Help save false aralia...

Have wandered the web for ideas on what's causing the yellowing of the leaves (low magnesium, too much breeze, hot sun, soil too wet/dry, etc?). For almost a year I've been putting it in my west-facing window (where it's getting strong sea breeze here in SoCal). Seemed to be doing fine but in last several weeks has taken turn for worse. Thought our hard water might be the culprit...or the chems in it. So tried adding bit of cider vinegar. No evidence of infestation. (Other houseplants, altho few in number, are doing fine.) Ideas? TIA.

They do much better outdoors if the temps aren't going to drop under 45 degrees. They need bright light, but direct sun can overwhelm them. I'd forget the vinegar. Water when the soil feels dry several inches below soil level.

Thanks. I'm in an apt so no ability to put it outside. I've moved it in a couple feet away from the window hoping that'll help. (Wonder why it didn't seem to mind the hot, western sun and sea breeze last summer? Oh, well.) My bldg is very close to the one next door so even when not getting the direct afternoon sun there's still a lot of reflective light. I'd seen suggestions to ensure humidity so have it on tray of water and rocks. Will nix the ACV and go back to plain water!

I had one of these many years ago. If I remember right, it got touchy now and then with me. Sometimes it was just lovely, and other times it would drop leaves. It is a Beautiful plant, and fun to grow! Mine got morning light. I let the soil get dry between waterings. I would mist the leaves. Good luck with your plant!!! I haven't gotten another because it could have difficult moments...I stayed to easier plants.

Do you have central heat and air conditioning? If so, the motion of the air will negate any possible extra humidity misting or placing it on rocks holding water might supply. Those notions die hard. Misting can actually encourage the growth of fungus. Unless you are growing a rain forest plant, daily application of water to the leaves and stems is unnatural. Your plant needs the humidity of OUTDOORS and the only way to get it is place it outdoors. I understand you can't do that, so enjoy the plant while you can, and be ready to replace it when it poops out because of less than adequate light and humidity. These are TOUGH plants, and it could survive for several years.

Thanks, Carolyn. Let's hope that's what's happening to mine. Oddly, it seems to still be growing despite the sad appearance. No leaf drop. I did the misting a few times but thought the water tray would be easier. (On windier days the soil would dry faster so figured it could use the extra humidity.)

dp72...no heat or AC (just sea breeze). I live fairly close to the ocean so the air is rarely very dry. If I were able to put it outside the air wouldn't really be any different than in my apt (in terms of temp or humidity level) being I have my windows open to some degree almost 24/7. The only thing that I can control is the light so try to move my plants into or near the windows during the day.