![\"Plant](\"https:\/\/www.tomgrimshaw.com\/tomsblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Plant_Indicators.jpg\")
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Brown edges with no halo \u2014 water or humidity. Round brown spots with a yellow ring \u2014 fungal infection. The two look similar at a glance and get treated the same way far too often. That single mistake \u2014 reaching for a fungicide when the problem is actually at the roots \u2014 is why many garden problems persist through an entire season.<\/p>\n
The pattern on the leaf tells you what to look for next:
\nDry brown tip or corner \u2014 underwatering or low air humidity. Check the soil: if it’s bone dry several centimetres down, this is the cause.<\/p>\n
Round brown spots with yellow halo \u2014 leaf spot fungus. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove affected leaves.<\/p>\n
Whole leaf pale yellow-green with brown margins \u2014 insufficient light. Move to a brighter position before assuming a nutrient problem.<\/p>\n
One half yellow, one half green \u2014 overwatering or waterlogged roots. Let the soil dry fully before watering again and check drainage.<\/p>\n
Concentric brown-and-yellow rings scattered across the leaf \u2014 active fungal infection. Treat with a copper-based fungicide and improve ventilation.<\/p>\n
Irregular holes or eaten margins \u2014 insect damage. Check the undersides of leaves and the soil surface for slugs, caterpillars, or vine weevil.<\/p>\n
Diagnose before you treat. Looking at the pattern first, then checking the watering, then checking the soil \u2014 in that order \u2014 avoids most mistakes.<\/p>\n
A single damaged leaf is not a dying plant.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Brown edges with no halo \u2014 water or humidity. Round brown spots with a yellow ring \u2014 fungal infection. The two look similar at a glance and get treated the same way far too often. That single mistake \u2014 reaching for a fungicide when the problem is actually at the roots \u2014 is why many … <\/p>\n