Drought stress / leaf scorch
DISORDER
When it's active · UK
JFMAMJJASOND
When it's active · Northern Italy
JFMAMJJASOND
When it's active · Central Italy
JFMAMJJASOND
When it's active · Southern Italy and islands
JFMAMJJASOND
How to recognise it
Wilting that doesn't recover overnight, crispy brown leaf margins, and premature leaf drop, worse on plants in full sun or containers.
Life cycle and conditions
Occurs when a plant's water uptake can't keep pace with loss through its leaves, most often in prolonged dry spells combined with high temperatures or wind.
Prevention
Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep rooting; mulch to conserve soil moisture; provide temporary shade for vulnerable plants in an extreme heatwave.
How to treat it
🌿 ORGANIC · RECOMMENDED
Water deeply and consistently once symptoms appear; badly scorched leaves won't recover their appearance but the plant usually resumes healthy growth once watered.
🧪 CHEMICAL · IF YOU CHOOSE
Not applicable — this is a watering and siting issue, not something any product addresses.
PLANTS MOST AFFECTED
containers and new plantings especiallyall plants in a severe dry spell