to a lack of liquid.
causes
The foliage loses strength, hangs down tiredly and curls up. Once the cause is eliminated, the plant recovers very quickly.
care mistakes
The worst care mistakes at a glance:
- Pour with water that is too cold
- Environment too cold or too warm
- rapid temperature changes
- Waterlogging or a lack of fluids
- impermeable substrate
Diseases
Not only through care mistakes, but also with an existing root fungus there is a risk of limp leaves. To avoid this, either a drainage be present or the soil must be mixed with sand. It is important that there is no waterlogging, as this will damage the rhododendron in the long term.
Is the root rot to blame for the fact that the rhododendron leaves are hanging down, there is a risk of the plant dying off completely. The fungus Phytopthora, which is known to be the cause of the rot, blocks the root systems and the plant is no longer supplied with nutrients.
Once the symptoms appear, all salvation for the rhododendron is lost. Root rot can no longer be cured, so it must be prevented. Bark humus and peat ensure good drainage in advance and can prevent fungi from having a chance.
Other diseases in rhododendrons
This is a dreaded plant disease that can be triggered by fungi bud dieback. The buds turn black and are covered with a layer of fungus.
The recommended treatment method is to remove the affected buds. Be careful not to put the infested clippings on top of the compost or near other plants, as it highly infectious is.
brown buds on rhododendron
Correct care mistakes
Most care mistakes can be corrected with simple measures, which then also results in an improvement in plant health:
- check the location of your plant. If it is too warm or too cold, the leaves hang
- Avoid direct sunlight, especially in summer
- prevent waterlogging by laying drainage
- moving to another place should be done carefully
- rapid climate change must be avoided
- make sure that the soil is always slightly moist
With the right care, the rhododendron is a very grateful, plant life companion that spreads a lot of joy and oxygen.
