Question
Hi Kathy,

I recently acquired two healthy plants: I was told that  one is a "Red Ti" and needed to be watered about one per week.  The other, I was told, is a "Jamaica Plant".  I was told to repot them when their current, thin plastic pots started to crack, which was immediately.  I repotted them, and they are indoors, in the entrance of my home outside of Dallas, Texas, in filtered light.  The problem is that the Red Ti seems to be losing leaves.  Mostly around the bottom.  The leaves appear to be drying up.  I've been very careful not to overwater, and now I'm wondering if I am not watering enough.  Should I be drenching the plant until it drains one time per week?  Or just ensuring that the soil stays moist?

The Jamaica seems to be doing well, but there are mushrooms growing in the pot!  We removed them, but are guessing that the spores were probably in the potting soil we used.  The soil in the pot is relatively dry, as we were told to only water it once per month or so.  Are the mushrooms potentially harmful to the plant?  And what should we do?

Any tips on care of these two beautiful plants would be so appreciated.  I've never really been known for having a green thumb, and really want to see these guys thrive.

Answer
Hi Lisa...sounds like not enough water to me.  Yellow leaves means not enough water.  Here is Florida I water mine everyday, but that is outside in a pot.  I imagine it is cooler where you are so I would say to you twice a week should do the trick.

Mushrooms in a pot means that the soil is breaking down and will not hurt your plant.  Have no idea what a Jamaica plant is as that is not its real name.  Use a slow release fertilizer, so you never burn your plants.