Lavender leaves turning yellow

[johnnyrmtl]

Hello all,

I bought this Spanish lavender plant and potted it but I noticed after one month that the leaves on the bottom half are yellowing or less green... what is the problem ? full sun all day and I water it when dry.

thanks

 

[Sheal]

How often do you water it?

 

[johnnyrmtl]

Actually almost daily but I think I need to repot with drainage holes

 

[Sheal]

All pots should have drainage holes to allow excess water to drain away. The roots could be sitting in water at the base something Lavender doesn't like. Some gravel or small stones would be ideal in the bottom too, so that soil doesn't block the holes.

If that's not the problem then it may need feeding, but don't do this for a few weeks if you repot it. The roots need time to settle. Watering regularly tends to flush nutrients from the soil so there is nothing for them to feed from.

 

[johnnyrmtl]

So definitely repot as a start and then what do I do with wilting leaves ?

 

[Sheal]

Don't worry about the leaves at this point, although you may lose some. They should improve and if the roots are sitting in water that will be the problem. With a change of soil in a pot with drainage doesn't make a difference in a month to six weeks, then try feeding it.

 

[johnnyrmtl]

See new pics as I notice new growth as I may have been overwatering it although not sure the impact of the non drainage pot. Should I put some fertilizer . The bottom of pot was not drenched.

When reporting should I break up the roots a bit or loosen them ?

 

[Sheal]

Thanks for the images, they've shed some light on the problem. Although the soil looks slightly damp the roots have filled the pot and taken up all the water.

My suggestion would be to re-pot in a larger pot with drainage holes - adding some new soil. Yes, gently open up the roots to help them grow into the new soil when replanted. Don't use fertiliser until the roots have re-established as the plant will concentrate on new growth instead of the root establishment.

 

[johnnyrmtl]

Thanks for the tips and will do

 

[Sheal]

You're welcome.

 

[johnnyrmtl]

Kudos to all of you for the help with my gardening issues ...this community has been very helpful along with the quick responses since I discovered it.

 

[Black Hills Gardener]

I'm surprised that Lavender is in that good of shape.
You're watering way too much. Water maybe (?) every two weeks. That's in a pot. Preferably longer in the ground. Basically...don't water it.
Repotting water only until it gets established. Then leave it alone.
Only when it gets above 100 f consistently and in a pot should you water every few days.
Lavender doesn't like fertilizer.
Lavender doesn't like good soil. Repot into pumice, or perlite, some gravel, and a small percentage (10%) of coco coir, or compost. A small/thin layer of gravel or pea gravel on top isn't a bad idea.
Get rid of the pot. When you repot into one with holes. Don't let water sit in the tray under the pot.
Make sure the pH is high. 6 to 8. A little lime will raise it.
Most people love their lavender to death.
.
If you're dealing with high heat and a pot. You can line the pot with bubble wrap or a radiant heat sheet. Stop the planting mixture from cooking badly. This is true with plastic pots.
Terra Cotta or clay without any outside finish. Don't worry about the wrap. You need the pot to absorb water. It's a better pot for Lavender.
I have three small lavenders, smaller than yours. I put them in 16 inch terra cotta pots. Reason is they probably (?) won't make it in our winters that reach 20f below zero. Even in the ground. I'll bring them in the house during winter.