My plant looks sick

[Hyper_Eye]

My plant is not looking so good the last couple of days. I think it may not have much time left so I am hoping you guys can offer some advice.

http://www.huntsvegas.org/salvia/salvia_sick1.jpg

http://www.huntsvegas.org/salvia/salvia_sick2.jpg

[kessie]

deleted

[Hyper_Eye]

Does this plant look like it is ready for a cutting? If so where would you recommend taking the cutting from? Obviously this is an outside plant. I have been thinking that as soon as I take a cutting I will have one inside and see what works out better.

[Hyper_Eye]

I saw what you wrote in the channel and what you pm'ed me. Sorry I missed you. Thanks for the help. I will try to catch you later to talk about getting a cutting.

[Veracohr]

How long have you had this plant? Did it look okay before this? How long did it look okay?

It looks like it's being eaten. Check on the undersides of the leaves for whitefiles or whitefly larvae (tiny whitish lumps) or any other bug.

[Hyper_Eye]

This is how it looked when I received it:

http://www.huntsvegas.org/salvia/salvia1.jpg

http://www.huntsvegas.org/salvia/salvia2.jpg

It has grown quite a bit since then and has been looking good until a couple days ago. I looked at it today and it looked like the pictures in the first post. I will look for bugs.

[Amomynous]

Describe the water you use.

[freeseeker]

When considering a sick plant, you have a number of variables to look at: soil, sunlight, water, fertiliser, container, bugs.

First thing I'd do, is I'd get the plant out of the plastic pot and put it in a clay one.  The clay pots 'breathe', which will help prevent root rot.  

Then look at the soil.  If you repot the plant into a clay pot, put some rocks in the bottom of the pot to help with drainage.  Use a rich dark soil, like Scott's potting soil and mix in a bit of composted cow manure, along with some perlite.  you want a fluffy soil mix that will drain well.

Next, take a look at what kind of water you're using.  Sometimes tap water has excess minerals it in and those minerals can hurt a plant.  Think about using distilled water.  you may also want to adjust how often you water.  With a clay pot, I only have to water about every 4-5 days (because the plant will start wilting after that, which means she's thirsty).

Then take a look at what kind of fertiliser you're using.  Some folks like the Miracle Grow for azaleas.  It's more acidic.  But there are organic alternatives, if you prefer that path. If you are already using fertiliser, consider how often you're giving it to the plant.

Check your plant carefully for bugs.  Look for white aphids and spider mites.  Spider mites are really tiny, but you can see them and if the infestation is really bad, you can see the webs they weave between leaves.  Tackling them is a project unto itself, so google 'spider mites' and check out the various methods.  In the interim, you can gently hose them off the leaves (be sure to check the undersides of the leaves, that's where they like to hang out).

Good luck!
Anon

[laughingwillow]

Anon: That all makes sense ot me, bro. Except that the soil mix appears a bit rich for sally's taste, imo.

lw

[Jupe]

looks like soil and moisture issues to me.....(.could be radically fluctuating humidity, but probably not in Ala.....or heat or sun burn on leafs....)

try the clay pot, quick draining soil, no ferts for awhile, park in a coolish moist , "bright shade"  to let it recover.... Hope this helps.