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SWEET POTATO VINE #868837

Asked May 17, 2024, 9:43 AM EDT

I planted several sweet potato vines in my planters. The leaves are turning brown and rust colored in the veins of the plant. What is wrong?

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.
I need to see a picture of the plant and the underside of the planter.  This time of year, the most common cause is overwatering, soggy roots and root rot. Root rot is almost impossible to reverse and is partly related to the water applied and poor drainage from the pot. Anyway, send me the initial photos and I may ask you to dig out a plant and show me its roots. 
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I am a human being, not a bot nor AI). I am an avid gardener but am not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I am happy to receive follow-up questions if my responses are incomplete or unclear.  This is the University of MN' garden soil testing service.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is guidance on how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied May 17, 2024, 11:46 AM EDT

Here are photos 

The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2024, 8:36 PM EDT
image


On Fri, May 17, 2024 at 10:46 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2024, 8:47 PM EDT
Thank you for the pictures.  This is pretty typical for edema necrosis (water death of leaves.  The veins are engorged, the cells have exploded.  My guess is that the plant has soggy roots that may rotted and the pot has a poor or no drainage system.  Lift the plant up and show me the roots and the bottom of the hole.  How does the pot drain?
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I am a human being, not a bot nor AI). I am an avid gardener but am not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I am happy to receive follow-up questions if my responses are incomplete or unclear.  This is the University of MN' garden soil testing service.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is guidance on how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied May 17, 2024, 8:51 PM EDT

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