Question
I wrote a question last week about my drooping AVs.  I had mentioned there was new growth in the center and the peripheral leaves were drooping.  Now the center leaves are drooping.  Could it be soil mealy mites?  What else could it be?  I have not cut off the peripheral leaves yet.
Thank you
Suzanne


Answer
I believe you said the plant was not overly wet?  Soggy soil is one of the first symptoms of soil mealy bugs.

If it is soil mealy bugs, and if you don't have a large collection to take care of I would suggest you just throw out the plant and buy another after cleaning the area.  Chemicals to treat soil mealy bugs are very expensive.

I don't think it is soil mealy but because you mentioned you were not overwatering.

If the center is going, it is likely root rot which could be caused from the heat and overwatering.

In any case, I suggest you take a few leaves, put them in bowl of warm water for a few hours and see if they will begin to get more turgid.  Then you can plant them to reproduce the plant.  

If the center of the leaves is gone, you may not be able to save the plant.  Keep all leaves on and see if you might get growth in the center.

Nancy