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Question about house plants
Friend called and her husband had received a potted foliage plant while in the hospital. She was watering it and took it out of the basket she noticed grayish bugs or caterpillars in the soil. The plant is loosing it leaves, so what should I tell her to do with it. Repot it or is there something to put in the dirt? Not my area is houseplants so thought I would ask. Till next time, Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse Dougherty
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Roger Bolger on -
Becky, it sounds like this plant has been overwatered in addition to having some critters living at the bottom of the pot. I suggest repotting the plant and washing all the old soil off the roots. Trim off any dark limp roots since they are dead and rotting. Clean the pot well and replant in fresh potting soil. Ensure that the plant has good drainage, and that water does not stand in the bottom of the basket for more than 10-20 minutes after watering. It is best to let the soil get fairly dry before rewatering.
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Permalink Reply by cindy h smith on -
If you have had this plant for less than two weeks I would suggest you ask the florist that sent you the plant to replace it. The insects may have been present before you received it. Often times the pretty potted plants sent are made up for a pretty presentation, but not necessarily potted in a way that makes it easy to keep them healthy. It may have had no drainage which would contribute to staying too wet. If you choose to keep the plant, repotting would probably alleviate many of the possible problems. Repot into a container with a hole, clean off all the insects, dead leaves and old soil. You can add granular systemic insecticide to the soil to prevent some types of insects and spray the plant with insecticidal soap or a pyrethrin for other insects that may still be present. Repeat this two or three times weekly. The dropping leaves could be from being too wet or not enough light. Place the plant in as bright light as possible. Water only as needed to keep it moderately moist, never let it sit in water. Different plants have different water needs. It would be vital to know the type of plant to accurately advise on specific water needs. Usually less is best unless the plant is wilting.
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Permalink Reply by Becky Litterer on -
Thanks for the information very helpful. I think that is what the friend did...thanks Computer off for 10 days so lots of catching up to do. Becky
cindy h smith said:If you have had this plant for less than two weeks I would suggest you ask the florist that sent you the plant to replace it. The insects may have been present before you received it. Often times the pretty potted plants sent are made up for a pretty presentation, but not necessarily potted in a way that makes it easy to keep them healthy. It may have had no drainage which would contribute to staying too wet. If you choose to keep the plant, repotting would probably alleviate many of the possible problems. Repot into a container with a hole, clean off all the insects, dead leaves and old soil. You can add granular systemic insecticide to the soil to prevent some types of insects and spray the plant with insecticidal soap or a pyrethrin for other insects that may still be present. Repeat this two or three times weekly. The dropping leaves could be from being too wet or not enough light. Place the plant in as bright light as possible. Water only as needed to keep it moderately moist, never let it sit in water. Different plants have different water needs. It would be vital to know the type of plant to accurately advise on specific water needs. Usually less is best unless the plant is wilting.
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