Why Are My Pansies Dying?

Pansies are beautiful and cheerful flowers that can brighten up any garden. However, they can be prone to certain problems that can cause them to wilt, yellow, and even die. If you’ve noticed your pansies declining, don’t give up on them yet! Here are some of the most common reasons why pansies die and what you can do to revive them.

Overwatering

One of the most common reasons for pansies dying is overwatering. Pansies prefer evenly moist soil but not soggy or waterlogged conditions. If the soil stays too wet for too long the roots can rot leading to wilting and death of the plant.

Signs of overwatering include:

• Wilting or drooping leaves that don’t perk up after watering
• Yellow or brown leaves, especially on the lower part of the plant
• Soft, mushy stems
• Rotten roots that are dark in color

If you suspect overwatering, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Water less frequently, only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Improve drainage by mixing in compost or perlite into the soil. Pansies in containers need much less frequent watering than in garden beds.

Underwatering

While overwatering is more common, letting pansies dry out too much can also cause wilting and death. Pansies need consistently moist soil to thrive. If the soil dries out completely for too long, the plants can become stressed.

Signs of underwatering:

• Wilting or drooping leaves that don’t revive after watering
• Leaves turning brown or crispy around the edges
• Stunted growth

Water pansies when the top inch of soil is dry to prevent the plants from drying out. Daily watering may be needed in hot dry weather. Adding mulch can help retain moisture in the soil. Self-watering containers are useful for keeping potted pansies hydrated.

Poor Drainage

Excess moisture around the roots due to poor drainage can quickly lead to root rot Pansies need soil that drains well to prevent fungal diseases

If you have heavy, clay soil try:

• Adding compost, peat moss or perlite to improve drainage
• Creating raised planting beds
• Growing pansies in containers or raised beds instead of directly in the ground

Use containers with bottom drainage holes and empty excess water from saucers to allow excess to drain away.

Fungal Diseases

The damp, cool conditions pansies prefer also make them prone to fungal diseases like root rot, botrytis, and powdery mildew. These diseases cause leaves to yellow, wilt, and die back.

To prevent fungal disease:

• Improve air circulation and avoid overcrowding plants
• Water in the morning so leaves dry out during the day
• Apply fungicide sprays preventatively

Remove and destroy infected plants to prevent spreading fungal spores.

Incorrect Sun Exposure

Pansies grow best in partial sun or light shade. Too much hot sun can scorch the leaves, causing them to turn yellow, brown, or crisp around the edges. On the other hand, pansies growing in too much shade can become leggy and weak.

Choose a planting site that gets about 4 hours of sun a day, ideally in the cooler morning sun. Provide some afternoon shade if possible.

Extreme Temperatures

Pansies prefer cool, temperate climates. Most varieties struggle with heat over 80°F and are damaged by frost or freezing. In warmer zones, pansies will decline and die back in summer heat. In colder areas, mulch pansies heavily to protect roots from hard freezes.

Choose heat and cold tolerant varieties suited for your climate. Provide shade in hot summer weather and protection from winter winds.

Improper Planting Depth

Pansies have shallow root systems. Planting them too deeply can cause poor growth and death. The top of the pansy root ball should be just level with the soil surface when planting. Burying the crown leads to rot.

Take care when planting pansies to avoid burying them too deep. Set transplants into the soil at the same level they were growing in their nursery pot.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Lack of nutrients can lead to yellowing leaves, stunted plants, and poor flowering. Pansies are light feeders but still require some fertilizer to thrive. Use a balanced fertilizer when planting and occasionally through the growing season.

Watch for signs of nutrient deficiencies like yellowing lower leaves (nitrogen deficiency) or misshapen buds (calcium deficiency). Apply a fertilizer containing micronutrients if needed.

Insects and Pests

Aphids, slugs, snails and other sucking insects can weaken and damage pansies. Caterpillars and earwigs are also common pests. They chew holes in leaves and flowers, causing pansy plants to decline.

Control insects through:

• Handpicking pests off plants
• Using insecticidal soaps or neem oil
• Applying beneficial nematodes for slug/snail control
• Encouraging natural predators like birds and ladybugs

Check under leaves for eggs and larvae. Remove damaged foliage and buds to prevent spreading.

Extreme Weather Events

Unusually heavy rain, hail storms, or high winds can physically damage pansies. The slender stems and delicate flowers are easily broken by driving rain or hail. Strong winds may cause blow over or breakage.

Provide shelter from extreme weather events. Use row covers to protect from hail damage. Stake tall plants to prevent wind damage. Deadhead damaged flowers and buds to improve appearance.

Improper Care

Pansies are not the easiest flowers for beginner gardeners. They require some special care to bloom continuously. Neglecting basic needs like deadheading, watering, fertilizing and proper planting can lead to decline.

Educate yourself on the unique care needs of pansies. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new flowers. Address issues like inadequate watering and nutrition. Move plants to a better location if needed.

With proper planting and care, pansies can thrive for months, even through summer in cooler climates. Pay close attention to your plants and act quickly if you notice signs of stress. Fix any cultural issues and you can revive struggling pansies. With a little TLC, your pansies will be flowering joyfully once again!