Million Bells plant dies typically due to improper watering. Calibrachoa shows dying signs due to frost damage. Calibrachoa could also die due to lack of nutrients in the soil.
Million bells plants deserve the name, they produce hundreds of flowers from early summer through fall. They look great ’cause they are hanging plants. It is also called trailing petunia.
When you do not take good care of the plant, Calibrachoa leaves become wilted and then they become crispy, dried, and brown.
Your million bells can survive the dry out(watering issue) two times, but the third time the plant dies.
| Symptoms of Dying Million Bells plant | Reasons behind the dying Million Bells plant |
|---|---|
| Million Bells plant leaves turn brown and roots get rotten. | Overwatering |
| Root systems can become stressed, leading to wilting, browning leaves, and a decline in overall health. | Underwatering |
| When Calibrachoa faces a deficiency in vital elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, its growth can become stunted, leaves may turn yellow, and flowering can be reduced. | Lack of Nutrients |
| If the plants get more nitrogen than required then they fail to absorb adequate water and they won't be able to bloom at all. | Applying Excess Fertilizer |
| When subjected to cold temperatures, it can suffer from frost damage, with leaves wilting and flowers fading. | Dying in Cold Weather |
| If your Calibrachoa is showing signs of weak, spindly growth, few flowers, and an overall unhealthy appearance, it may be in need of more sunlight. | Inadequate Sunlight |
Calibrachoa dying due to Overwatering
Million Bells plant leaves turn brown when the plant gets overwatered. Fungal diseases like root rot are more likely to spread in waterlogged conditions.
Water your Calibrachoa only when the soil feels dry up to an inch below the surface.
Calibrachoa is native to South America and Mexico where the soil is well-draining. The leaves and flowers turn brown when the plant is overwatered.
Root Rot
Calibrachoa roots get rotten when they sit in waterlogged conditions for prolonged periods. A variety of fungal infections are cause root rot in Calibrachoa.
How to fix an overwatered Calibrachoa plant?
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Assess the Soil: Check the soil moisture level by sticking your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it feels soggy, the plant is likely overwatered.
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Stop Watering: Immediately stop watering the plant. Overwatering is often the result of excessive moisture in the soil.
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Remove Excess Water: If the plant is in a container, ensure it has proper drainage holes, and allow excess water to drain out. If it’s in the ground, you may need to create a slight slope to aid drainage.
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Prune Affected Parts: Trim any yellow or wilted leaves and remove any mushy, rotted roots. This will help the plant redirect its energy to healthier growth.
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Repot if Necessary: If your Calibrachoa is in a container and the soil is consistently waterlogged, consider repotting it with well-draining soil.
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Let it Dry: Place the plant in a location with good air circulation and indirect sunlight. Allow the soil to dry out partially but not completely. Check the moisture level regularly.
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Adjust Watering: Going forward, water the plant only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Calibrachoa prefers slightly moist, not saturated, soil.
Calibrachoa dying due to Underwatering
Calibrachoa plants can struggle and even die when they experience underwatering. These vibrant and low-maintenance flowers thrive in consistently moist soil.
When they don’t receive enough water, their delicate root systems can become stressed, leading to wilting, browning leaves, and a decline in overall health.
To keep your Calibrachoa flourishing, be sure to water them regularly, especially during hot and dry spells, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Adding a layer of mulch can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, promoting a healthier environment for your Calibrachoa plants.
Tip: Water your Calibrachoa weekly in a normal climate. Water your Calibrachoa once every 3 or 4 days if there is a heat wave.
How often should I water my Calibrachoa?
Calibrachoa just needs enough water to survive. Check the topsoil(1-2 inches) for moisture either with a tool or your fingers. If it’s completely dry then water the plants.
Either you plant a million bells in a raised bed or hanging pot, make sure it has a good water drainage facility. In the growing season, your plants need to be watered once weekly.
Calibrachoa dying due to Lack of Nutrients
When Calibrachoa faces a deficiency in vital elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, its growth can become stunted, leaves may turn yellow, and flowering can be reduced.
To keep your Calibrachoa plants at their best, it’s crucial to provide them with the nourishment they need, ensuring they continue to dazzle your garden with their enchanting beauty.
Tips to fix the lack of nutrients in Calibrachoa
- Ensure they’re in well-draining soil and receive adequate sunlight.
- Opt for a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content to encourage root development and flower production.
- Regularly monitor soil pH and adjust it to the slightly acidic range of 5.5-6.5 for optimal nutrient absorption.
Calibrachoa dying due to Excess fertilizer
If the plants get more nitrogen than required then they fail to absorb adequate water and they won’t be able to bloom at all. Do a soil test prior to planting for excess nitrogen.
You may be overfeeding the million bells plants. Do not add nitrogen fertilizer to the soil late in the spring or summer.
After a soil test, if you find a good amount of nitrogen in the soil, it’s better to not use nitrogen fertilizer. For best results, fertilize with Magnesium and Nitrogen no later than early May.
How to save an overfertilized Calibrachoa?
- Assess the damage by examining the plant for signs of stress such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth.
- Gently remove the excess fertilizer by thoroughly watering the soil to flush out the accumulated salts. Allow the excess water to drain away.
- Trim back any damaged or yellowed foliage to encourage new growth.
- Provide your Calibrachoa with some shade to reduce stress from intense sunlight, and be sure to water it consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist, but not soggy.
With patience and these corrective measures, your calibrachoa should bounce back, displaying its colorful blooms once more. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to fertilizing these beautiful flowers!
Calibrachoa Dying in Cold Weather
Calibrachoa shows dying signs when the cold weather sets in. When subjected to cold temperatures, it can suffer from frost damage, with leaves wilting and flowers fading.
Calibrachoa is native to South America and thrives in warm, temperate conditions. So, when the chilly grip of cold weather sets in, these delicate blooms can face a dire challenge.
To ensure your Calibrachoa’s survival during colder months, consider providing protective measures like mulching, bringing potted plants indoors, or simply enjoying them as an annual pop of color during the warmer seasons.
Understanding the vulnerabilities of this beautiful plant in cold weather can help you enjoy its blossoms to the fullest
Calibrachoa Needs Adequate Sunlight
If your Calibrachoa is showing signs of weak, spindly growth, few flowers, and an overall unhealthy appearance, it may be in need of more sunlight.
Calibrachoa plants are naturally suited to thrive in open areas within warm climates, enjoying at least 6 hours of sun in their native South American habitat.
To ensure your Calibrachoa reaches its peak health and produces an abundance of vibrant flowers, it’s crucial to position it in the sunniest spot in your garden.
More hours of sunlight not only enhance its aesthetic display but also reduce the risk of root rot by promoting increased evaporation and overall plant health, making it more resilient against diseases.
If you have Calibrachoa in pots or containers, relocate them to an area with full sun exposure, and for hanging baskets, choose a sunny location to help rejuvenate your Calibrachoa plants.
Key Takeaways
- Overwatering can cause brown leaves and root rot. To fix it, assess soil moisture, stop watering, remove excess water, prune affected parts, and adjust your watering schedule.
- Underwatering can lead to wilting and browning leaves. Calibrachoa plants thrive in consistently moist soil, so ensure regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods.
- A lack of nutrients can result in stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with higher phosphorus content and monitor soil pH.
- Excess fertilizer, particularly nitrogen, can hinder water absorption and blooming. Avoid late spring or summer nitrogen fertilization and opt for magnesium and nitrogen earlier in the season.
- Cold weather can cause frost damage, with wilting leaves and faded flowers. Protect your Calibrachoa during colder months with mulching, indoor placement, or treat it as an annual in cold climates.
- Inadequate sunlight can result in weak growth and few flowers. Position your Calibrachoa in the sunniest spot possible to promote healthy growth.