Question
Hi there,
This is a really great site; I came across it in my yahoo search for "help for ailing indoor plants."  I just bought a few plants and here are my problems. 1)  The first plant is a "sensitive plant."  It's indoors with minimal to no light.  I've watered it once.  It's currently dried out and drooping. 2) I have a Euphorbia Ingens - it's a succulent. It's outside on a covered patio with little direct light.  A few of the "leaves" or whatever they are called are turning yellow.  3) I have a pencil cactus that is indoors by a window. The side that is getting direct light is turning yellow.  I watered it thinking maybe that would help.  I just spent all this money and I also feel very guilty letting beautiful living things die.  Can you help me?


Answer
Hi Meredith,

Although caring for indoor plants is hardly rocket science, it is not a no-brainer either. There is much to know if you are to have success with houseplants.

The first thing you need to understand that different plants have different light requirements. If you cannot provide proper light for your plants, then nothing else matters and your plant will decline and die.

For example, all three of your plants require more light than you are providing. Your Mimosa (sensitive) plant should have lots of very bright indirect light, such as it would get on a north windowsill. Both of your other plants are Euphorbias and must have direct sunlight for most of the day; that means directly in front of a south or west-facing window.

So get the light right for starters. Next most important is to NOT repot your new plants for at least 6 months, if ever. Unnecessary repotting is the most common cause of plant failure.

Watering properly is also very important. Your sensitive plant should be watered as soon as the top half-inch of soil feels dry. On the other hand, the Euporbias should be watered only every 3 to 4 weeks.

Those are the basics. Let me know if you have further questions and check out my website for more helpful tips.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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

Visit my web site at www.HorticulturalHelp.com

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

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