Disorder: A condition in a plant caused by non-living factors, such as nutrient deficiencies, environmental stress, or physical damage, that negatively affects its growth and health.
Think of disorders as a plant’s way of showing it’s under stress from something in its environment. Unlike diseases, which are caused by living organisms, disorders are caused by non-living factors. These could be anything from a lack of essential nutrients in the soil to extreme temperatures, waterlogging, or even physical damage.
It’s important to differentiate between diseases and disorders in your home garden because the treatment approaches are different. For example, yellowing leaves could be a sign of a nutrient deficiency (disorder) or a fungal disease. To address a disorder, you need to identify the underlying cause. A soil test can help determine if your plants are lacking certain nutrients. Proper watering, good drainage, and protecting plants from extreme weather can help prevent many disorders.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as health, wellness or nutrition advice. Please see our full disclaimers here.
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