Q: I am having a problem with my Shamrocks. They are several years old and were always lush dark green until last year. They continue to bloom but are very pale and have white spots on the leaves and grow very thin.

Last July, the green plants did suffer quite a shock when they almost died from lack of water during a hard time.

A: Shamrocks naturally decline each summer and come back in a few months.

Clip off all of the leaves and set your declining plants in a cool, dry spot like an unused bedroom.

In a month or so, water with liquid houseplant fertilizer and move to a bright spot where they get bright light but not much direct sunshine. The leaves should spring forth from the soil.