Overwatered lantana is a result of a common gardening mistake and can lead to an unhealthy plant. This condition is not to be taken lightly as it can hamper the plant by causing stunted growth or yellowing leaves.
In this article, we help you identify the common symptoms of overwatering and how you can easily fix them.
JUMP TO TOPIC
Lantana Overwatering Symptoms
Wilting plant, yellow leaves, and slow growth are some visible symptoms of an overwatered lantana. There are some easy to identify visual cues that indicate that the lantana plant has been overwatered. Here are the tell-tale symptoms:
- Signs of wilting: You will find limp stalks and droopy leaves.
- Yellow leaves: You will find lantana leaves curling up and turning yellow. They can also develop light brown or white spots at the tips.
- Stunted or slow growth: The blooms are slow and the buds fail to mature fully.
- Fungal spots: You can also spot mold or fungi growth on leaves, soil and stems.
An overwatered Lantana is not only an unpleasant sight but is weak and prone to diseases. Thus, a little care and caution are much needed to make them thrive.
How Much Water Does Lantana Need?
Lantana plants usually need to be watered twice or three times a week. Lantana watering depends on the stage the plant is in as well as the environment it is being grown in. Find the details listed below.
– Newly Planted Lantana
At this stage, lantana plants require regular watering. The roots need to develop and establish themselves in the soil, so letting the soil go dry at this stage is not advisable. Water the plant slowly so the soil can absorb it well right up to the roots. Once the roots establish themselves, these hardy plants will not require as much water.
– A Thriving Lantana
Lantanas are typically drought tolerant plants once they mature. At this stage, one inch of water once a week should be sufficient to keep the plant thriving. Being consistent in watering helps the blooms grow to a big size.
– Lantana Plants in Pots and Hanging Baskets
Plants in pots and hanging baskets are more exposed to air in comparison to those planted directly in the ground. The roots evaporate water faster, so plants in these renvironments equire more frequent watering.
The best way to know if you need to water these lantana plants is to stick your finger deep into the soil. If it is still moist, avoid watering.
– Lantana Plants in the Ground
Lantana plants in the ground spread their roots out and develop a broader root network. Water the plant depending upon the moisture in the soil. Typically, these plants will require watering once a week. To hold the moisture in the soil, layer the ground soil with mulch.
– Seasonal Requirements
In hot dry summers, lantana plants will require more frequent watering. Schedule watering of the plant twice or thrice a week depending on how quickly the soil dries up. In winter months, cut back on lantana water requirements to half an inch of deep soil once every week.
How To Save an Overwatered Lantana
Removing excess water and changing the soil are vital steps to save an overwatered lantana plant. You can still try to save overwatered lantana and prevent the lantana dying by following these steps as soon as possible.
– Remove Excess Water
In the case of a potted lantana, if you can see standing water at the base of the plant, tilt the container and drain it out. You can also elevate the pot at an angle to drain out more water.
– Do Not Water for Some time
If you have ended up overwatering your lantana plant, stop watering the plant immediately. Wait until the soil dries out and dig your finger in the soil to check the moisture level before you water it again.
– Check the Drainage
Lantana plants require well-drained soil. The pot or container it is in needs to have holes that can freely permit the flow of excess water. Check to see if these drainage holes are clogged.
Clear up any debris in the soil that may be hampering water drainage. You can layer the pot with a layer of gravel or pebbles to ensure the water drains out easily.
– Tackle Root Rot Immediately
Check for root rot by carefully pulling the plant from the soil to inspect the roots. Healthy roots will be firm and the infected roots will be brown and mushy. Decaying roots will smell foul as well.
If you have identified root rot, cut the decayed roots carefully with a garden snipper. Leave the healthy white sections of the root intact. You can also use an antifungal powder in the soil to prevent any occurrence of fungal disease from root rot.
– Change the Potting Soil
Changing the potting soil is a good way to get the plant back to good health. Repot the plant or transplant it into fresh and well-drained soil.
– Change the Pot Size
Larger pots can be a problem for small lantana plants. These pots contain more soil and thus take in more water. They drain out slowly as well. If your lantana is small and the pot is big, consider moving it to a container that is just right for it.
– Avoid Fertilizer Use
Do not fertilize the plant when it has been overwatered. Wait until the soil drains out and returns to an almost normal moisture condition. Excess water puts the plant under stress conditions and the use of fertilizer at this time may just aggravate the situation.
– Aerate the Soil
Aerate soggy soil by making tiny holes with a chopstick. Exercise caution here to not damage the delicate roots. Aerating the soil gives the roots more air to dry out water, reducing any further damage to the plant.
Care
Lantana plants are easy to grow with minimal care. Here are a few suggestions to keep them growing healthy and blooming.
– Do Not Wait for the Top-soil To Dry
The biggest mistake most gardeners make is letting the top-soil dry out completely. Do not wait to water the lantana plant until the topsoil completely dries out. The top-soil requires a constant level of light moisture.
– Increase Ventilation
Lantana plants require airy and ventilated spaces to thrive in. They need a bounty of air circulation, which helps to regulate temperature. If your lantana is in a shady place or placed indoors, avoid keeping it in dingy corners.
– Water During the Right Time
The right time to water your lantana plant is in the early mornings. This will ensure the moisture in the soil evaporates and drains well throughout the day under the direct light of the sun.
– Check the Soil pH
The pH of the soil can affect plant health as well as the number of blooms your lantana will produce. Lantana plants require slightly acidic soil with pH levels between 5.5 to 6.5. The plant blooms fully in this acidic condition.
Check the acidity level of your soil. In case you need to increase the level, mix some acid soil enhancer into the soil. You can use the same mix for alkaline soils too.
– Place Them Under the Sun
Lantana plants love the sun. Place them in bright sunlight for the plant to thrive and produce full blooms. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
– Provide the Proper Soil
Lantana plants require well-draining soil. Use a sandy, soil-less mix to grow the plant.
– Prune Regularly
Prune the plant regularly and remove any wilted stems and deadheads. This will help promote a fresh bounty of flowers.
– Monitor the Temperature
Lantana plants are hardy plants that need warmth and sunshine. They will struggle to survive in very low temperatures. Move your plant indoors or to a warmer place when temperatures drop.
– Tackle Pests
Common pests that affect lantana plants are spider mites, aphids, mealybugs and whiteflies. Tackle any infestation at the earliest moment with a soapy insecticidal spray.
– Fertilize the Plant
Lantana plants are light feeders and do not require much fertilizer use. A diluted liquid fertilizer should do the job. Too much fertilizer can reduce the number of blooms.
FAQ
What are the signs of root rot in an overwatered Lantana?
Signs of root rot in overwatered Lantana include wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and a foul odor from the soil.
What color does Lantana turn when overwatered?
Lantana may not change color when overwatered, but leaves may appear waterlogged or discolored.
Should I let my overwatered Lantana dry out?
Yes, allowing the overwatered Lantana to dry out can help prevent further damage from root rot. Ensure proper drainage and adjust watering schedule accordingly.
Conclusion
You have now understood how overwatering can hamper the growth of lantana plants. Let us summarize what we learned about how we can prevent and save an overwatered lantana plant:
- Overwatered lantana plants can wilt, develop root rot, and produce yellowing leaves.
- The amount of water a lantana plant requires depends on the container it is in, the season, and the environment it is growing in.
- Save an overwatered Lantana by removing excess water and changing its soil.
- Tackle root rot immediately by snipping off the affected sections.
- Aerate the soil by pricking tiny holes to let the soil drain out water faster.
- Care for the lantana by providing it with better ventilation, soil and regular pruning.
After having read our guide on the lantana plant and its water requirements, you can now easily prevent damage due to overwatering. So go ahead and grow thriving lantana plants with colorful blooms in your garden.
