thinning and drying only at base of stem

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_Mai_ Houston, TX May 09, 2010

a while back i planted some african daisies from seed and noticed that while some were doing just fine, others in the same growing conditions were drying thinning at the very base of the stem where it meets the soil. the leaves then obviously wilt. is this something to do with watering? i think i read somewhere that if you overwater that the base of the stem can weaken at the base and the plant will fall over, but these seem to be dry and stiff where it thins out, not soggy and flimsy. not quite sure why, but it's highly annoying and i feel helpless to do anything about it.
i even have one that's producing buds while others around it are dying, how is that?


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Post #7777473
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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) May 09, 2010

Generally when the base of the stem gets pinched in like that it's caused by damping off, which is a common fungal problem with seedlings. Once it has those symptoms it's generally too late to do anything to fix it. If you have seedlings that don't have symptoms yet I'd be extra careful on the watering--typically this fungus gets its start when there's too much water around so if you keep things a little drier you won't have as many problems. Since you say all your plants are in the same conditions and some have it and some don't, I think you're probably watering too much and have just gotten lucky that some of them don't have problems (yet).

Post #7777730
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_Mai_ Houston, TX May 09, 2010

yeah, that looks like it. i think i reused some soil i had around and it probably wasn't the best idea. i wish i wouldn't have watered them this morning now! the package said they were drought resistant so i'll let them dry out a bit before i water them again.

thank you so much! : )

Post #7778021
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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) May 10, 2010

Reusing soil isn't the best idea for seeds--often there'll be some fungal spores in it from the last time it was used so you'll be more prone to problems. If you don't want to buy fresh soil, you can sterilize it in your oven or microwave--google soil sterilization and you'll find instructions. (if you do it in the microwave make sure the soil's moist before you start--otherwise it can explode)

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