Question
I am trying to rejuvinate my collegues plant. It took a beating when our building was closed for two week. The plant is sentamental to him! I cut the top stalks,watered, gave a little fertalizer...and I need advice.Very little life left. I put tops in a glass jar with fertalized water in a window..no rootage yet, after 2 weeks. Help please!
Judi

Answer
Hi Judi,

A photo and/or more detail would be helpful here. I don't know how poor the condition of the plant is or what adverse conditions it suffered.

The top cuttings should nave no more than a half dozen leaves each and a bare stem below the leaves about 4-6 inches in length. The cuttings can be rooted in plain water, but usually root more readily at the base of the original plant or in a small pot filled with a soil-less potting mix. Although some new roots may emerge in about a month, it may take several months for substantial roots to develop. Be patient.

If the roots of the original plant are still healthy, then some new growth should emerge just below the pruning cuts within about a month.

Janet Craigs do best in very bright indirect light, but protected from direct sun light. They also do well under overhead office fluorescent lights if the lights are kept on for 8 hours, 5 days per week.

Fertilizer is intended for healthy plants that are growing vigorously. It is not medicine to be used for ailing plants.

I have written detailed articles on pruning, fertilizing and on Janet Craig care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected]. I have also written an indoor plant care book in a PDF format that I can sell you if you contact me at my email address.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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