Lavender Turning Brown & Withered?

13 years ago

Hi.
My mom gave me some lavender plants.
They were planted in well draining soilless mix, and exposed to lots of sun (and heat).
I water them sparingly and keep the soil from becoming too wet for prolonged periods of time (read that lavender hates getting their root soaked). I water every other day when the soil becomes dry.
I have had them for 3-4 months now but have noticed them to have lost vigor : they're not of a healthy green color but somewhat pale green to almost brown grey, with the stems turning dark brown as well.

Are they a goner?
What am I doing wrong?
Please help. I had no success growing them from seeds for a year hence they were given to me; first time herb gardener here.

Thanks

Featured Answer

Daisyduckworth

13 years ago

While mature lavender plants can tolerate a limited amount of drought conditions, lavender can really take quite a bit of water, as long as you've provided good drainage. Potted plants will always use much more water than plants in the garden. And a small pot will always dry out much more quickly than a large pot.

Potting mixes, when allowed to dry out completely, become water repellent. The solution is to immerse the pot, plant and all, in a bucket or tub of water, leave until the air bubbles cease to rise to the surface, remove. This redydrates the 'soil', enabling the roots to access the moisture once again.

I suggest your plants are dying of thirst. 'Tolerates some drought when mature' does NOT mean 'likes desert conditions'.

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Comments (9)

fatamorgana2121
13 years ago
Can you share a photo of your plants? Photos help tell a lot of the story and what might be happening.

That said, lavender can often be various shades of grey-green but brown is not a healthy color. It is the color of dead foliage. Potted plants can get baked - literally - in their pots. I see you are zone 11, perhaps the pots are getting too much heat and you are cooking your plants?

FataMorgana
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sammyyummy
Original Author
13 years ago
IVe included pictures for your assessment. Please keep your insights coming.
sammyyummy
Original Author
13 years ago
an up close view
sammyyummy
Original Author
13 years ago
an up close view, the one on the far right is the one im worried about.
rpwoodard
8 years ago
Sammy, are you still around? Were you able to save your lavender plants? I'm experiencing the same symptoms.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
I think most of the issues above can be attributed to growing the plants indoors. Lavender is not a houseplant and will not thrive under standard indoor conditions anywhere for very long.
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Debra Collins Realtor Exit Best Realty
8 years ago
My lavender died also. Same as above. This is the 2nd time around for me. I used play sand with some potting soil to plant in. Pot is outside. I watered it well. Zone 6.
Aaron Kovac
7 years ago
I too have a Lavander turning brown. I bought them 2 weeks ago here in Austin, Texas. ive Been keeping them in direct sunlight most of the day after repotting, but think they may have been over watered after planting. I drilled holes in the bottom of the pot to allow them to breathe/drain but now I can’t be sure if they were over watered or not watered enough. I used regular potting soil from Home Depot. not sure if they’re gone or can be saved.

Will post pictures for reference in a couple hours hours when I get back to the house.