Question
Hi, when I water one of my plants the water that drains out of the bottom of the pot is not the usual clear but a very dark brown. This has been going on for a couple of months and I am starting to get suspicious...do you know what is happening? The reason I ask is that the plant has just recently started dropping leaves and I wonder if the leaching has something to do with it? The plant has not been moved from medium light since I got it and is potted in the same soil as my other plants which do not have this problem. I have had this plant for 6 months and I do not know what it is. It is 6 feet tall and reminds me of draceanas I have, just much bigger. It receives medium light all day from a south facing window. The leaching seems to have started before I fertilized for the summer. Thanks!



best,
Anya

Answer
Anya,

It is really hard to answer you without knowing what kind of plant it is. If you could send me a picture to [email protected] I would identify it. I suspect the plant is being overwatered and the roots are rotting that is causing the dark brown leaching.  To tell you for sure I need to know what kind of plant it is, how often you water it, how much yougive it, and do you leave the water that leaches out sit in the drain tray? I suggest that you let it dry out a lot more between waterings. Most plants roots need to breathe for short periods between waterings, some longer than others. Without that the roots can rot and cause the problem you describe. You said you have only had the plant for 6 months and it is in the same soil as your other plants so I presume you repotted it. What kind of soil do you use. In the future I suggest you add extra perlite to the soil when you repot so it is a lighter and airier soil mix and you do not have this problem in the future. Good luck.

Darlene