Question
my plants
Hi Tracy,
I have a few questions regarding my peace lily and dieffenbachia plants. I have purchased both this month from plant shops and I'd like to know whether I need to repot them right away since their pots seem very small (please view the attached picture). And if so, would Miracle Gro potting mix be sufficient enough for both plants or do I need to buy a different brand?
Also, I've noticed on the peace lily some tips are browning. I'm not sure if it's a sign that it's getting too much sun or too little water and would like some advice.
In addition, I'd like to know what type of plant food I should use for both these plants. I also have a white bird of paradise and pothos and I wouldn't mind feeding them as well. :) Would I need to buy different types of plant food or will one be good for all?
I really appreciate your time and patience. Thank you.
Juliet
AnswerHi Juliet,
First off, the pots the plants are in look just fine for the plants. You usually do not want to repot plants for the few months after you get them unless you absolutely have to. It takes plants awhile to recover from the stress of being moved to a new environment and to acclimate to that environment.
Generally you want to avoid unnecessary repotting. It is one of the most common reasons for plant failure. Some signs a plant needs to be repotted is little or no new growth, roots growing on top of the soil and an almost constant need for water.
Miracle Gro potting soil is okay, as far as commercial potting soils go. I personally do not like using Miracle Gro potting soil. I do not like using potting soil with time release fertilizer and I have found that Miracle Gro has too many sticks and other debris in it. Also I have found that the quality of the soil is not really consistent from bag to bag of Miracle Gro.
I usually either mix my own potting soil or buy potting soil from my favorite nursery. I buy it by the scoop and it is actually cheaper than buying Miracle Gro. An 8 quart bag of Miracle Gro is about $4, I can get 8 quarts of consistently much better quality potting soil for $1.50 from the nursery. Check with a couple of your local nurseries to see if you can buy their potting soil by the scoop.
If you want to mix your own soil, the recipe I use is 2 parts peat moss (make sure that it is a good quality, milled, sphagnum peat moss. Preferably without added fertilizer), 1 part perlite and 1 part vermiculite (most commercial potting soils do not contain vermiculite, it is mostly used in seed starting mixes, but I like to have it in potting soil).
Remember, the things plants need from a good potting soil is balanced moisture, nutrient retention, drainage and aeration (most plants grow best in a well draining soil).
There are many reasons why the leaf tips are turning brown on your Peace Lily. The most common reasons are water quality, overwatering, underwatering and over fertilizing.
As a general rule, allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between watering then water just enough for a small amount of water to drain out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
A lot of times brown leaf tips are caused because many plants are sensitive to the fluoride, chlorine and hard water deposits found in most tap water. I recommend using distilled water. By using distilled water you can avoid the problems that can be caused by water quality.
As fertilizers go, any well balanced fertilizer is okay for most plants and liquid fertilizers are best.
To avoid over fertilizing, I recommend using 1/3 of the amount called for in the directions on the package. Dilute 1 part liquid fertilizer to 2 parts distilled water (If using a dry crystallized or powdered fertilizer, mix it with distilled water according to the directions on the package then dilute the mixed fertilizer as recommended).
Only fertilize a plant when it needs it. Fertilizer should only be given to healthy plants that are actively growing. Never give fertilizer to a plant while it is dormant (during the winter) or to an unhealthy plant. Fertilizer will not ' cure' an unhealthy plant and will actually cause more harm.
I hope this helps. If you have any questions or need additional information please don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks
Tracy
