Question
I have had a lipstick plant for about 3 years now.  It used to be gorgeous and full.  A few months ago the leaves starting wilting and falling off the braches.  I re-potted it and it does not seem any better at all.  It still appears to be dying.  Some of the leaves have spots on them or even holes.  It used to bloom flowers constantly and since the spots on the leaves, it hasn't bloomed since.  Can it have some sort of disease or something?  Is there anything I can do?
Thanks,
Robin

Answer
Hi Robin,

During the winter months, lipstick plants often languish as the available light is reduced. It is very easy to overwater during the winter months as the plant uses less water during the short days of winter.

You haven't told me much about the light and care of your plant, but I suspect that the soil was kept too moist during the winter, causing the roots to deteriorate and then the leaves to also start falling off. If that is the case, the repotting only aggravated the situation by adding more soil that will retain moisture even longer. That would explain why it has not improved since you repotted.

If the roots have rotted extensively, then there is nothing you can do. Remove the plant from its pot and gently remove the excess soil until you find some healthy roots. Assuming you do, then repot it into a pot that is just barely large enough to accommodate the roots and just enough soil to cover the roots. Then, prune back all of the stems to about 2-3 inches and move your plant to a very sunny windowsill.

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]

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