Question
Hi,

I just bought a tropical plant for my gf and do not know what it is.  I need to know so I can learn how to treat it.  I can send pictures if given an email.

Thanks,
~Andrew

Answer
send a digital photo(jpeg format) to [email protected]. put Plant ID on the subject line or i may not open it.....
you could also take a sample (part of the plant) to a local garden center/nursery for them to examine. i'm in southern NJ. care is the same for most tropical plants in pots...like filtered light or a morning sun exposure. direct sunlite can burn foliage especially when it is hot out...
improper watering is uusually the #1 reason for killing plants. water by weight. put a saucer under the pot. water and let the plant sit in the excess water for 5-10 minutes. after that time pour off any excess water in the saucer. pick up or lean the pot. it should feel heavy. don't water again until it feels considerably lighter in weight. outdoors check the plant everyday. indoors check it every 3-14 days. watering frequency depends on many factors(sun exposure, type of plant, wind, day temps, etc.).
you need to add fertilize on a weekly to monthly basis during the growing season.
i am in southern New Jersey, USA.  get to a local garden center/nursery and quiz them on tropical plant care.  buy your products from them and they should be more than happy to help you.

good luck.
rick
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