If the leaves of the Physalis become dark, there are several possible causes - harmless and serious. You can find out exactly what these are and what you can do about them in our article.
Why do the leaves of Physalis turn dark?
The leaves of the physalis can turn dark inlack of nutrients or wateras well as incold. If the plant has been indoors for months, it uses the darkening of the leaves asprotection until it gets used to the direct sun again.
Why do the leaves of Physalis turn dark?
Dark discolored leaves on Physalis can have various causes. Here is an overview of the most common ones:
- Plant's own sun protection: If the physalis comes into the garden after growing or overwintering indoors, it first has to get used to direct sunlight. The dark color of the leaves is the plant's own sun protection.
- Deficiency symptoms: If the physalis suffers from a lack of nutrients or water, the leaves can turn dark.
- Cold: The Physalis needs it warm. If it is exposed to temperatures below ten degrees Celsius for a longer period of time, dark leaves are a possible consequence.
What to do if the leaves of the physalis turn dark?
If you notice dark leaves on your Physalis, the first step you should take is to find out what is causing the dark color and then react appropriately.
- If natural sun protection is the only cause, you don't need to do anything about it. As soon as the Physalis gets used to the direct sun, the leaves turn green again.
- Fix nutrient or water deficiency. Check exactly which nutrients your heavy-feeding nightshade plant is missing and increase their dosage.
- When it's cold, you should bring thePhysalis indoors, if still possible (no ground frost).
Should I cut off the dark leaves on the Physalis?
Only cut off the dark leaves of the Physalis if you can rule outnatural sun protection as the cause. In the event of a nutrient or water deficiency, this measureexperience shows that it makes sense to help the affected plant recover more quickly and sprout new ones.
How do I prevent dark leaves on the Physalis?
The best way to prevent dark leaves on Physalis is through good care. This also includes asunny location. Furthermore, you should not overwinter the Physalis in the garden, but always in the house if you want to keep the plant for several years, which is certainly possible.
Tip
Fruits in dark brown lanterns tend to be unfresh
The color of the lanterns, i.e. the petals, gives you an indication of the freshness of the fruit. If the lanterns are dark brown, you can assume that the berries are no longer particularly fresh. Instead, the lanterns should be light brown. This knowledge will also help you when buying (good) Physalis fruits in the supermarket.
