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Most of us gardeners like to grow our plants from seeds. When a small plant pops out of a seed, that moment gives a different feeling of happiness. But we all have faced a problem at some point of time that small plants that grow out of seeds, which are called seedlings, die after some time due to some reason. That feeling of grief and despair at that time cannot be described in words. There can be many reasons why the seedlings die like excess heat, less manure or fungus attack. Let’s discuss why are the seedlings dying, their causes and remedies?

Here are some very common problems that occur with seedlings and their treatment.

Sudden death of seedlings after sprouting

Perhaps this is the biggest problem that everyone has faced at some time. Suddenly, almost completely healthy-looking seedlings, without showing any symptoms, tip over at the base and die. This is called damping off, and is a fungal disease. It attacks the base of the stem and happens so fast that there’s no way to save the seedlings once they flop over. The only way to stop it is to not let it happen.

Cause and Solution

1. Two main reasons are – Over Watering and Excess Fertilizer. Sprinkle water only if you find the soil or potting mix dry. It’s best to water your seedlings from the bottom by pouring water into the tray, and allowing the soil to absorb the water from the bottom.
2. Not using proper soil or potting mix – Always use well-drained potting soil. Can also mix neem cake or any fungicide with potting soil.
3. Not enough ventilation – If you have covered the pot with a polyethylene or newspaper, then remove it once the seed is sprouted and place the pot in a well ventilated place. By doing so, the top surface of the potting mix will not remain wet for very long.
4. In addition to these, spray any fungicide on the seedlings and soil at an interval of every 15-20 days.

Leggy Seedlings

This is definitely one of the biggest problems with Seedlings that stem becomes too long and thin. Seedlings need lots of light as soon as they begin to grow. If they don’t get enough light, they will reach and stretch out for it. This leads to leggy seedlings. If the seedlings have grown so tall that they are falling over then it’s too late to save them. Therefore, you have to pay attention to it in time.

Cause and Solution

1. Not getting adequate light – As soon as the seeds sprout, place the pot in a place where there is plenty of light, especially in the morning. If you are using a grow light, then keep those lights in such a way that there is always a 2-4 inch gap between them and the seedlings and keep those lights on for 12-14 hours a day.
2. Seedlings are overcrowded and competing for light. To avoid this, thin seedlings by cutting out the weakest ones, this will reduce the number of plants and only healthy plants will remain.

Faded Leaves, Droopy Leaves and Stem

When seedlings leaves turn brown, yellow, white, or look dull and faded, or the whole plant looks droopy, that’s a sure sign that something is wrong. Most of the time, you can save them but you have to act fast in order for them to survive.

Cause and Solution

1. Overwatering – Overwatered plants actually drowns them by depriving the roots of air. When the roots don’t get air, the leaves hang down and the stems droop. Sometimes it is also due to planting a small plant in a big pot, because the plant isn’t absorbing much moisture each day so the soil in the container stays soggy. Always use well-drained soil and initially plant seeds in small pots.
2. Fertilizer burn – Most chemical fertilizers burn small and fragile plants, causing their leaves to fade or change color. You can use organic manure instead of chemical and that too in proportionate quantities.
3. Sun burn – Keeping the seedlings directly in the open sunlight scorches them. Seedlings should be hardened off before placing them directly in the open so that they become used to direct sunlight.

Curled, Crumbly Leaves

If the leaves of the plant begin to curl (upward or downward) or fall, then both these conditions indicate that something is wrong with the plant.

Cause and Solution

1. Less Water – Even a few hours without water can slow a seedling’s growth and after a little more time the plant start to curl its leaves to conserve moisture. To avoid this regularly water the plants as required.
2. Spider Mites – As soon as you see that the leaves are curling, have a closer inspection. If you notice web like structure or tiny insects on the leaves, then those can be spider mites. Spider Mites can kill seedlings very quickly, so it’s imperative to act fast. To get rid of these small insects, you can spray water on them to wash them away. This will also increase the humidity level, which is not the favorable condition for them. Can also spray Neem Oil or any Insecticide.
3. Chemical Fertilizer – Rather than using a chemical fertilizer, which can cause severe damage to seedlings, use an organic one instead.

Seedlings not growing, or growing slowly

Many times it happens that the growth of the seedlings is very slow or it seems that they are not growing at all.

Cause and Solution

1. Lack of Nutrients – Seeds contain all the nutrients they need to germinate and grow their first pair of leaves, but after that you need to provide the food. When a plant appears to have stopped growing, it needs food. You can feed the seedlings with organic fertilizer.
2. High or low temperature – Seedling growth can be stalled if the temperature is too high or low. Generally the ideal temperature should be in between 20C to 30C.
3. Lack of adequate light – Seedling growth can be stalled if there is not enough light. Place the pot in a place where there is plenty of light, especially in the morning.
4. Inadequate watering – Excess or less watering may also hamper the growth of seedlings. It is very important to keep the soil moist, but at the same time it is also important not to overwater. Keep an eye on the soil to get to know when to water the seedlings and when not to.

Purple or Red Leaves

The purple or red color of the leaves of the seedlings is an indication that they are not getting enough phosphorus. For this, you can feed your plants with phosphorus rich fertilizer. Also checks the pH of the soil, the plants are not able to absorb phosphorus if the soil is very acidic or alkaline.

 

Yellow Spots Or Black Mold on Leaves

Whiteflies are common pests of gardens that attacks seedlings. They suck sap from plants, leaving behind yellow spots. Many times, the sap which they do not digest, excrete on the leaves (which is called “honeydew”). Black mold grows in the honeydew. You can use pesticide.

 

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