Symptoms of Overwatering Flower Beds

Flower beds are an ideal addition to any landscape, and can be tailored with different perennials to bloom year-round. It is important to understand how to care for flower beds and water them, as overwatering is the number one plant killer. There are signs to look for when caring for plants to recognize if you are overwatering the flower beds.

Change in Appearance

This is usually the first sign of overwatering that plants display. They will start to lighten in color, then turn yellow while wilting. Eventually they will turn brown and wither.

Stunted Growth

If a plant is overwatered, it will not continue to produce new leaves or growth. Also, the stems will become soft. You can recognize this by mushy and stringy stems that are dark green.

Root Rot and Mold Growth

Root rot results from too much water collecting around the roots, which prevents air circulation from drying out the roots enough for proper growth. Mold growth can also occur from too much water since excess water is the ideal moist environment for mold, algae and other fungi. You can recognize this from spotting any sort of black, green or white fuzzy growth on the leaves, stems or around the base of the flowering plants.