Question
QUESTION: I have purchased three of four of these over the last couple of years and have had everyone of them die on me.  Starts out with a white milky substance on the leaves then the leaves start turning brown and die.  I had the first one outside the next couple on the screened patio.  From what I read in your reply to a prior post the problem is too much water causing root rot.  How can I determine how much water is the correct amount?  Would I have better luck if I just planted them in the ground?

ANSWER: Hi Jim, like any other plant problem, I really need details on soil type, container type and size, watering habits, Sunlight received etc. Give me a history on how these Jasmines were treated so I have a better understanding and be able to catch something that may have caused this; they are a very easy plant to grow with just moderate (when soil is dry half down the container..) watering, and occasional fertilizing and pruning. Nick

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QUESTION: All of them were purchased at Home Depot in 2 gal (I think) containers.  The first one was placed in the middle of my yard in the container it came. Bri mid-day sun did not seem to bother it.  I would come home every day and water it (flood it) thinking that it needed the water because of the heat.  Did not notice any problem until I moved because the wind was knocking it over.  I did not feed it as that is beyond my ken

Answer
ok, first problem is they come in "nursery containers" which are containers meant for temporary use only, they need to be changed out into a larger container with new medium; once this is done,, they should be placed in an area where they get about 6 hours of Sunlight a day and then watered well once, then allowed to dry halfway down, before watering again. I think (from what you say) you did indeed compromise the root system with the excessive moisture. They can be fertilized once a month with a half strength soluble, like Miracle-Grow or Peters. Nick