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Plant tissues physiologically respond to stress in many ways. One sign your plant is stressed is wilting, or the loss of rigidity in the non-woody part of the plant. If plants are wilted for too long, they will eventually die.

Recent droughts over the last few summers have made wilting a common issue. Ontario farmers have seen lost profits as fruits and vegetables are unable to grow properly. Corn and soybean farmers found wilted plants leading to lower than expected production. Last summer in Vancouver the city called on residents to help water city trees and report any that look unhealthy. Summer 2018 was one of the driest Vancouver summers in nearly a century.

As we get through another summer, it’s important to understand why plants wilt, what it means and how to prevent it.

Not enough water

Even non-gardeners know that plants need water to survive. Lack of water changes the internal pressure of the plant’s cells, making the plant smaller and less full. The decrease in size and surface area is a survival tactic to reduce the impact of water loss.

Low water availability can occur for several reasons:

Drought conditions causing soil to be too dry
Low temperatures that prevent the plant’s vascular system from functioning properly
High salinity causing water to diffuse from plant cells
Too much water causing overly saturated soil (see below)
Disease-causing microorganisms clog the plant’s root system

Potted plants have less soil volume than plants in the ground, and therefore need more watering. Potted plants should be watered to the point that water drains all the way through the pot. Plants have different water requirements, so it’s always good to do your research.

Too much water

Seemingly contradictory, too much water can lead to wilting because it prevents the soil from getting water to the plant. Overly saturated soil prevents roots from obtaining oxygen for cellular respiration, making them unable to transport water to the plant. Too much water near plant roots can cause root rot and other fungal diseases that lead to wilting. Reducing watering and making sure plants have proper soil drainage will help prevent overwatering.

Poor lighting

Plants can wilt due to too much or too little lighting. While some plants require six hours of sunlight a day, others prefer shade to grow. Plants with too little light grow weakly, developing pale foliage. Plants can develop sunburn, where their leaves turn yellow or brown and eventually wilt and die.

Insect damage

Some insects use plants as a drinking fountain, sucking out a plant’s juices. Common garden pests like aphids, mites and squash bugs are all plant dehydrators. Plants who are already lack water are especially susceptible.

Bacteria and fungi

When your plant hosts disease-causing microorganisms, they compete for the plant’s resources. A common fungal disease is verticillium wilt, causing affected plant leaves turn yellow and wilt. Sending a soil sample to the lab can help determine what’s causing plant wilt.

Wilting might be a natural process that is not always permanent. To learn more about preventing plant wilt, contact one of the team at Soil Advocates [email protected] or 289-221-0164.

_____________________

Soil Advocates Inc. is a Canadian corporation founded with enthusiasm for plant and soil interactions and is a result of the growing need for supportive scientific services in many horticultural and related trades. Our primary goals include providing clients with the latest in plant and soil sciences and connections to exciting environmental technologies. The significance and understanding of soil environments as dynamic buffers to increasing climate change and urban densifications, drive Soil Advocates Inc. daily. Our 3 core service areas, Research, Education & Training and, EcoServices, provide clients with the opportunity to obtain expertise in scientific communication, pilot projects, feasibility plans, cost/benefit analyses and creative problem-solving strategies.

Dr. Leanne J Philip, BSc. (Hon.); MSc.; PhD. is the Managing Director & Chief Scientist of Soil Advocates Inc. She studied at the University of Guelph as an undergraduate (Plant Biology, Environmental Management and Urban Horticulture) and as a graduate student (Plant & Soil Interactions). She has a keen interest in soil sciences, which lead her to the University of British Columbia in Vancouver for doctoral studies in soil carbon sequestration and movement within British Columbia’s clear-cut soils. Further work in soil sciences in Europe and Canada reinforced Dr. Philip’s belief that soil processes and mechanisms below ground drive aboveground aesthetics and plant interactions. While active in both research, mentorship and teaching, most recently Dr. Philip has been working in applied soil sciences in industry and community outreach. Dr. Philip is a native of southern Ontario and is a strong advocate for scientific literacy within her community and responsible environmental stewardship.

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Not enough water

Too much water

Poor lighting

Insect damage

Bacteria and fungi

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