Question
hi, I have five 7' tall Arborea's in my home.  They are planted in non draining ceramic pots.  Over the past few years I've had such a difficult time knowing how much water to give them.  I've lost a couple over the years due to under or over watering.  What amount and how often do recommend watering?  What type of fertilizers are best for Arborea's?  To help with answering the questions above.  We live in a very dry climate, Phoenix, arizona.  Thanks for time and help, David & Liliana.

Answer
David,

There are at least 2 plants known as Arboreas so I am not sure which one you are talking about. Because of the problem you are having I absolutly do not reccommend that you plant any plants in non draining pots. They are not meant to have the plants put directly in them. You should have the plants in a plastic pot slightly smaller than the ceramic cache pot and set it down in the ceramic pot. Then in a case of overwatering you can remove the plant to a tub and take it outside to drain. I reccommend that you repot as soon as possible to do this or put them in different pots that have drain holes and drain trays under them. They are making a lot of very nice styrofoam ones now that work well also.

As for fertilizer I reccomend using a water soluable fertilizer such as Miracle Grow or any of the similar water soluable fertilizers. How often to water, I reccommend that you get a water meter, they are under $10.00 at any garden center and they work quite well. Plants roots need to breath for a day or so between waterings so do not water the plants until the meter reads well into the dry section half way into the soil. That will give the roots a chance to breatha and your plants will not die from root rot from being overwatered. If you have more questions feel free to write again. If you would like for me to identify your plants email me a digital picture and I should be able to tell you exactly which Arboreas you have. Good luck.

Darlene
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