What is Blossom End Rot?
Blossom end rot is a common issue that affects many indoor plants, particularly tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. It's a physiological disorder that causes the fruit to develop brown or black areas on the blossom end, which can eventually lead to decay and spoilage. The condition is often misdiagnosed as a fungal disease, but it's actually caused by a lack of calcium in the fruit.
Table of Contents
Causes of Blossom End Rot
There are several factors that can contribute to blossom end rot, including:
• Inconsistent watering: When plants receive too little water, the fruit may not develop properly, leading to calcium deficiency.
• Calcium deficiency: As mentioned earlier, calcium is essential for fruit development. A lack of calcium in the soil or an inability of the plant to absorb it can cause blossom end rot.
• Root bound: When plants outgrow their containers and need to be transplanted, it can cause stress, leading to blossom end rot.
• High temperatures: Extreme heat can cause plants to grow too quickly, leading to calcium deficiency.
• Soil pH imbalance: If the soil pH is too high or too low, it can affect the plant's ability to absorb calcium and other essential nutrients.
Signs and Symptoms of Blossom End Rot
The signs and symptoms of blossom end rot can vary depending on the severity of the condition. However, common signs include:
• Brown or black areas on the blossom end of the fruit
• Soft, mushy or watery texture on the affected area
• Fruit may be misshapen or distorted
• Premature fruit drop
How to Prevent Blossom End Rot
Preventing blossom end rot is easier than treating it. Here are some tips to help you prevent this condition:
• Water consistently: Make sure to water your plants regularly, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
• Provide calcium-rich soil: Use a balanced fertilizer that contains calcium, and consider adding crushed eggshells or dolomitic limestone to the soil.
• Monitor soil pH: Ensure the soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0, which is ideal for most plants.
• Transplant carefully: When transplanting, handle the roots with care, and provide enough space for the roots to grow.
• Prune regularly: Prune your plants regularly to promote healthy growth and fruiting.
Treating Blossom End Rot
If you've noticed signs of blossom end rot on your plants, it's essential to act quickly to prevent further damage. Here are some tips to help you treat this condition:
• Remove affected fruit: Remove any affected fruit to prevent the condition from spreading to other fruits.
• Adjust watering: Check your watering schedule and adjust it to ensure consistent moisture levels.
• Provide calcium supplements: Apply calcium-rich fertilizers or foliar sprays to provide the plant with the necessary calcium.
• Monitor soil pH: Check the soil pH and adjust it if necessary to ensure optimal calcium absorption.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to preventing and treating blossom end rot, there are some common mistakes to avoid:
• Overwatering: Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other issues.
• Underwatering: On the other hand, make sure to provide enough water to prevent calcium deficiency.
• Ignoring soil pH: Failing to monitor and adjust soil pH can lead to calcium deficiency and other issues.
• Not providing enough calcium: Failing to provide calcium-rich soil or supplements can lead to blossom end rot.
Blossom End Rot in Specific Plants
Blossom end rot can affect various plants, including:
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are one of the most common plants affected by blossom end rot. To prevent this condition in tomatoes, ensure consistent watering, provide calcium-rich soil, and monitor soil pH.
• Peppers: Peppers are also prone to blossom end rot. To prevent this condition in peppers, provide well-draining soil, consistent watering, and calcium-rich fertilizers.
• Eggplants: Eggplants are another plant that can be affected by blossom end rot. To prevent this condition in eggplants, ensure consistent watering, provide calcium-rich soil, and monitor soil pH.
Conclusion
Blossom end rot is a common issue that can affect many indoor plants. However, with the right knowledge and care, you can prevent and treat this condition. Remember to provide consistent watering, calcium-rich soil, and monitor soil pH to prevent blossom end rot. If you do notice signs of this condition, act quickly to remove affected fruit, adjust watering, and provide calcium supplements. By following these tips, you can enjoy healthy and thriving plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blossom End Rot?
Blossom End Rot is a common issue affecting indoor plants, characterized by a brown or black spot on the blossom end of the fruit, typically on tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. It's caused by a lack of calcium in the fruit, often due to inconsistent watering, inadequate calcium supply, or root damage.
What are the main causes of Blossom End Rot?
The primary causes of Blossom End Rot include inconsistent watering, inadequate calcium supply, root damage, high temperatures, and excessive nitrogen fertilization. Other contributing factors may include soil pH imbalances, salt buildup, and inadequate fruit support.
How do I identify Blossom End Rot?
Look for brown or black spots on the blossom end of the fruit, which may be soft and mushy to the touch. The affected area may also be sunken or concave. As the condition progresses, the spot may grow in size, and the fruit may become misshapen or drop off the plant.
Can Blossom End Rot be prevented?
Yes, Blossom End Rot can be prevented by maintaining consistent watering, providing adequate calcium supply, and ensuring good root health. Regularly check soil moisture, avoid over-fertilization, and provide support for fruiting plants to prevent damage.
How do I treat Blossom End Rot?
Treatment involves addressing the underlying causes, such as adjusting watering schedules, adding calcium-rich fertilizers, and pruning affected fruit to prevent the spread of the condition. Remove any damaged or infected fruit to promote healthy growth and prevent the spread of disease.
Is Blossom End Rot contagious?
No, Blossom End Rot is not contagious and does not spread from plant to plant. It's a physiological disorder caused by environmental factors, and removing affected fruit will not infect other plants.
Can I eat fruit affected by Blossom End Rot?
It's not recommended to eat fruit affected by Blossom End Rot, as the affected area may be soft and mushy, and could be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Remove and dispose of any affected fruit to maintain plant health and prevent the spread of disease.
How often should I water my plants to prevent Blossom End Rot?
Water your plants when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and increase the risk of Blossom End Rot. Check soil moisture regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
What is the ideal soil pH for preventing Blossom End Rot?
The ideal soil pH for most fruiting plants is between 6.0 and 7.0. A pH imbalance can lead to nutrient deficiencies, including calcium, which can contribute to Blossom End Rot.
Can I use calcium supplements to prevent Blossom End Rot?
Yes, calcium supplements can be used to prevent Blossom End Rot. Apply a calcium-rich fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, and consider adding crushed eggshells or dolomitic limestone to the soil to provide a slow release of calcium.
How do I provide adequate calcium to my plants?
Provide adequate calcium by using calcium-rich fertilizers, adding crushed eggshells or dolomitic limestone to the soil, and ensuring good soil structure and drainage. You can also use foliar sprays containing calcium to provide an additional boost.
Can Blossom End Rot be caused by pests or diseases?
No, Blossom End Rot is not caused by pests or diseases. It's a physiological disorder caused by environmental factors, such as inconsistent watering, inadequate calcium supply, and root damage.
How do I prevent root damage to prevent Blossom End Rot?
Prevent root damage by handling plants gently during transplantation, avoiding over-pruning, and providing adequate soil space for root growth. Avoid compacting the soil, which can damage roots and increase the risk of Blossom End Rot.
Can Blossom End Rot affect other types of plants?
While Blossom End Rot is most commonly associated with tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, it can also affect other fruiting plants, such as squash, melons, and cucumbers. Any plant that produces fruit is susceptible to Blossom End Rot.
How do I support fruiting plants to prevent Blossom End Rot?
Support fruiting plants using trellises, stakes, or cages to prevent fruit from touching the ground and to promote even growth. This can help reduce the risk of Blossom End Rot by preventing fruit damage and promoting good air circulation.
Can Blossom End Rot be caused by temperature fluctuations?
Yes, temperature fluctuations can contribute to Blossom End Rot. Avoid exposing plants to extreme temperatures, and maintain a consistent temperature between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C) to promote healthy growth.
How do I monitor my plants for Blossom End Rot?
Regularly inspect your plants for signs of Blossom End Rot, such as brown or black spots on the fruit. Check for other signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves or droopy stems, and address any issues promptly to prevent the spread of the condition.
Can I prevent Blossom End Rot by using mulch?
Mulch can help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature, which can help prevent Blossom End Rot. However, it's essential to maintain good soil structure and drainage to prevent waterlogged soil, which can exacerbate the condition.
How do I dispose of affected fruit to prevent the spread of Blossom End Rot?
Remove and dispose of any affected fruit to prevent the spread of disease. Do not compost affected fruit, as this can spread the condition to other plants. Dispose of affected fruit in a sealed bag or bin to prevent the spread of disease.
Can Blossom End Rot be caused by inadequate light?
Inadequate light can contribute to Blossom End Rot by weakening the plant and making it more susceptible to stress. Ensure your plants receive adequate light, and consider providing supplemental lighting during periods of low light.
How do I prevent Blossom End Rot in seedlings?
Prevent Blossom End Rot in seedlings by providing consistent moisture, adequate calcium, and good air circulation. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and increase the risk of Blossom End Rot.
Can Blossom End Rot be caused by soil salinity?
Yes, soil salinity can contribute to Blossom End Rot by reducing the plant's ability to absorb calcium and other essential nutrients. Avoid using high-sodium fertilizers, and consider using soil amendments to reduce soil salinity.
How do I address Blossom End Rot in a hydroponic system?
In a hydroponic system, address Blossom End Rot by adjusting the nutrient solution to provide adequate calcium, maintaining consistent pH and temperature, and ensuring good air circulation. Monitor plants regularly for signs of stress and adjust the system as needed.
Indoor Plant Care A-Z
Adiantum Fragrans
Aechmea Blue Rain
Aechmea Fasciata
Aeschynanthus Marmoratus
Aeschynanthus Radicans Gesneriad
African Mask
African Spear
African Violet
Air Plant
Alocasia Amazonica
Alocasia Araceae
Aloe
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera Barbadensis
Angel Wings Cactus
Anthurium Andraeanum
Anthurium Crystallinum
Arabian Coffee
Areca Palm
Aroid Palm
Arrowhead Ivy
Arum Lily
Asparagus Densiflorus 'Sprengeri'
Asparagus fern
Asparagus Setaceus
Aspidistra Elatior
Asplenium Antiquum
Asplenium Nidus
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Austrailian Ivy Tree
Austrocephalocereus Dybowskii
Austrocylindropuntia subulata
Azalea Plant
Baby Doll Ti
Baby Rose
Baby Tears
Baby Toes
Baby's Tears
Bamboo Palm
Banana Palm
Banana Plant
Banana Tree
Barbados Aloe
Begoniaceae Maculata
Bengal Fig
Benjamin Tree
Benjamin's Fig
Beringin
Bilbo Cactus
Bird Of Paradise
Bird's Nest Fern
Bird's Tongue Flower
Birds Nest Fern
Blue Pothos
Blue Rain Bromeliad
Blue Rain Plant
Blue Sansevieria
Blue Torch Cactus
Bonsai Ficus
Boston Fern
Boston Fern
Boy Flower
Brighamia insignis
Bromeliad
Buddha's Hand
Bunny Cactus
Burrageara Orchid X Oncidium
Burro's Tail
Butterfly Palm
Cabbage on a Stick
Cabeça-branca
Cactus
Caladium Lindenii
Caladium Magnificum
Calathea
Calathea Marantaceae
Calla Lily
Cambria
Cambria Orchid
Canna Leaved Strelitzia
Cape Jasmine
Cape Primrose
Cast Iron Plant
Cathedral Cactus
Cathedral Plant
Cereus Peruvianus
Ceropegia Woodii
Ceropegia Woodii 'Marlies'
Chain of Hearts
Chain of Pearls
Chamaedorea Elegans
Chinese Ape
Chinese Money Plant
Chinese PLant
Chinese Taro
Chlorophytum Comosum
Christmas Cactus
Christmas Kalanchoe
Cladophora
Cladophora Ball
Climbing Asparagus
Codiaeum Variegatum Var. Pictum
Coffea Rubiaceae Arabica
Coffee Bean
Coffee Plant
Common Purslane
Common Yucca
Cordyline Fruticosa
Corn Plant
Crab Cactus
Crane Flower
Crassula Arborescens
Crassula Hobbit
Crassula Ovata
Croton
Crystal Anthurium
Ctenanthe
Ctenanthe Pilosa Golden Mosaic
Curly Locks Cactus
Curtain Fig
Cycas Revoluta
Cylindrical Snake Plant
Date Palm
Day Flower
Delicious Monster
Devil's Ivy
Devil's Tongue
Devils Backbone
Dieffenbachia Araceae
Donkey's Tail
Dracaena
Dracaena Fragrans
Dracaena Fragrans Golden Coast
Dracaena Fragrans Janet Craig
Dracaena Fragrans Steudneri
Dracaena Magenta
Dracaena Marginata
Dracaena Sanderiana
Dragon Plant
Dragon Scale Alocasia
Dragon Tree
Dumb Cane
Dwarf Arrowhead Vine
Dypsis Lutescens Chrysalidocarpus
Easter Cactus
Elephant Bush
Elephant Ear
Elephant Yucca
Emerald Palm
English Ivy
Entangled Hearts
Epiphyllum Anguliger
Epiphyllum guatemalensis
Epipremnum Aureum
Epipremnum Aureum Neon
Epipremnum Pinnatum
Epipremnum Pinnatum Aureum
Eternity Plant
Euphorbia Enopla
Euphorbia Trigona
Euphorbia Trigona Rubra
Eves Pin Cactus
False African Violet
False Shamrock
Ficus Benghalensis 'Audrey'
Ficus Benjamina
Ficus Elastica
Ficus Elastica 'Ruby'
Ficus Ginseng
Ficus Microcarpa
Fiddle Leaf Fig
First Aid Plant
Fishbone Cactus
Five Holes Plant
Flaming Katy
Flaming Sword
Flamingo Flower
Flamingo Lily
Flamingo Plant
Florist Kalanchoe
Flowering Cactus
Freckle Face
Freckle Plant
French Peanut
Friendship Plant
Garden Ivy
Garden Rose
Gardenia Jasminoides
Giant Bird Of Paradise
Golden Cane
Golden Neon Pothos
Golden Pothos
Goldfish Plant
Guiana Chestnut
Guzmania
Guzmania Bromeliaceae
Happy Leaf Pothos
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hawaiian Ti Plant
Haworthia
Haworthia Rafiki
Heart Leaf
Hedera Helix
Hedera Helix Variagata
Hedera Hibernica
Heptapleurum Actinopyllum
Hobbit Jade
Horrida Plant
Horse's Tail
House Plant Cuttings For Propagation
Hoya Carnosa
Hurricane Plant
Hylotelephium Sieboldii
Hypoestes Phyllostachya
Inch Plant
Irish Ivy
Jade Plant
Jade Plant
Java Fig
Java Tree
Java Willow
Jelly Bean Plant
Jungle Boogie
Jungle Bush
Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana
Kalanchoe Delagoensis x Daigremontiana
Kleinia stapeliiformis
Korean Rock Fern
Lace Fern
Laceleaf
Lady Fern
Lake Ball
Lamb's Tail
Lemon Geranium
Leopard Lily
Lipstick Plant
Little Hogweed
Love Plant
Lucky Bamboo
Madagascar Jasmine
Maidenhair Fern
Malabar Chestnut
Malayan Banyan
Maranta Kerchoveana
Maranta Leuconeura
Maranta Marisela
Mason Congo Sansevieria
Measles Plant
Medicinal Aloe
Medicine Plant
Mexican Breadfruit
Milk Barrel Cactus
Miltonia Orchid
Ming Aralia
Mini Philo
Mini Swiss Cheese Vine
Missionary Plant
Mistletoe Cactus
Money Plant
Money Tree
Monkey Jars
Monstera
Monstera Adansonii
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Minima
Moss Ball
Moss Rose
Moth Orchid
Mother In Law's Tongue
Mother Of Thousands
Musa
Musa Basjoo Tropicana
N'Joy Pothos
Nemantanthus Gregarius
Nematanthus gregarious
Neon Devil's Ivy
Neon Pothos
Nepenthes Alata
Nephrolepis Exaltata
Never Never Plant
Night Blooming Cactus
Octopus Tree
Odontoglossum Orchid
Oilcloth Flower
Old Man Cactus
Oncidium Orchid
Opuntia Microdaisy Albata
Orchidaceae Phalaenopsis
Oxalis Triangularis
Pachira Aquatica
Pancake Plant
Pansy Orchid
Parasol Plant
Parlor Palm
Parlour Palm
Pass-it-along Plant
Passiflora Caerulea
Passionflower
Patio Rose
Peace Lily
Peace Lily
Peacock Plant
Pearl and Star Plant
Pelargonium Zonal
Peperomia Deppeana × Quadrifolia | Peperomia Tetraphylla
Peperomia Polybotrya
Peperomia Prostrata
Peruvian Apple Cactus
Philodendron
Philodendron 'Monkey Mask'
Philodendron Hederaceum
Philodendron Minima
Philodendron Scandens
Phoenix Canariensis
Pickle Cactus
Pickle Plant
Pilea Depressa
Pilea Mollis
Pilea Peperomoides
Pilocereus Azureus
Pincushion Euphorbia
Pink Jelly Beans
Pink Pork and Beans
Pink Splash
Pink Violet
Pitcher Plant
Polka Dot Begonia
Polka Dot Plant
Polyscias Fruticosa
Polystichum Tsussimense
Portulaca Umbraticolata
Portulacaria Afra Mediopicta
Pot Belly Fig
Pothos
Prayer Plant
Provision Tree
Purple Rain Plant
Purple Shamrock
Purple Wood Sorrel
Rabbit Ears Cactus
Rabbit's Foot
Rabbit's Tracks
Radiator Plant
Raindrop Money Plant
Raindrop Pilea
Rattlesnake Plant
Red Rhipsalis Cactus
Red Rubber Plant
Rhapidophora Tetrasperma
Rhipsalis
Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Heteroclada
Rhipsalis Horrida
Rhipsalis Occidentalis
Rhododendron Inga
Ric Rac Orchid Cactus
Ric-Rac Cactus
Rosa
Rosary Plant
Rosary Vine
Rough Fern
Rubber Plant
Saba Nut
Sago Palm
Saint Barbara's Sword
Saint Paulia
Saint Paulia
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii
Sansevieria Trifascia
Sansevieria Trifasciata
Sarracenia
Satin Pothos
Savannah Geranium
Schefflera Arboricola
Schlumbergera Bridgesii
Scindapsus Pictum Argyraeus
Scindapsus Pictus
Sedum Morganianum
Sedum Rubrotinctum Variegata
Senecio
Senecio Herrianus
Senecio Rowleyanus
Senecio Stapeliiformis
Shark Fin Plant
Shark's Tooth Philodendron
Silver Dollar Plant
Silver Jade Plant
Silver Pothos
Silver Vase
Small-Leaved Fig
Small-Leaved Rubber Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Tongue
Spanish Moss
Spathiphyllum
Spathiphyllum wallisii
Spear Sansevieria
Spider Plant
Spider Plant
Spiderwort
Spineless Yucca
Split-leaf Philodendron
Spotted Begonia
Star Plant
Stephanotis Floribunda
Stick Yucca
Stranging Fig
Strelitzia Alba
Strelitzia Nicolai
Strelitzia Reginae
Streptocarpus Saxorum
String of Beads
String of Hearts
String of Pearls
String of Tears
String of Turtles
Strings
Surprise Miltoniopsis
Sweetheart Plant
Sweetheart Plant Brazil
Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Vine
Sword Fern
Syngonium Erythrophyllum
Syngonium Nephphytis
Tailflower
Tears Pilea
Thanksgiving Cactus
Ti Leaf
Tiger Tooth Philodendron
Tillandsia
Tillandsia Ionantha
Tradescantia Albiflora
Tradescantia Commelinaceae Multiflora
Trailing Jade
Tropical Laurel
Tropicana Palm
Trout Begonia
True Aloe
Trumpet Lily
Trumpet Pitcher Plant
Trumpet Plant
Turtle Strings
UFO Plant
Umbrella Tree
Urn Plant
Variegated Chain of Hearts
Variegated Entangled Hearts
Variegated Laurel
Variegated Rosary Plant
Variegated Rosary Vine
Variegated Rubber Plant
Variegated String of Hearts
Vriesea splendens
Vuylstekeara Orchid
Wandering Dude
Wandering Jew
Wax Plant
Weeping Fig
Weeping Laurel
Whale Fin Plant
White Bird Of Paradise
White Crane Flower
White Flowered Wild Banana
Wild Banana
Wild Cape Banana
Yellow Palm
Yucca Elephantipes
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
Zantedeschia
Zanzibar Gem
Zebra Basket Vine
Zebra Cactus
Zebra Lipstick Plant
Zebra Plant
Zebrina Pendula
Zigzag Cactus
Zuzu Plant
ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant
![](https://botanicbeam.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/harley-jennings_avatar-210x210.jpg)
![](https://botanicbeam.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/harley-jennings_avatar-210x210.jpg)
Harley Jennings
Harley Jennings is a renowned indoor plant expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience working with some of the UK's top botany and garden centers. Harley's passion for indoor plants blossomed early in his career, leading him to become a trusted authority in the field. He has spent years nurturing plants, researching the best care practices, and sharing his extensive knowledge with fellow plant enthusiasts.
Harley is the author of the comprehensive guide "The Complete Guide to Indoor Plant Care," where he combines his wealth of experience with a deep love for greenery. This guide provides readers with everything they need to know about indoor plants, from selection and placement to watering, feeding, and troubleshooting common issues.
In addition to his writing, Harley plays a pivotal role in the development of the Botanic Beam app, a revolutionary tool that offers plant lovers a wealth of information in one convenient place. The app simplifies plant care, providing tailored advice, reminders, and expert tips to help users create thriving indoor gardens.
Outside of his professional life, Harley enjoys urban beekeeping, finding a unique connection between nurturing plants and supporting local ecosystems. His relatable, down-to-earth approach makes him a favorite among both novice and experienced indoor gardeners. Whether through his guide or the Botanic Beam app, Harley Jennings continues to inspire and educate, helping people transform their homes into green sanctuaries.