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could salt be the problem?

16 years ago

I just thought of something. A while ago I posted a question about what could be wrong with my brugs. I'm still not sure what is going on with the mottled leaves. I've used epson salts and the borax. They are watered and bug sprayed. I'm just waiting to see how that goes.

But, the burning edges (the second picture) has never really been addressed. I thought it was possibly too much sun (the edges look like someone took a lighter and ran it around the edge of the leaves, burning them and now they are crispy and curled). I got a nice big and healthy looking brug over the weekend and it's leaves now also have that look. I've been watering them with water that has a softener attached (it is attached to the whole house water system and we have had an issue with it--it wasn't working and then it got cleaned out and new salt added--could have too much, but it doesn't feel like it).

I read that you shouldn't water house plants with softened water because of the salt, so I use the reverse osmosis water. Would the same be true for my brugs? Would the salt burn the edges or is it just the sun like I originally thought (although I've been moving them to the shade.)

Also, while I'm here, how far apart from each other is good for isolation?

Here is a link that might be useful: first post with a picture

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Comments (7)

oxmyx
16 years ago
All I can say is that the sun does not cause burned edges except in Snowbank. Sun burn will show in the broad sections of the leaf, as near white scourching.

Tip burn is also asociated with lack of calcium, I believe.
And I am pretty sure that excess salt would appear on the young leaves, as distortion or burn if to high.

If I were you I would transplant them in new potting soil and not use the water from your softener. try 1/4 doses of full spectrum liquid fertilizer, till they are off and growing well.
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karmahappytoes
16 years ago
alley, did you remove the leaves? Are the new ones growing back green or are they still yellowing? So not use your softner water and if your outside taps are also plummed to this there might be a serious problem.
I think there is more to this and for those that feed MG to your plants one might see about the same effects if they over feed as it contains to much salt. I personally don't feel it's to much sun that we are seeing.
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alley
Original Author
16 years ago
I removed some of the leaves. It is hard to tell at the moment about them as they are small. they are light green, but not yellowing. I'll see if they green up the next couple of days.

My outside faucets are plumbed to the water softener, but there is one that is on the outside of the unit itself. I believe that one bypasses the system (is not soft). I've hooked the hose to that one and am now using the unsoftened water.

I also repotted them in new potting soil.

Thanks for such great advice. I really appreciate it and hope it works. I think these are such neat flowers. I bought one this weekend from the trade days and it has flowered. I'm like a kid on Christmas morning with it. It is pinky/ peach color (NOID).
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karmahappytoes
16 years ago
alley, from my days in TX and having to deal with those softeners, you might want to fill a bucket from that bypass faucet and let it set out overnight or 24 hours before using it. Best of luck!
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fool4flowers
16 years ago
I have heard that water softener systems aren't good for plants. I'm glad I don't have one. There is no way I could water all these plants from a bucket. Maybe you can get some kind of filter for the end of the hose?
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karyn1
16 years ago
That's not sun damage. It looks like something viral or chemical, maybe the salt but I don't know what salt damage looks like. What are you feeding them with?
Karyn
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daniellalell
16 years ago
I had the same thing on some of mine, especially Amber Rose. I gave them epsom salts last weekend, I think it was last weekend..I pulled off the bigger leaves and left the babies. Besides the mottling, even the tiny new leaves were coming out yellow with green veining. Seems to be going away now..we'll see. All the other ones that had it started as soon as I brought them outside, and by the 2nd week it was gone. Maybe having to do with temp diff? Or shock? I hope yours doesn't have a virus. Hope mine don't either! lol! Good luck!
Daniella
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