Question
Good morning,
I'm the caretaker of a cape angel house plant that my mum kept quite healthy, but now is in my hands. Though I'm positive she is doing something in the other demension to keep these plants I have of hers alive and blossoming, for I have not a green thumb - for the indoors care of the green!
So... this cape angel I've kept in its container, water as directed...but it is dropping leaves like crzzy...more than the past year cycle. It is quite trunky looking and fairly gangly. I do have to use slender wooden dowels to support parts of it. There is new growth appearing near its base.  Oh, and I'm in Mid-Coast area Maine so there will be no planting in the out of door.  Many thnx for any suggestions you may offer. NanSea

Answer
Hi NanSea,

The correct name for this plant is Plectranthus sp. 'Cape Angel White.' It is in the Swedish ivy family. I assume that is what you have although people often attach incorrect names to their plants. If this is not what you have, let me know.

I don't know how it is potted and don't know what your watering instructions are so I cannot tell you what is going wrong. Inadequate light and over watering are the two most common reasons why this plant drops leaves and becomes straggly looking.

I suggest you start by pruning back the longest, barest stems by at least one-third. Any stems that need propping are too long and should be pruned back. This is a creeping or vining plant and it is not intended be kept upright. New growth will emerge at the ends of the newly shortened stems. Tip cuttings can be rooted quite easily in water.

Do not repot your plant because it is in fragile condition and disturbing the roots could push it over the edge. Make sure you keep it on a sunny windowsill. Allow the top quarter of the soil to dry in between waterings. Fertilize it at half-strength monthly but only after it has returned to full health.

Be patient. It takes time for ailing plants to recover.

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

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to PlantCareExperts.com