Question
QUESTION: I bought this plant from Home Depot 6 months ago and it seemed healthy.  I think I way overwatered it.  The lower leaves were turning crunchy and falling off, so I thought it needed water.  After I increased the water, they started to yellow and then die and fall off.  There are 4 stalks, the smallest one has no leaves on it at all now!  The tallest one seems the best of the 4.  There is new growth on the 3 tallest stalks.  Can I save this plant - what is the best thing I should do for it?  It is very large and I hate to lose it!  It also did not have extensive light during the winter but I can put it outside for at least several hours per day.

ANSWER: Laurel,

First, I have a question, where do you live? State and city? Are you in a house or apartment? Is there a place you could set it outside under a shady tree so it would get sun in the morning and evening but not direct sun at midday when the sun is hot? This plant will burn easily but it needs to be outdoors for the summer. It will not get the light it needs indoors when the sun is high in the sky during the summer. Water it only when the soil is very dry. Fertilize it every 2 weeks during the spring and summer, monthly durning fall and winter. Remove the brown leaves.

The lower leaves were probably turning crunchy due to lack of light. In the winter it needs to be in front of a large south facing window with the drapes open all day  from dawn to dusk. If that is not possible you need to hang a 4 tube flourescent light fixture over it no more than 12 inches above the top of it and keep it on 16 hours a day every day all winter.

If you have more questions feel free to write again and answer my questions at the beginning. Good luck.

Darlene

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We are in a house in the woods in NE Pennsylvania, near the NY border.  In the Poconos.  I have a sunny place where I can put the plant and lots of trees - I'll watch the sun and put it where it will get morning sun - or could I put it on my back deck and then bring it in in the afternoon - evening sun would then be a problem.  The plant is really heavy, too!  I put some plant spikes - proper amount for the size - the small ones from Miracle Grow - should I use something else, and should I use those more or less often than the packaging states?  (I think they say every 3 months for the spikes, but I'll recheck.)  I was watering this plant once a week but soaking it - when I water when the soil is very dry, should I soak it totally if the water can drain away from the plant?  My husband says to use a cupful every two weeks!

I so appreciate this information - this website is awesome.  I do not have a green thumb.  I will post feedback!

Laurel

Answer
Laurel,

Put it on your deck where you can enjoy it but for awhile cover it with white fabric from 1 to 4 pm, then in 2 weeks make it 1:30 to 3:00, 2 weeks later 2-3 2 weeks later not at all so it gets used to the sun gradually. But watch it closely for signs of sunburn and cover it longer again if you see signs of sunburn. The fertilizer spikes should be fine according to package instructions.  During the summer continue watering it thoroughly once a week, in Sept-Nov make it thoroughly every 2 weeks, Dec-March thorughly once a month, April every 2 weeks, May back to weekly. Outside as long as night temps are above 50 degrees. Good luck.

Darlene