Question
I lost a Myrtus Communis in a small pot last year due to lack of watering over a weekend I was away. It started losing its leaves until drying out completely. Now that I got another one  - and despite the care provided on keeping the soil moist, etc -, a week on and it has started losing all its leaves again. Do you know what could be wrong? Is there any way to save it?

Also, how could be the best way to keep it watered if I'm away during the weekend?

Thank you for your advice.

Answer
Hi Ana,

Lots of retailers are selling Myrtus Communis topiaries right now because they are very pretty and popular. Unfortunately, they are very fragile plants that require a lot of maintenance that most people cannot provide. If yours has deteriorated after only a week, I suggest that you take it back to the retailer for a refund or exchange for a hardier plant. Once a substantial number of leaves start to dry up, it is very difficult to reverse the damage.

Myrtus should never be repotted. It must be kept on a sunny windowsill all day. The soil must be monitored carefully every day and watered thoroughly as soon as the surface is almost dry. If it is in a small pot, temps are warm and there is lots of sun, then it may need water every day or two. On the other hand, if you keep the soil constantly wet by watering too often, then the fragile roots will rot and the plant will die.

This is what I call an unforgiving plant because it does not tolerate occasional lapses in care. If you don't provide enough light and don't monitor the soil moisture carefully, Myrtus will fall apart very quickly. If you like to take long weekends and occasional vacations, then this is not a plant for you.

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

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