Some of the most common abiotic diseases are due to nutritional imbalances resulting from applications of insufficient or excessive amounts of nutrients. Some of the most dramatic symptoms of nutritional imbalance are caused by deficiencies or toxicities of micronutrients such as boron, copper, and fluoride, things we rarely consider. The fact that we generally grow in a soilless growing media, water alkalinity, and unbalanced nutritional programs all contribute to the problem. An extremely common cause of what you describe is a build-up of soluble salts in soil (plasmolysis).

It can be difficult to recognize symptoms of nutrient disorders because they are often subtle or not unique to the cause. Also, different species may vary widely in their susceptibility to deficiencies or toxicities.

Nutrient deficiencies cause chronic disease in plants. When nutrients are lacking, important molecules like chlorophyll, DNA, proteins, and lipids cannot be manufactured. Enzymes may not carry out important chemical transformat­ions. In general, plant growth is slowed, and susceptibility to disease increases. Containerized plants may be dwarfed, develop chlorosis or necrosis, have fewer flowers, and otherwise be unattractive.

Fixative: repot using a fast soil that drains freely. Learn to water properly and maintain a suitable irrigation/fertilization regimen, making sure that your nutrient supplementation includes the minor elements. Give the plant adequate light.

Al

Thank You!! Al

Then again, it's as likely to be spider mites as anything (lack of humidity would have encouraged them) so if you see any tiny webs between branches and trunk, get out the Safer's Soap spray.

Sorry, Lucy - marginal necrosis (from above: " ... what causes leaf edges to turn brown and dry out?") is no indication of the presence of mites or other insects, regardless of humidity levels. There are other cultural factors/considerations at this time of year in KY that weigh heavily against the plant having a mite presence severe enough to be noticeable, but no need to elaborate there. Also, scale would be far more likely to be the cause. Your advice would ok though - in case the plant did have mites.

Al