My philodendren's leaves have curled and I can't figure out why. I hope I'm not killing it with kindness.
I've uploaded (2) pics to help identify the problem. I have it in a room that gets primarily low light (from east & west windows that have covered porches). I have not repotted it since I bought it 2 months ago. I keep the temp at 68 degrees day & night. I'd appreciate any help.
Thanks,
Linda
Here is picture #2
I'd say repot. It looks like it's staying too dry. It could be that the roots have overtaken the pot, or the mix has degraded. Even if it doesn't need a bigger pot, I'd put it in fresh potting mix. Some of the mix the nurseries use isn't really up to par.
I'd also give the leaves a good rinsing, too. Never hurts.
I've found (the hard way) that those little silver philos don't like to dry out too much. I water mine when the mix has dried out to about the depth of my first knuckle. (Strangely enough, I'm in the process of reviving one I rescued from the dollar rack at Lowes today. The poor thing had completely dried out, but it was still savable. It's repotted and watered and the leaves have finally started uncurling.)
Sparrowgirl - I'm taking your advice and repotting. I agree the nursery mix (which seems to be a sponge) either stays too soggy or or dries out with a crust.
Thanks for the great advice,
Linda
Linda, I bought what I thought was a lovely philodendron form a big box store. When I tried to repot it, the roots were so entangled that I had to get a steak knife and literally saw the roots into pieces. There was no loose dirt; it was all entangled in the roots.
I had never seen anything like it. I had to saw the mass of roots into 6 pieces and repot them in the beginning of winter, which is not ideal, but I don't think the plant would have survived through the winter in that state.
I now have it in a very fast draining soil. It's watered pretty frequently, because my house is so dry in the winter. All 6 mini pothos are now doing great.
My assessment is poor root function due to over-watering, leaving the plant unable to maintain turgidity (water pressure - so it wilts); root rot due to the airless soil conditions; or both.
I would lift the plant from the pot & examine/smell roots. If parts of the root system are found to be rotten, black, slimy, or smell like anything but fresh earth, prune back to sound tissue.
I wouldn't repot at this time unless necessary, unless what you're calling a repot is actually potting up; in which case you can probably expect the problem to worsen, unless you get your watering under control.
If you have questions, I'll be watching the thread.
Al
Thanks SSgardener & Tapla,
I potted up to a 6" clay pot using the gritty mix. Now things should improve.
Linda
Did you bare-root, L?
Al
Hi Al - Yes I bare-rooted prior to potting up. It was a very scary process. The rootball was so tightly packed with soil and I dunked the rootball in a bucket of water. The soil came off but the plant fell apart. I managed to get the poor plant in the new pot and gritty mix but I sure hope I'm not a plant murderer. Know any good bail bondsmen? lol
Linda
Adding a little soil at a time & using a chopstick to settle the soil in around the roots works great. I also use a small rubber mallet to tap the pot after the plant is situated to further settle the soil .... holding the plant firmly in place while I tap, of course.
Al
Thanks Al for the potting up/repotting tips. It ought to make it alot easier.
Linda
Linda and Al, this has been a very informative discussion.
I'm glad my first repotting experience using Al's mix was with a cheap and easy houseplant. I made some mistakes while repotting but the plant forgave me and the soil did its job.
I'll be ready for my palms in a couple of months! Thanks again!
Thanks for your support at 'the other place', SS.
You're welcome, Linda. Good luck!!
Al
Haha, Al, I don't know how you handle all that "stuff" so graciously. I think I'll stick with the friendly folks here and the container garden forum. ;-)
Linda, sorry for the brief hijack :-) but I'm looking forward to your "recovery" picture!
Your plant, as near as I can figure out, is a cousin to a phildendron. Full name is
SCINDAPSUS pictus argyraens. comom name silver or satin pothos. Check this link.
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/54390/
barb
Thanks chedderpink for the link. Unfortunately I was unable to save the plant. I'm keeping my eyes open for another silver philo, but the plants I've seen lately look as though they've been used for batting practice!!! My 'green' philo is growing and doing great. This gives me hope for the future.
Linda
I have noticed all my philos to be relatively forgiving. With the exception of the silver/satin ones. Even when I lived in Hawaii those were difficult to keep happy. Good luck with the next one. :)
