Hydrangea refers to those plants that rarely get sick. However, this does not mean that there is no danger. There are diseases that can affect even the most resistant plants. It is this disease that is iron chlorosis.
Causes and Symptoms of Chlorosis
In hydrangeas, chlorosis occurs when there is a malfunction in the production of chlorophyll. The cause of these disorders is a lack of iron in the plant. Often this is due to a deficiency of this element in the ground.
Did you know? Those who take Symbolism seriously should know what hydrangea means. This reason flower is often used in wedding bouquets, as it means cordial affection and gratitude.
To determine the presence of an ailment in a plant, you need to pay attention to the leaves. It is with them that everything begins - they acquire an unhealthy yellow hue. Already in the early stages it is necessary to begin to act and proceed to treatment.
- Otherwise, the list of symptoms will gradually replenish:
- the leaves will decrease in size and begin to curl.
- after twisting, they begin to fall off.
- buds and flowers will be deformed.
- the shoots will begin to dry out.
- gradual death of the root system.
Eventually the flower dies. However, for this to happen, it will take more than one month to progress the disease. This means that the gardener has more than enough time to learn effective methods of dealing with it and begin to heal the flower.
How and how to treat chlorosis
Many methods were invented to combat chlorosis. But most of them are better to weed out and leave only the best. It is about the most effective methods that will be discussed.
How to treat iron sulfate
For this method, you will need only two inexpensive substances: citric acid and iron sulfate. Sulphate can be purchased in any store for gardeners, its price is an average of 30-200 rubles. depending on the manufacturer.
To prepare the solution, you will also need 1 liter of boiled cooled water. It is necessary to add 0.5 tsp. citric acid and 1/3 hours of iron sulfate. The resulting mixture must be thoroughly mixed.
The method of using the product depends on the degree of damage to the flower. If the disease is at an early stage, then it will be enough just to spray the leaves. In advanced cases, you also need to water the roots. The solution is stored in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
Important! Many may have difficulty deciding how much substance to do. Consider this: 2 liters of solution per 1 m² when watering, 1 liter per 10 m² when spraying.
How to treat copper sulfate
Copper is more suitable as a fertilizer, because it contains many trace elements useful for the plant and protects against fungus, bacteria and pests. That is, copper sulfate is better used for preventive purposes.
To create a solution, you need to dilute 1 hour of copper sulfate with boiled water in a volume of 2 liters. The resulting mixture can be processed both leaves and roots. If, for the entire area of the disease affected, the resulting solution is not enough, then you can make its volume even larger simply by following the proportions indicated above. The shelf life of the finished substance is only 10 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Did you know? As a rule, they throw away dried flowers, but in the case of hydrangea it is better to slow down with this. After all, she remains beautiful even after drying and can delight her eyes for several months.
How to make iron chelate at home
From experienced gardeners, you can hear that iron chelate helps with chlorosis. But not everyone knows what it is. For starters - do not confuse it with a chilak, these are different substances. Iron chelate is any solution using vitriol as the main substance.
One of the recipes has already been indicated above, but there are others. For example, instead of citric acid, you can take ascorbic acid. In this case, the proportions will be as follows: 10 g of iron sulfate and 20 g of ascorbic acid. All these substances must be diluted with 1 liter of boiled cooled water, mixing thoroughly.
Video: preparing chelates for processing plants
How to store
The substance is stored in a closed container away from sunlight. In a cold place, ideal if in a refrigerator, but most importantly, the temperature should not be lower than 0 ° C. The maximum shelf life is 2 weeks, but it is advisable not to delay using. This will provide the most effective treatment. Stubborn substances must be disposed of without hesitation, since they will only aggravate everything.
Important! Do not forget about safety measures when using iron chelate. Wear glasses, gloves, a hat, replaceable clothing, a gauze bandage or respirator.
When and how to apply
For prevention, the drug is best applied in the fall and spring. That is, in this case, only a few sprayings or watering will suffice. For treatment, it will take about 3-4 treatments. The interval between them is 2-3 weeks.
You need to make immediately, as you notice the appearance of the first symptoms of chlorosis.
What to do if the flower was burned with an iron chelate
To begin with, it should be noted that this is an extremely rare occurrence. Incorrect dosages burn the flower. If the chelate was made manually, it means that an excess of citric or ascorbic acid was added. If a purchased substance was used, then it was added in excess of the required rate.
Iron chelate acts on the outer part of the plant without penetrating inside, therefore, in order not to aggravate the situation and prevent the spread of burns, it is necessary to wash off the substance. This should be done with abundant watering. The main thing is not to water intensively so as not to injure an already wounded plant.
Hydrangea chlorosis is an unpleasant disease, but in general it is not so dangerous. The main thing is not to start with her treatment. And since she has very clear and obvious symptoms, it will not be difficult to do this. Using any of the above methods, you will defeat this ailment.