Expert: Mike Mascio - 6/19/2007

Question
Hi Mike, My impatients have started to sport yellow spots on their green leaves.  Don't think I'm over-watering as I water these annuals each time they begin to wilt:  approx. every other day.  Why the yellow spots?  By the way, they are not planted in the ground, but rather in the plastic containers within which they were purchased.  Looking forward to your answer with great expectation.  Much Thanks, Catherine in St. Petersburg, FL

Answer
Catherine, although this problem is often a result of overwatering, other factors can cause the same symptoms. Leaves turn yellow when the roots cannot absorb nutrients from the soil. This can be caused by saturated roots resulting from overwatering, poor soil, or the plants being root-bound. Given the fact you are growing these plants in plastic containers, I would suspect the latter.

You either need to move the plants to larger containers or transplant them outdoors. This will give the roots a chance to spread and take in water and nutrients more efficiently.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike