Waterlogging;


Waterlogging is a common environmental disorder of houseplants, potted plants, and also plants located in poorly drained soils where the water table is high for an extended period of time. Because waterlogging inhibits root function; it essentially causes the same symptoms as drought conditions would.

Waterlogging is caused by overwatering or too much rain in a poorly drained garden, especially when growth is slow.

Susceptible Plants- House plants and a wide range of woody and herbaceous plants

Symptoms – include yellowing of leaves, dry angular blotches on leaves, general stunting of growth. Root-rotting diseases may also be encouraged. A root sample will show blue-black roots; a typical sign of waterlogging, which may be accompanied by a sour rotting smell.

·  Roots may rot away completely, damaged roots will be blackened and the bark may peel away.
·  The plant can look like it is short of water/wilt and is likely to be due to root decay.
·  There may be dark areas along the midrib, and areas within the leaf go brown, especially in evergreen leaves.
·  Herbaceous plants may fail to sprout in spring, or leaves can open and then die.
·  Plant growth is stunted.

Some plants suffer from a condition called oedema, commonly found on Camellia and Eucalyptus in waterlogged conditions with high levels of humidity. Symptoms include corky patches on the undersides of the leaves

Prevention and Control – When the soil is flooded with water, pores that previously held air become filled with water. Root cells need oxygen to function, and the cells may die if they are deprived of air long enough. Besides causing wilting, waterlogged soils provide ideal conditions for bacteria to attack the damaged roots.

Adjust watering according to plant species and time of the year. Improve drainage of the soil by adding organic soil matter or creating raised beds. For indoor plants and outdoor potted plants make sure the containers can drain well. If the garden is in an area that is generally waterlogged or where the water table is high, grow plants that thrive in that type of environment. 



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