Question
QUESTION: I bought a beautiful jasmine plant in June and put it on my balcony where it gets morning sun every day.  They told me to keep it moist but not to let it sit in water, which is what I have done, along with fertilizing it once a week.  But now, its leaves are drying up and falling off, and all of a sudden all the new growth that it had, including buds, are drooping.  I really like this plant and would like to save it if possible.

ANSWER: Betty, from what you are telling me, I am inclined to think that you have saturated the roots, hence the drooping and leaf drop; this is a sign of root stress; lift it out of its container and check the root system for excessive moisture. Nick

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QUESTION: Ok, thanks!  If the roots are saturated, then should I let it dry out, out of the container for a day or two and then repot it?  And after that, how often should I water it?  At the garden shop where I bought it, I was told to keep it moist, and I have been watering it twice a week, once with fertilizer and once with plain water.

Answer
Its inadvisable to keep a contained plant "Moist" you are just asking for root rot (albeit there are some exceptions); and you are fertilizing way too much, which will build up salt in the soil (also detrimental). Start over, and line the bottom of the container with a couple of inches of gravel or pea stone, this will allow for drainage; add new soil to the top of this and then mulch the top over, this will keep the soil from drying out too quickly. Place the container in a spot where it will get morning sun and dappled afternoon shade, and check with your finger every other day to see if the soil is dry, and water as needed. A plant will always let you know when it needs to be irrigated, by wilting a little, this is when you will get a handle on when to water, before this occurs. Always rememeber that when this happens, it will perk right back up when irrigated, but if you over water it, and it droops, it may be too late, because irrepairable root damage may already have occured. Time will tell if your Jasmine will come back or not, good luck. Nick