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Rosemary plant turning blackish

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Hi, It's been a hot and fairly dry August in the North East. I've had this Rosemary plant on my balcony facing south/east. It's in a mix of 1 part pine bark fines, 1 part Espoma organic potting mix and 1 part crushed granite. I water when the soil is bone dry about 2" down which is about once every 5 days, but it also has excellent drainage. It's been growing real well since I bought it and immediately transplanted it to terra cotta in June. But lately in the last two weeks in August, I noticed the blackish discoloration. It seems to be healthy. I attached a photo. I would be so happy if some of you experts could help. Thanks, John

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Comments (8)

jseeley
Original Author
8 years ago

Here's another photo
bardamu_gw
8 years ago
Personally I would consider watering it more. Usually people overwater but i dont think you have that problem. Outside, in the sun during the height of summer in a clay pot, it can get too dry and the soil is no longer able to retain much water. I live in the northeast zone 6 and Terra Cota means I can water almost every day if I want during the summer. I soak them occasionally to be sure the water is getting in there properly.
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floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
8 years ago
I can't see if the blackish areas are furry or not. If they aren't it could well be just older leaves getting a bit elderly. Rosemary is a shrub and although evergreen no single leaf lasts for ever. In the final shot the whole plant looks very healthy to me and I wouldn't alter anything about the care you are giving it.
jseeley
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Thank you!

bardamu_gw - I thought of watering it more because the soil drains really fast. I was hesitant because I didn't know if the darkened leaves were from over watering..(fungus or mold). And I didn't know how wet the soil was at the bottom half of the pot. I have the pot elevated off the ground.. or balcony with 3 tiny blocks of wood just so there's no chance of sitting in water.

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK - No it isn't furry.. If it was, I guess that would indicate mold? When I feel the darkened leaves, they feel normal and still give off a nice aroma. I also try to rotate the plant every month or so. Here's another shot I just took this time macro in focus. If there is a problem, it looks worse close-up.
bardamu_gw
8 years ago
If the pot is outside you don't have to worry about mold as much as indoor plants. You can still over water and under water and the results are the same--- a dead plant because of the roots not getting what they need to support the plant.

In your case it seems you are taking good care of it and should not 'react' too much. But 'proactively', given you have really good draining soil, a clay pot (which sucks moisture), a small pot which dries to the core more quickly, and an elevated environment (increased wind to dry the pot from underneath), I think you could safely water it more. I would repot it into a 7 or 10 gallon or so container.
jseeley
Original Author
8 years ago
OK. Thanks so much! You've been a great help. How soon before the winter should I repot? I guess the sooner the better, right? I'm in zone 6 and would need to overwinter. Thanks.
bardamu_gw
8 years ago
Rosemary doesn't go "dormant", so there isn't a best time to repot as far I know.
jseeley
Original Author
8 years ago
Thx.

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