Multiple strange diseases on container herbs

20 years ago

I recently ordered six different herbs in 3" pots to start an indoor kitchen herb garden. They looked perfectly healthy when I got them, but they've given me nothing but trouble since, as they are each getting their own unidentified disease!

Just over a week after transplanting them into 6-8" pots, the oregano and parsley started wilting, one stalk at a time. None of the leaves yellowed, and the rest of the plant looked completely healthy--except for whatever stem was currently dying. When the oregano's three stems were all dead, I dumped it out but couldn't find what was wrong--the roots looked ok, and the soil was moist but not soggy (and not compacted at all). The parsley's still alive, but I'm definitely worried. The symptoms look a bit like bacterial wilt, but I've never heard of that attacking oregano.

Meanwhile, the pineapple mint has started losing its lower leaves; they turn brown or yellow and fall off. Also, the base of the mint stems are much thinner and more brittle than the upper stems; does that mean I should bury it deeper in the soil?

Finally, one of my thymes has decided to add to my anxiety: its leaves are turning brown and brittle, with splotches on them. Sometimes it's an entire side branch that turns brittle, sometimes it's just a single leaf. The splotches make me think it's a disease of some sort, but I can't find any that fit.

Overall, the plants are watered well (except for the basil, which I know likes it a bit dry), the soil doesn't seem to be compacted, and they get several decent light sources.I've noticed a lot of tiny flies living in the pots, but they don't match any pest pictures I've seen (they're black, about the size of two pinheads, and shaped a bit like a mosquito). Other than that, no obvious bugs, holes in leaves, or fungus.

Is there something I'm obviously doing wrong that could explain why my plants seem to be doomed? Did I just get unlucky with a bunch of diseases, and if so, is there anything I could try to cure them? I'm thoroughly depressed at my black thumb so far. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
20 years ago
What is the situation with your potting medium of choice? I ask that, because that seems to be the common limiting factor among all of these plants. Trust me, a mucky potting medium can be the demise of any plant. (The fungus gnats are sort of a sign....)
botanybob
20 years ago
Overwatering also could cause all of the symptoms you describe. Usually this causes root rot but you can get a crown rot too which attacks the main stem near the soil line. Thyme is an exceptionally drought-hardy plant and oregano does well on the drier side also. You should let the soil surface dry between waterings.

Growing plants indoors where there usually is almost no air circulation can make this problem worse. A small fan or putting plants near an open window might help.
Related Professionals
Williamsburg Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Anchorage Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Sarnia Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Des Moines Landscape Contractors · Utica Landscape Contractors · Williamsport Landscape Contractors · Sierra Vista Landscape Contractors · Florence Kitchen Remodelers · Jackson Kitchen Remodelers · Zanesville Kitchen Remodelers · College Station Kitchen Remodelers · Kalamazoo Kitchen Remodelers · Watertown Kitchen Remodelers · La Crosse Kitchen Remodelers · Modesto Kitchen Remodelers
whizzkid
19 years ago
I have this problem also. Here are a few pics of my mint that seems to have similar symptoms, can anyone help?

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1159355}}
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
19 years ago
your plants need the following: air, sun, water/humidity,heat ... a bunch of other things...

think of it this way .... they are all full sun, summer plants .... mimic what they need outdoors and you will be further ahead ....

first .... they all grow in the summer ... soil temperature NEVER fall very far .... if you are in a cold zone and trying to do this on the window sill .... they might be getting too cold at night .... leading to root rot ..

if you have a furnace.. they are struggling for lack of humidity ....

i agree you are probably over-watering ... and it is real tricky in the house .... in the winter .... i would suggest you tend toward letting them all dry between waterings .....

if you are relying on the sun through a window pane .. they are starving for light ....

these plants need 8 to 12 hours of sun .... direct ... in the alternative ....16 hours under standard fluorescent lights no more than a few inches above them will suffice ...

since you will need a light set up .... you will be able to add humidity ....

research propagation .. and see if you can get a fresh start ....

your plants came into the house with bug eggs in the soil ... and since they are food plants... you can not use a systemic to rid the soil of the bugs.. ergo ... you have to start over .... with cuttings.. in an isolated area .. if possible.. and then ... sterilize some media.. and keep them clean .....

other than saying they get light and water.. you have provided little if any information to exactly what you are doing in regard to the culture of your plants ... we cant help without more info ....

the injuries you are experiencing are not the problem ... the weakening of your plants is the problem .... grow a strong plant ..... and the other things disappear ....

and i sure hope these things aren't in clay pots .... they are nearly impossible to use in a house .... too wet.. too dry ... etc ....

mint, as i recall .. roots freely ... if you still have a sprig or two that is in good shape .... slice the end.. and root it in a cup of water ..... off hand.. i don't know about the others ....

good luck

ken