Question
 I recently purchased a 'poet's jasmine - don't know true variety name. I transplanted to pot 11" diameter, 71/2" tall. Plant is @16" tall, root @ 7" long and about 9" diameter.
 For transferring to pot, I used conventional houseplant soil mixed with peat and charcoal.      
 After two weeks, leaves began to drop - turn brown at tips and cracked lengthwise through the leaf. Some trailers are green and growing, some are dying from the tip down.
  I have the plant in partial sun with mostly diffused light. Is it simply in too small a pot or is something else wrong?
  I know environment change can cause shock; however, I feel the trouble goes beyond that.
  What can I do to save this beautiful PLANT?
Can you help me - and my plant?
Thank you! Rose Mary

Answer
Hi Rose Mary,

Poets Jasmine usually refers to Jasmine officianale or Jasmine grandiflora, in some places.

Your plant is responding to two things - inadequate light and too LARGE a pot.

This plant is a sun-lover and must be in a window where it will receive direct sun all day long. An unobstructed south window is best. If you cannot provide enough light, then nothing else you do will help you with this plant.

The more immediate problems are caused by the unnecessary repotting, the most common cause of plant problems. Plants do best when their roots are crowded. This is especially true for flowering plants. A pot that is too large discourages flowers and puts the plant at risk for root rot.

I suggest that you unpot your Jasmine, remove the all of the soil that you added, and return the plant to its original pot.

Once it is in the proper sized pot, then watering is easier. Simply water thoroughly as soon as the surface of the rootball feels dry.

I also suggest that you prune back any stems that are dying or have lost a significant number of leaves. Jasmine benefits from periodic pruning even when healthy.

You should know that Jasmine is a tempermental plant that is not very forgiving of mistakes in light or watering.

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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