Hi everyone...I have a "goldfish plant" bought at - you guessed it - a grocery chain - last year. It has been doing fine and flowering but now its leaves are getting limp as if it has a systemic fungus, but whether I let it dry out and THEN water, or keep it moist, it doesn't seem to matter. The poor thing was in such a sad state when I got it on the "throwaway" table, and now I don't want to lose it! Anyone have any ideas??? Many thanks!
HELP!
take some cuttings and retroot them,sounds like the roots are gone,take the healthest ones
JIM
I agree with Jim.If a plant is limp,whether it's wet or dry,the roots are gone.Take those cuttings right away.
Lynn
Thanks guys....should I root them in water, or use a rooting medium and direct into soil?
That's a matter of opinion.I do both.I suppose experts would advise you to use a rooting medium,like perlite and vermiculite or perlite and peat.If you do the latter,use moist,but not soaking wet medium and dome them or cover with plastic until they start forming roots.
Good luck to you,
lynn
I would take lots of cuttings so you can have a nice plant more quickly.
I just found this and this may be the reason why the leaves come off in the winter
http://houseplants-care.blogspot.com/2007/07/lipstick-plant-care.html
This may give a little insight
Dimmer
Kim,
That's a very informative site.I am bookmarking it. Thank you. ^_^.
I think morrigan's problem has more to do with root problems though,because it sounds as if it's all turning limp rather than just dropping leaves.
That's just my 2 cents - a penney's worth.
Lynn
Hey guys: T hat was a very interesting about the leaf fall. I haven't had that, just the droopies, softening of the leaves. It was in poor condition when I got it, alot of branching at the pot but no leaves there, and leaves cascading over the edges. It bloomed PROFUSELY in the winter. Now its kicked back on that. I guess I am just going to have to de-pot it and see what's going on with those roots. Should I use a rooting hormone powder do you think? ANd BTW, thanks for all the help. You are teaching me a lot!
Hi Morrigan,
Again everyone has different opinions and I certainly don't consider myself an expert at anything!
In my personal opinion,rooting hormone is not necessary,except for hard to to root woody plants.When you say the plant had stems with no leaves when you rescued it,it sounds as if it was taken care of poorly before you bought it.Plants like this need to be pinched back on a regular basis to keep them full.
I would take as many stem cuttings as possible and root them.As for the base of the plant,if it is not all soft and still has some healthy roots,I would cut off all the bad roots,prune back all of the branches,repot in a very loose mixture with lots of perlite,and water carefully until you see new growth.
Also,you mentioned the profuse bloom in the winter.Sometimes after a plant blooms heavily,it needs a little rest.Less water and little or no fertilizer until it shows some new growth and looks like it's ready to start a new growth cycle.
I hope this helps a little,
Lynn
Lynn: It helps alot. Thank you.