Sage Troubleshooting

Common Diseases

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves

Causes: High humidity, poor air circulation

Solutions:

• Improve air circulation around plants
• Water at soil level, avoid wetting foliage
• Apply neem oil or baking soda solution
• Remove infected leaves immediately

Root Rot

Symptoms: Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth

Causes: Overwatering, poor drainage

Solutions:

• Improve soil drainage
• Reduce watering frequency
• Remove affected plants
• Use well-draining potting mix

Leaf Spot

Symptoms: Brown or black spots on leaves

Causes: Fungal infection, wet conditions

Solutions:

• Remove infected leaves
• Improve air circulation
• Apply copper fungicide
• Avoid overhead watering

Common Pests

Spider Mites

Symptoms: Fine webbing, yellow stippling on leaves

Identification: Tiny red or brown mites

Solutions:

• Spray with water to dislodge mites
• Apply insecticidal soap
• Increase humidity around plants
• Introduce beneficial insects

Aphids

Symptoms: Curled leaves, sticky honeydew

Identification: Small green, black, or brown insects

Solutions:

• Spray with strong water stream
• Apply neem oil
• Introduce ladybugs
• Use insecticidal soap

Whiteflies

Symptoms: White insects flying when disturbed

Identification: Small white moth-like insects

Solutions:

• Use yellow sticky traps
• Apply insecticidal soap
• Introduce beneficial insects
• Remove heavily infested plants

Nutrient Problems

Nitrogen Deficiency

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, stunted growth

Solutions:

• Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer
• Add compost or organic matter
• Use fish emulsion
• Test soil pH

Phosphorus Deficiency

Symptoms: Purple-tinted leaves, poor root development

Solutions:

• Apply phosphorus fertilizer
• Add bone meal
• Check soil pH (should be 6.0-7.0)
• Improve soil drainage

Potassium Deficiency

Symptoms: Brown leaf edges, weak stems

Solutions:

• Apply potassium fertilizer
• Add wood ash
• Use kelp meal
• Improve soil structure

Environmental Issues

Overwatering

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, wilting, root rot

Solutions:

• Reduce watering frequency
• Improve soil drainage
• Check soil moisture before watering
• Use well-draining containers

Underwatering

Symptoms: Wilting, dry soil, brown leaf tips

Solutions:

• Increase watering frequency
• Water deeply and thoroughly
• Add mulch to retain moisture
• Check soil moisture regularly

Heat Stress

Symptoms: Wilting, leaf burn, stunted growth

Solutions:

• Provide afternoon shade
• Increase watering frequency
• Apply mulch
• Use shade cloth

Cold Damage

Symptoms: Blackened leaves, wilting, death

Solutions:

• Provide winter protection
• Use frost cloth or burlap
• Move containers indoors
• Apply thick mulch

Diagnostic Guide

Step 1: Examine the Plant

• Check leaves for discoloration, spots, or damage
• Look for insects or webs
• Examine stems for damage
• Check roots if possible

Step 2: Check Growing Conditions

• Test soil moisture
• Check drainage
• Assess light levels
• Review watering schedule

Step 3: Identify the Problem

• Compare symptoms to known issues
• Consider recent changes in care
• Check for environmental factors
• Look for patterns in affected plants

Step 4: Implement Solutions

• Start with least invasive treatments
• Monitor results closely
• Adjust approach as needed
• Document what works

Prevention Strategies

Cultural Practices

• Plant in well-draining soil
• Provide adequate spacing
• Water at soil level
• Maintain good air circulation

Regular Monitoring

• Check plants weekly
• Look for early warning signs
• Keep records of problems
• Learn from past issues

Healthy Plant Maintenance

• Provide proper nutrition
• Maintain consistent watering
• Prune regularly
• Remove diseased material

When to Seek Help

Professional Consultation

• Problem persists despite treatment
• Multiple plants affected
• Unusual symptoms
• Rapid plant decline

Local Resources

• Extension offices
• Master gardeners
• Local nurseries
• Plant clinics

Emergency Treatments

Quick Fixes

• Wilting: Water immediately
• Pest outbreak: Spray with water
• Disease: Remove affected parts
• Nutrient deficiency: Apply liquid fertilizer

Isolation Procedures

• Quarantine affected plants
• Disinfect tools
• Wash hands after handling
• Monitor nearby plants