Symptoms
- check_circleWhite or grey crust on soil surface or pot rim
- check_circleBrowning or blackening leaf tips
- check_circleStunted growth in sensitive species
- check_circleReduced vigour despite regular watering
Causes
- arrow_rightRegular watering with untreated tap water
- arrow_rightHigh chlorine, fluoride, or calcium content in local water supply
- arrow_rightGrowing mineral-sensitive species such as carnivorous plants
- arrow_rightWater evaporating and leaving mineral residue behind rather than draining through
How to Diagnose
A white or pale crust on the soil surface, pot rim, or leaf tips of a plant watered consistently with tap water indicates mineral buildup, especially in species known to be sensitive.
Treatment
Flush the soil with distilled or rainwater to leach out accumulated minerals. Wipe or trim visibly damaged leaf tips and switch to distilled, rain, or reverse-osmosis water going forward.
Prevention
Use distilled water, rainwater, or reverse-osmosis filtered water for sensitive species. Avoid tap water containing softener-added salts, and ensure pots drain freely so minerals do not concentrate in the soil.
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