Question
I have a massangeana cane plant that I purchased a few weeks ago.  The plant looked fine in the store, but now the leaf shoots are turning brown in the middle and the bigger older leaves on the shoots look like they are loosing their color and yellowing.  I have the plant near a north window and have only watered it once since I brought it home.  Does it have too much water and it is rotting?  Will all the leaf shoots whose centers have turned brown die also?  If that happens, there won't be anything left of the plant but the tall bare canes.  Hopefully there is something I can do to still save the plant.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

If the symptoms you described are showing up on more than a few leaves, then it does not seem like you purchased a healthy plant. You might consider returning the plant if that is the case because this should not occur within a few weeks if the plant was healthy at purchase.

A moderate amount of lower leaf discoloration is normal when a plant is relocated. As long as it is not excessive and the new growth is coming in healthy, then your plant should be okay.

Excessive leaf loss and discoloration of new growth indicate that there is a root problem. Most commonly this happens after a Massangeana is moved into a larger pot. You didn't mention repotting, but I know that is a common practice, so if you did repot it, then that could be the problem.

A properly potted Massangeana in good light should not be watered until the top quarter of the soil feels dry to the touch and that will happen about every 7-10 days. If it takes much longer than that, then the pot is too big or the light is too dim.

The best light for this plant is bright indirect, which is what you get immediately in front of a north window.

Once leaves become discolored, they never regain their green color so they should be rimmed or removed altogether.

If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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

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