Question
Hi Will

My dracaena (janet craig) has been growing reasonably healthy (except some dry brown edges on a few leaves due to previous water problem). Recently, a few of its leaves at the lower part of the plant suddenly turned completely yellow. Why is that? WHat can I do?

My flamingo flower (Anthurium) has been growing very healthily - big and loads of green leaves and flowers. These few days it suddenly has brown spots with goldish yellow colour edges around the spots(they are of varied sizes but not huge) and a few bigger black spots on a few leaves. I read that they might be due to fungi. Is that right? what can I do about it please? Many thanks.

Kind regards
Candy


Answer
Hi Candy,

Nothing seems to have changed recently with your Janet Craig and you seem to have a handle on the watering, so I think it is safe to assume that your Janet Craig is doing what is expected; it is losing some of its older leaves as it grows taller. As long as new leaves are healthy and not discolored, then I don't think there is a problem.

The Anthurium symptoms you describe are consistent with a leaf fungal condition that is often seen on Anthuriums that are grown in greenhouses or other humid environments where overhead watering misting is used and water-borne fungus spores are easily spread. Leaf fungal problems are very rare in a home environment.

Are you misting your Anturium or allowing water to sit in the leaves in direct sunlight? If not, then if only a few leaves are affected, then I would not worry about it. If it is more extensive, then it may be a  root related problem due to irregular watering or possibly due to too much direct sun.

Diagnosing plant problems is often a process of elimination and that seems appropriate in this case.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please take the time to give me a rating and nomination.

   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com

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