Lethal Louisa-pest in chilli plants (over-fertilising)

Discussion in 'Compost, Fertilisers & Recycling' started by Loueeza, Apr 26, 2012.

  1. Loueeza

    Loueeza Apprentice Gardener

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    Hello

    I hope that this is the right place for my post!

    I have 2 chilli plants in pots and I added some fertiliser the other day in an attempt to encourage them to fruit (up to now they have had lots of flowers but no fruit). However I think I added too much (in spite of following instructions!) as the healthy-looking leaves are dropping :'(

    Is there any action I can take before it's too late? Or have I already killed them?

    Thanks :-)
     
  2. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    A photo of the sick plant would help us Loueeza.
     
  3. Loueeza

    Loueeza Apprentice Gardener

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    Thanks JWK :) And sorry for the slow response (work got in the way and then I failed to work out how to add photos!). As you will see the plant is a wee bit droopy (and became worse overnight) and the leaves are dropping off whilst they're still fresh :( [​IMG][/IMG][​IMG][/IMG]
     
  4. Loueeza

    Loueeza Apprentice Gardener

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    Ok....I'll try the photos again!
     

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  5. *dim*

    *dim* Head Gardener

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    what fertilizer did you use, and how much?
     
  6. Loueeza

    Loueeza Apprentice Gardener

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    Thanks for the response :)

    It was a fertilizer suitable for tomatoes and peppers etc (well it had photos of these on the front...!). I used a very little bit (maybe 0.5cm in a lid), but I reread the instructions last night and think I maybe should have mixed with water (prob obvious to non-novices!). The instructions said to put in xml per 10l and I thought that, since my pot was about 1l, I should put in (x/10)ml. I guess it was meant to be put in xml to 10l of water and then use the watered down fertlizer to water the plant as usual :-/
     
  7. *dim*

    *dim* Head Gardener

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    I'm not sure what you can do, and I'm sure that someone will advise

    however, I would remove the plant from the pot, carefully remove as much of the soil as possible, place the roots in fresh water for a few hours, then repot with fresh potting soil .... and don't overwater, and place the pot in a sunny position

    it may help?
     
  8. Loueeza

    Loueeza Apprentice Gardener

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    Thank you! Will try this as soon as I'm home. I'll be sure to let you know how I get on! The summer is finally arriving here so some plants are venturing on to the balcony this afternoon I think :)
     
  9. *dim*

    *dim* Head Gardener

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    pleasure! .... but before taking my advice, wait for a few more recomendations ... I'm only guessing!
     
  10. HarryS

    HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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    Concentrated Tom feed - now that is strong ! You normally only put 2 lid fulls in a big watering can 8 litres .I would repot in fresh compost and see how it goes. If that fails , all the GCs are selling little chilli plants now .
    PS Just fully read dims posts - see great minds think alike :dbgrtmb:
     
  11. Loueeza

    Loueeza Apprentice Gardener

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    Hello!

    Thought I'd provide a quick update. I applied your solutions (thanks to both!) on Friday. Plant depotted, roots washed, plant repotted. Whilst it's still looking slightly worse for wear (see photo!!), the "healthy" leaves are no longer dropping which I'm hoping is a good sign.

    My other chilli plant is faring well and may even be thinking about providing some fruit :) photo.JPG
     
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