If the lavender turns brown and dies, there are many possible reasons. In most cases these are care errors that need to be corrected accordingly. In addition, further treatment of the diseased plant depends on the cause, which you should research carefully.
Why is my lavender turning brown and how can I save it?
If lavender turns brown, it can be caused by waterlogging, root rot, drought, or fungal diseases such as Phorma Lavandula. In order to save the plant, you should determine the cause and react accordingly, for example by improving water drainage or removing infected parts of the plant.
Waterlogging causes lavender to turn brown
Lavender usually turns brown and dries up because it was watered too often or incorrectly. Waterlogging due to excess water not draining away in the root area also leads to brown leaves. Lavender is extremely sensitive to moisture and humidity, which is why waterlogging quickly causes root rot. As a result, the damaged roots can no longer transport enough water to the upper parts of the plant and the plant dries up. By the way, a damp and cool summer can also cause root rot.
What to do if root rot occurs?
If the lavender is in danger of dying due to root rot, with a bit of luck it can still be saved. To do this, however, you have to dig it up and transplant it or, in the case of potted lavender, put it in fresh substrate. When choosing the new location, pay attention to the soil conditions, as lavender loves sandy and dry soil. If necessary, you can cut off the rotten roots.
Excessive dryness can also lead to brown leaves
Rare, but also not uncommon, is the drying out of lavender due to a lack of water. This is particularly the case in winter when the weather is sunny and frosty at the same time. The winter sun causes any moisture that may be present to evaporate before the plant can absorb it. With little winter precipitation and lots of sun, you should water your lavender moderately if there are signs of drought. The wintergreen plant depends on moisture.
Brown spots on Phorma Lavandula
If you first observe brown, then blackish spots on the leaves of your lavender, then it is most likely the so-called lavender death or lavender death. This is a fungal disease caused by the fungus Phorma Lavandula. The disease can only be treated by removing the affected areas early; otherwise there is no remedy. However, if the leaves of the lavender turn yellow, then it could be leaf spot disease.
Tips & Tricks
If the lavender only turns brown on the lower areas of the stems, but not in the higher areas - for example on the leaves - then it is neither a disease nor a care error. The lavender becomes woody, which is a completely normal process for the plant.
