Houseplant Help

[taralastair]

Help! Many of my houseplants seem to have lost the will to live and are dying, even one that were looking strong throughout the winter. There seems to be a bit of a pattern in that they quite rapidly start dropping leaves and no matter what I do (give more water, give less water, feed, don't feed) they still die. In a desperate attempt I have recently repotted as many as I could but they still look poorly. Any advice anyone? Perhaps they are feeling insecure next to all my healthy looking seedlings on the windowsills.

Tara

[Chantal]

Have you checked the roots for vine weevil and other nasties? I'm assuming if you've repotted you have, but did you dig around in the existing compost or try and keep it intact?

I just ignore my pot plants, apart from giving them tea and water and they thrive. The ones that grow the best I treat with total disdain, they seem to like it. You could be over pampering them.

[John]

Sudden problems like this are almost always caused by root problems. Have you been overwatering them? If you think you have, the answer is to stop watering and keep them on the dry side to (hopefully) allow the root growth to recover. Where are they growing? It can get surprisingly cold on a windowsill at this time of year. Low temperatures and soggy roots can be the kiss of death to houseplants.

John

[taralastair]

Yes I think you may have a point about the over watering. In Sept we had a well meaning neighbour looking after our cats whilst we were on holiday. When we returned my houseplants were drenched. However I did try to dry them out a bit but then found out my husband was giving them the occasional top up with left overs from the teapot regularly. So I have now given orders that no one is allowed near them with out my permission. And maybe I'll take Chantal's advice and give the cold shoulder for a while and see if they come around. Thanks again.

Tara