New Rosemary Dies After Transplant: Root Binding, Water, Fertilizer

Rosemary from Lowe's browned in 1 week after planting. Likely root-bound + chemical fertilizer withdrawal + watering errors.

Diagnosis

• Root-bound: Roots circling pot bottom. Must be teased/spread at planting.
• Chemical fertilizer dependency: Nursery plants fed synthetic. Sudden stop = stress.
• Watering: Weekly only. No daily. No water if rain.

Rescue (If Any Green)

1. Repot: gritty mix, larger pot, score roots.
2. Water: weekly deep soak.
3. Feed: fish fertilizer (organic) every 3 weeks.
4. Prune: 1/3 from tips every 3 weeks.
5. Sun: east-facing.

Realistic

All brown = dead. Return to Lowe's. Restart with gritty mix, organic feed, proper watering.

Soil Quality

Use premium potting mix (not cheap). Add 30% perlite/pumice.