Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, are a popular fall flower that add vibrant colors to gardens and landscapes. However, if you notice that your mums are turning brown, it can be a cause for concern. Brown mums can be an indication of various issues, including improper care, disease, or pests.
Understanding the causes of mum browning is essential to preventing and treating the issue. Some of the most common causes of mum browning include adverse weather conditions, improper watering, and pest infestations.
By identifying the root cause of the problem, you can take the necessary steps to revive your mums and prevent the issue from recurring.
Key Takeaways
- Proper care is essential for healthy mums and preventing browning issues.
- Adverse weather conditions, improper watering, and pest infestations are common causes of mum browning.
- Identifying the root cause of the problem is crucial to treating and preventing mum browning.
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Understanding Mum Browning
Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, are a popular fall flower that can add a splash of color to any garden. However, if your mums are turning brown, it can be a cause for concern. Understanding why mums turn brown can help you take the necessary steps to prevent it from happening and revive them.
Role of Environmental Factors
One of the most common reasons why mums turn brown is due to environmental factors. Weather plays a significant role in the health of mums, especially during the fall season.
Mums prefer full sunlight, but they can also thrive in partial shade. However, if they are exposed to early frost or heavy rain, it can cause the leaves to turn brown and wilt.
Mums are also sensitive to the amount of rainfall they receive. If they are oversaturated with water, it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases that cause browning. On the other hand, if they are not receiving enough water, the leaves can dry out and turn brown.
It’s essential to pay attention to the weather and adjust your gardening practices accordingly. If you live in an area with early frost, it’s best to cover your mums with a frost cloth or move them indoors. If there is heavy rainfall, make sure to provide proper drainage to prevent oversaturation.
Common Diseases and Pests
Mums can fall prey to a range of pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones that can cause your mums to turn brown:
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases are a common cause of browning in mums. These diseases can be caused by a range of fungi, including botrytis blight, fusarium wilt, and verticillium.
Symptoms of fungal diseases include wilting, yellow or brown leaves, leaf spots, and mold. To prevent fungal diseases, make sure your mums are not overwatered, and avoid getting water on the leaves. In case of a fungal disease, the infected part of the plant should be removed, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide.
Insect Infestations
Various insects can infest mums, causing them to turn brown. Some common pests include aphids, mites, mealybugs, thrips, scale, and sap-sucking insects. These pests suck the sap from the plant, leading to wilting, yellowing, and browning of the leaves.
To prevent insect infestations, keep your mums healthy and well-watered. If you do find an infestation, treat the plant with an insecticide or a pesticide.
Slugs and snails can also cause damage to mums. These pests feed on the leaves and flowers, leaving holes and causing the plant to wilt. To prevent slugs and snails, remove any debris from around the plant and keep the area clean. You can also use slug pellets or copper tape to keep them away.
Root rot is another common disease that can cause mums to turn brown. This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the plant, leading to wilting and browning of the leaves.
To prevent root rot, make sure your mums are not overwatered, and avoid getting water on the leaves. If you suspect root rot, remove the infected part of the plant and treat the remaining plant with a fungicide.
Importance of Proper Care
Taking proper care of chrysanthemums is crucial to keep them healthy and blooming. Here are some important aspects of care that should be considered:
1. Watering and Drainage
Chrysanthemums require good drainage to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Overwatering can be a common mistake, and it can lead to the plant turning brown. Proper watering involves giving the plant an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering.
Water should be given at the base of the plant, and not on the foliage, to prevent fungal diseases. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly before watering again.
2. Nutrition and Fertilization
Chrysanthemums require adequate nutrition to grow healthy and produce blooms. Fertilizer should be applied to the soil every two to three weeks during the growing season.
A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. Compost or well-rotted manure can also be used to enrich the soil.
3. Pruning and Overcrowding
Pruning is an important aspect of chrysanthemum care. Deadheading spent blooms and cutting back the plant after blooming can promote bushier growth and more blooms. Overcrowding can also be a problem, as it can lead to poor air circulation and disease. Plants should be spaced at least 18 inches apart to prevent overcrowding.
Varieties of Mums
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are a popular choice among gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. They are available in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them a versatile and attractive addition to any garden or floral arrangement.
Color Variations
Mums come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, purple, and white. Some varieties even have bi-colored blooms, adding a unique touch to any display. The colors of mums can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions, but they typically bloom in the fall and add a burst of color to gardens and landscapes.
Shape Variations
In addition to their wide range of colors, mums also come in various shapes and sizes. Some varieties have large, full blooms, while others have smaller, daisy-like petals.
There are also chrysanths that have pom-pom, anemone, or spider-like blooms. Mums can grow up to three feet tall, making them ideal for adding height and texture to garden beds.
Potted mums are also popular choices for fall decorations, as they can be easily placed on porches and patios to add a splash of color to outdoor spaces.
Preventing and Treating Browning
Prevention Strategies
Preventing browning of mums is essential for their overall health and longevity. Here are a few strategies that can be employed to prevent browning:
- Watering: Mums require consistent watering to maintain their health. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other fungal infections, while underwatering can cause the plant to dry out and die. It is best to water mums when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Fertilizing: Mums require rich soil that is high in nitrogen and potassium. Fertilizing the plant regularly can help prevent browning and other discoloration issues.
- Weather Protection: Mums are frost-resistant, but they do not fare well in bad weather. Providing protection during inclement weather can help prevent browning and other issues.
Treatment Options
If your mums are already turning brown, there are a few treatment options that can help.
- Insecticidal Soap: If pests are causing the browning, insecticidal soap can help. This soap is safe for plants and can effectively eliminate pests.
- Fungicides: Fungal infections can cause browning of mums. Fungicides can be used to treat these infections and prevent further browning.
- Pruning: Pruning can help remove dying plant material and promote new growth. This can help prevent further browning and improve the overall health of the plant.
Preventing and treating browning of mums requires consistent care and attention. By following these prevention strategies and treatment options, you can keep your mums healthy and vibrant throughout the growing season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you revive a dying mum plant?
To revive a dying mum plant, you need to identify the cause of the problem. Overwatering, underwatering, pests, and diseases are common reasons why mum plants die.
Once you have identified the cause, you can take appropriate steps to revive the plant. If the plant is overwatered, stop watering it until the soil dries out. If it is underwatered, give it a good soak. If pests or diseases are the problem, use appropriate treatments to eliminate them.
What do over watered mums look like?
Overwatered mums may have yellowing leaves, wilted stems, or a moldy smell. The leaves may also turn brown and fall off. The soil may feel soggy or waterlogged, and the roots may be rotting. If you suspect that your mums are overwatered, stop watering them until the soil dries out.
Should I cut off brown mums?
Yes, you should cut off brown mums to encourage new growth. Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers from the plant to promote new blooms.
Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut the brown flowers off at the base of the stem. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
How often should I water my mums?
The frequency of watering your mums depends on the weather conditions and the type of soil. In general, mums need to be watered deeply once a week.
However, if the weather is hot and dry, you may need to water them more often. If the soil is clayey, it may hold water longer, so you may need to water less often.
How to bring potted mums back to life?
To bring potted mums back to life, you need to repot them in fresh soil. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot, and fill it with well-draining soil.
Remove the plant from the old pot and gently loosen the roots. Place the plant in the new pot and fill it with soil. Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a location with bright, indirect light.
What to do with dead mums?
If your mums are dead, you can compost them. Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter into nutrient-rich soil. Chop the dead mums into small pieces and add them to your compost pile.
Mix the mums with other organic matter, such as leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps. Over time, the mums will break down and turn into compost.
Hey, I’m Lisa and I’ve been an avid gardener for over 30 years. I love writing, talking and living in the garden! Feel free to connect with me on my socials below