Question
Hello
I bought a very pretty pink/purple plant early this year at a college sale. I have no idea what kind of plant it is - it is all a dark pink, including the stalk, stems, and leaves. It was around a foot tall. It has been living in my room all year next to my window, getting decent sunlight. and doing quite well. I water it every few days. I came back yesterday though and noticed it looked terrible! It is completely wilted and awful looking. I tried to water it but the water just sat there so I took the water out of the saucer this morning. The soil is very damp and some parts of the upper stalks look like they have snapped off..? It is still in the pot I bought it in, which I was planning to change when I go home for the summer because it was getting a little big. I also have two succulents, and they are fine, but the clovers which were in one of the succulents pots have all died too.
I have not really changed anything in my behavior towards it (the pink plant)... it has been getting quite a bit warmer recently and the room has been a bit humid. I suppose that might be it but it really has gone from completely normal to looking awful over just a few days. The only thing I can think of is that I poured some left over apple juice into the pots for water last week... I have no idea if that would do anything. I am hoping I can save this guy before he dies completely... =/ Thanks!

Answer
Hi Diana,

Giving potted plants food substances of any kind is never a good idea. The apple juice has a very high sugar content and may also be too acidic for your mystery plant. The suddenness of the change in your plant is consistent with your previously adding apple juice to the soil.

I suggest that you flush the soil by taking your plant to a sink and letting lots of clear water run through the soil for a minute or two. The excess waiter will run out through the drain holes. Do NOT repot the plant or replace the soil.

Otherwise, assessing your plant is difficult without an ID. You can post a photo here or email a photo to my email address below to get an ID and specific care instructions.

True clover is a grass that requires lots of water and should not be grown in a pot with a succulent that requires regular drying out.

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  www.HorticulturalHelp.com