Question
my leaves are turning brown and wilty on the tips. i read your advice u gave to someone else on what to do about that. i leave my plant at the office so it gets better light. do i need to take it out of the pot it came in from the flower shop and put it in a bigger container or what?

Answer
Hi Janet,

I have written on this topic many times, so I am not sure just what you read. Forgive me if I repeat myself!

Moving your plant to a larger pot is a last resort.

First make sure your water quality is OK. If it is on the hard side, switch to filtered or distilled.

Second, be sure that you are watering thoroughly as soon as the top inch of soil feels dry.

Next, check to see if any roots are wandering out of the drainage holes. If so, cut them off.

Then, lift the plant out of its pot. If you see a mass of roots at the bottom of the rootball, then cut them off and add an inch of fresh potting mix to the bottom of the existing pot.

If you see roots completely surrounding the entire rootball, then loosen those roots by pulling them loose. Don't worry about damaging these roots. Then move it into a pot that is one size larger.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]