4 Reason for Fine Line Buckthorn Dying – How do I Fix?

The Fine Line buckthorn tree’s narrow shape and unique foliage make it popular with gardeners.  It is now everyone’s first choice for landscaping.  However, like other houseplants, Fine Line buckthorn plants have some health issues including dying. There are several factors that can cause your Fine Line buckthorn to die. Improper watering, pests and diseases, poor soil conditions, and environmental stress are the leading causes.

But the good news is that if you can identify the leading cause, you can quickly fix your plant by following some easy tips. In this article, I will tell you about some such proven ways. So why the delay? Let’s get started.

ProblemSolution
Improper Watering Watering twice a week is recommended. 
Pests And Diseases Use good quality insecticides and fungicides.
Poor Soil Moist, well-drained and loamy soil is recommended. 
Environmental StressEnsure the ideal environment for your plant.

1. Improper Watering

Fine line buckthorn plants show dying symptoms if they are not watered for a long time or if they are not watered properly. If you don’t water the plant regularly or During the dry season when your plants need more water but less water is being applied then your plant will become dehydrated very easily.

However, if you pay a little attention, you will understand the dehydration of the plant. Basically, if the symptoms like loss of freshness, curling of leaves, and the surface of the leaves become rough, it should be understood that the plant is dehydrated. If the required water is not provided, the plant will die within a few days.

Fixing Guide

First, you need to confirm that your Fine Line buckthorn plant is dying due to improper watering. In that case, immediately you need to apply extra water to the plant. However, water cannot be allowed to accumulate at the base of the plant. 

After a few days of overwatering, you should settle on a specific watering cycle when your plant is refreshed. Fine line buckthorn generally prefers average watering. I would suggest you apply water two to three times a week. But first, you must check the soil moisture. You can do this easily using a moisture meter (Our Pick: XLUX Soil Moisture Meter)

Chlorine ions accumulated in normal tap water can stunt the growth of your plants. Filtered water is therefore recommended. But what I do in this case is to store the tap water in a container for 24 hours and then apply the water to the plants.

2. Pests And Diseases

If your plant’s problem isn’t due to a watering issue, it’s most likely due to insect and disease infestations. By observing the plant for a few days, you can be sure of the insect attack. 

Fine line buckthorn usually shows small holes in the leaves, yellowing of the leaves, a sticky substance or insect eggs on the surface of the plant, stunted growth, and small insects around the plant. Mainly spider mites and scales attack Fine line plants most.

The first way to recognize a diseased buckthorn tree is by the curled leaves. Also on observation, you will see that along with the leaves, the stem of the plant starts to turn yellow, in most cases black or brown spots appear on the branches, the roots rot, and the plant dies if left untreated for a long time. Buckthorn plants show dying symptoms mainly due to fungal infection.

Fixing Guide

The first thing you need to do is identify which type of insect your plant is infested with. Then notice how deadly the attack is. If the insect numbers are low and there are no signs of danger, you can make a homemade pesticide to control the infestation. 

In this case, mix two tablespoons of vinegar and one tablespoon of baking powder in a cup of water and spray the entire plant twice a day. 

But if the infection is too much then you must start chemical treatment. Using good quality insecticides can be effective. However, the manufacturer’s instructions on the label should be followed for application.

I would recommend chemical treatment in the beginning to fix the fungus-infested plant. A good quality fungicide should be sprayed on the immediate plant. Besides, if potassium permanganate solution is sprayed on the wound, the plant is cured quickly.(Our pick: Monterey LG 6145 70% Neem Oil Ready-To-Spray Insecticide, Miticide, & Fungicide)

3. Poor Soil Conditions

Many gardeners don’t think about soil before planting. However, poor soil plays a major role in the death of fine line buckthorn plants. If you plant your buckthorn in soil that has poor drainage, the plant will quickly die from root rot due to waterlogging.

Also, if your garden soil is not in the right pH range for plants, the plants will not be able to absorb enough nutrients from the soil. As a result, plant growth will be disrupted.

Poor soil is ideal for the breeding of insects, spiders, and fungi. As a result, your buckthorn plant can easily be attacked by various insects in such soil. Which can seriously damage your plant within a few days.

Fixing Guide

If it is confirmed that your plant’s problem is due to poor soil, there are two ways to help the plant.

The first is to change the soil if the plant is rotting. Fine line buckthorn plants prefer moist, well-drained, and loamy soil. So you must choose soil with good drainage. Besides, soil pH will be 6-7. After changing the soil, the plant should be watered for a few days.

If your plant is in the landscape, the first thing to do is to make round holes around the plant to drain excess water. Then a large amount of organic material should be given at the base of the plant. In addition, if there are signs of nutrient deficiency, then additional specific fertilizers should be used.

But if the plant is already affected by root rot, replanting is the only way. To learn more about the treatment of root rot watch the video link given below.

4. Environmental Stress

Environmental issues are one of the reasons why your fine line buckthorn tree may die.  Varying sunlight, temperature, and humidity disrupt the normal biochemical cycle of plants.  As a result, the plant becomes weak, stops producing food, and dies.

If you plant your plant in a location where it always receives direct sunlight, within a few days your plant’s leaves will begin to brown and shrivel. At the same time, if the humidity of the location decreases, the plant will dehydrate and die.

Fixing Guide

6-7 hours of direct sunlight per day should be ensured for fine line buckthorn plants. But the rest of the time they should be protected from sunlight. Because they prefer bright indirect sunlight. You can plant it in your north-facing garage shed or under a large tree.

But you must ensure a moderate humidity level for the plant. In this case, you can use a humidifier. Also, cover the plant with thick cloth at night to protect it from snow storms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does The Fine Line Buckthorn Like Sun Or Shade?

Fine line buckthorn generally prefers bright indirect sunlight. They should be kept in direct sunlight for 6-7 hours a day. Later, shade cloth should be used to provide protection from the sun; Especially the afternoon sun.

What Kind Of Soil Does Buckthorn Grow In?

Moist and well-drained soil is most important for fine-line buckthorn plants. Because if excess water accumulates in the soil, the plant will be affected by root rot. Besides, the pH range should be 6-7.

Do Buckthorns Lose Their Leaves?

Fine line buckthorn plants shed their leaves every winter. Then new leaves grow again in early spring. During this time, special care should be taken for the plant.

Final Words

There can be many reasons why a fine-line buckthorn may be dying, including inadequate watering, disease, pests, or environmental stressors. 

First, you need to do a thorough examination of your plant. The underlying cause must be found. Once you can figure that out, it will be much easier for you to fix the plant. 

As per my advice by ensuring the right amount of water for the plant, planning for pests and diseases, and ensuring a suitable environment for the plant, your Dying Fine Line Buckthorn will recover within a very short time. Happy Gardening.

James Rivenburg
James Rivenburg
James Rivenburg

James Rivenburg is the founder of plantandpest.com, a passionate gardener with valuable experience and knowledge gained through trial and error. The website has a large community of followers who trust his tips and techniques and have succeeded with his advice. He is always Committed to helping others create a beautiful and healthy garden.

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