Question
Hi Darlene, I got the wide zebra as a gift back in march. I've been noticing that the leaves on the bottom are shriveling up and turning brown and dying. I don't think I've been overwatering it and I've also repotted it with new potting soil.
Today I took the plant out and washed its roots to inspect it but not really sure what I'm looking for. When I turn it over on the bottom the leaves on the bottom are a brownish color and shriveling too. I think I will leave it to dry for a day or two in case I was. (hopefully this is ok).

What can I do to save it?

Also a while back it grew a stem from the middle and was about to grow a flower but my cat injured it. I haven't seen a new stem come in, I'm wondering if a new one will grow again provided that I save it.

Thanks.

Jay

Answer
Jay,

If it is just the bottom layer of leaves turning brown you are being ovely concerned and doing more damage by taking it out of the soil for a few days. If you are overwatering they will turn black and mushy. Brown leaves can indicate underwatering if half the plant is turning brown or if it is just a few leaves on the bottom the plant is getting larger and shading the lower leaves so they are not getting enough light and they are turning brown. If you suspect a fungal or bacterial problem you can remove the brown leaves then spray the plant lightly with Lysol spray every 3 days for 3 weeks and that will kill any mild problems whih it soulds like what you would have if you have a problem at all. It may just be that the plant is growing and shading itself. They tend to do that. In the heat we have had here in Indiana they need more water than usual to keed them nice and green. Good luck!

Darlene