How Not to Kill Your Houseplant
Page 11
g
p
h
re
t
if it is cool or humid. Feed
to
a
&
d
1
:
m
u
p
monthly in spring and summer.
(3ft)
CARE
Mist your plant regularly with tepid
water, especially if it is in a hot, dry room.
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FROND TIPS
PLANT WATERED
SHARE
BROWNING
BUT STILL
THE CARE
OR WILTING?
WILTING?
Your plant is not getting
It may have root rot.
enough water.
SAVE IT Check
SAVE IT Water
your plant for root
your plant more often
rot and remove any
and increase humidity
black and mushy
by misting the leaves
roots. For more
more frequently.
information, see Plant
diseases (pp.28–29).
ANTLER FRONDS
BROWNING OR
REGAL ELKHORN FERN
BLACKENING
Platycerium grande
AT THE BASE?
With pale green,
antler-like fronds, this
This is due to
houseplant is larger than
overwatering.
the staghorn fern but
SAVE IT Don’t
you can care for it in
water your plant for
the same way.
a few weeks, then
return to a normal
Antler fronds
watering regime.
come from
the centre
Shield fronds
surround
the edge
BROWN SHIELD FRONDS?
Staghorn ferns have small fronds at their base.
These are “shield” fronds and help to take up water and protect the roots. They naturally
turn brown with age.
SAVE IT Don’t do anything – it’s a normal process for the lower fronds to turn brown. Don’t remove them.
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112
AFRICAN VIOLET
Saintpaulia
ouseplants
These popular, furry-leaved plants have flowers in a wide range of colours. Their small size makes them The H
ideal if you are short on space.
HOW NOT TO KILL IT
LOCATION
Provide warmth (16–23°C/
YELLOW LEAVES?
60–73°F) and high humidity. A bathroom
This could be due
or kitchen windowsill is ideal, as long as
to dry air, too
much sun, or
it isn’t too cold.
poor watering
or feeding.
LIGHT
Place it in bright, indirect light.
SAVE IT Move
Shade from direct sunlight, which will
your plant out of direct
scorch the leaves.
sunlight. Raise humidity
and check your feeding and
watering regime (see left).
WATERING + FEEDING
Water when the top 2–3cm (1in)
of compost has dried out. The plant
should be watered from below for about
30 minutes (see Water it, pp.20–21). This
NO FLOWERS?
avoids wetting the leaves. Feed once a
African violets often stop blooming in
month from spring to late summer.
winter, due to lower light levels. In
spring to autumn, a lack of flowers
CARE
could be due to a care issue.
Stand the plant on a pebble-filled
SAVE IT In winter, move your
tray of water to provide humidity. Cut off any plant to a bright, south- or west-facing
spent flowers. African violets grow best in
window. If it is spring to autumn, check
small pots, so don’t repot too often.
that you are feeding your plant
correctly, and that it is in
a warm enough location.
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BUG ALERT!
BROWN SPOTS ON LEAVES?
(see pp.24–27)
This can happen if the leaves are splashed with water, or your plant is watered with cold water.
Prone to mealybugs on the
undersides of the foliage.
SAVE IT Always water from below to prevent the leaves being splashed. Stand
your plant in a saucer of water for about 30 minutes. Use water that is at
room temperature.
Brown
spots
PLANT WILTING?
This is a result of over- or
underwatering.
SAVE IT Ensure you are
watering your plant from the
Saintp
bottom when the top 2–3cm
aulia
‘Bright E
(1in) of compost has dried
yes’
H
out. Check for crown or root rot
eight &
sprea
(see Plant diseases, pp.28–29).
d: up to
15cm (6in)
GREY FLUFF
ON LEAVES?
This is probably a grey mould
called botrytis.
SAVE IT Remove affected
areas and treat with fungicide.
For more information, see Plant
diseases (pp.28–29).
Grey fluff
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114
SNAKE PLANT
Sansevieria trifasciata
ouseplants
This striking plant with stiff, sword-like leaves is virtually indestructible – the only way to kill it is The H
through overwatering and cold temperatures.
HOW NOT TO KILL IT
LEAVES FALLING
SIDEWAYS?
You may have under- or overwatered
LOCATION
your plant, or it isn’t getting enough
A snake plant isn’t at all fussy
light. It may also be pot-bound. Tall,
about its location. It will thrive at 10–26°C
older leaves do sometimes collapse.
(50–80°F), and doesn’t mind draughts
or dry air.
SAVE IT Check your care regime
and light levels (see left). Repot
if necessary.
LIGHT
Ideally, provide bright, indirect
light, though it will tolerate some direct sun.
It will also cope in low light levels, but the variegated leaves may revert to all-green.
YELLOWING LEAVES?
WATERING + FEEDING
This is usually caused by
Water moderately in spring and
overwatering, especially during
winter. Check the base and roots
summer, and sparingly during autumn
of your plant for rot.
and winter. Feed once a month in
spring and summer.
SAVE IT Allow the compost
to dry out. Consider moving your
CARE
plant to a warmer spot if
Grow in a heavy pot to prevent the
temperatures are low. Check
for root rot, removing any
plant
toppling. Be careful not to damage the
affected roots. For more
leaf tips – this will stop the plant growing.
information, see Plant
Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them
diseases (pp.28–29).
shiny. Only repot if pot-bound.
Yellow leaf
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WRINKLED
SHARE
LEAVES?
THE CARE
If the leaves on your
plant are wrinkled,
you have probably
underwatered it.
SAVE IT Water
your plant lightly
over a few days and
the leaves should
firm up again.
Wrinkled
leaf
AFRICAN SPEAR
Sansevieria cylindrica
An African spear has the
same care needs as a snake
plant. Its cylindrical
leaves are often braided.
BUG
ALERT!
(see pp.24–27)
Prone to
mealybugs
on the foliage.
Sansevieria
trifasciata
AFRICAN MILK BUSH
Height: up
Euphorbia trigona
to 1.2m (4ft)
This striking succulent has
Spread: up
sharp thorns and the
to 50cm
same care requirements.
(20in)
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CREEPING SAXIFRAGE
Saxifraga stolonifera
ouseplants
This attractive, trailing plant has
pretty, veined leaves that have
The H
reddish undersides.
Brown
patches
HOW NOT TO KILL IT
LOCATION
BROWN PATCHES
Place it in a cool to moderate room
ON LEAVES?
(10–21ºC/50–70ºF), that is no colder than
This is sunburn.
7°C (45°F) in winter. It looks great in a
hanging planter or on a shelf – the runners
SAVE IT Move
your plant out of
(trailing stems) can reach 75cm (30in).
direct sun.
LIGHT
Provide bright, but indirect light,
avoiding direct sunlight.
PLANT WILTING?
This may be due to overwatering,
WATERING + FEEDING
especially in winter.
Water freely from spring to autumn,
whenever the top 2–3cm (1in) of compost
SAVE IT Check the compost.
dries out. Water from below. This avoids
If it’s soggy, allow the compost to dry
splashing water on the leaves or the base of
out. You might want to check the roots
for root rot – affected roots will be dark the stems, which can cause fungal disease.
and mushy. Try cutting off these areas
Reduce watering during winter. Feed
and repotting into fresh compost. For
monthly in spring and summer.
more information, see Plant diseases
(pp.28–29).
CARE
The plant will enjoy some humidity
if your home is warm, so place it on a pebblefilled tray of water. It will grow fast and
BUG
Prone to red spider mites
doesn’t like to be pot-bound, so you will
ALERT!
on the foliage and aphids
probably need to repot it every year.
(see pp.24–27)
around the plant.
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CREEPING SAXIFRAGE
SHARE
THE CARE
Saxifraga stolonifera
This attractive, trailing plant has
pretty, veined leaves that have
reddish undersides.
SWEDISH IVY
Plectranthus
This plant needs
similar care to a
creeping saxifrage, but
is more tolerant of dry
air. It's a good plant for
a hanging planter.
RUNNERS
Saxifraga
TURNING
stolonifera
BROWN?
Height &
This is due to a lack
spread: up to
20cm (8in)
of water or humidity.
SAVE IT Check
your watering regime
and stand the plant
on a pebble-filled
tray of water. Mist
the leaves regularly.
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UMBRELLA TREE
Schefflera arboricola
ouseplants
This leafy foliage plant has an exotic air
and is easy to grow. You can keep it at the
The H
desired height by cutting off the top.
HOW NOT TO KILL IT
STICKY LEAVES?
Umbrella trees are particularly
prone to scale insects – the first sign
LOCATION
is sticky leaves, which eventually turn
Place it in a reasonably warm room
black and sooty. You will also see
(13–24ºC/55–75ºF). Ensure it doesn’t fall
brown bumps underneath the leaves.
below 13°C (55°F) in winter.
SAVE IT Rub off the insects and
wipe the leaves clean,
LIGHT
removing any sooty
Provide bright, indirect light.
mould. Treat the
leaves with
WATERING + FEEDING
insecticide. For
From spring to autumn, water
more information,
when the top 2–3cm (1in) of compost has
see Plant pests
(pp.24–27).
become dry. It doesn’t mind a bit of
underwatering but won’t be happy if you
overwater it, as this can lead to root rot
(see Plant diseases, pp.28–29). Reduce
watering in winter. Feed once a month in
LEAVES FALLING OFF?
spring and summer.
This could be due to temperature
fluctuations or your plant may be in
too dark a spot. You may have over-
CARE
or underwatered.
You could mist the leaves in warm
weather or if the plant is in a warm room.
SAVE IT Check that your plant
Wipe the leaves with a clean, damp cloth
is in a warm enough spot (13–24ºC/
from time to time to keep them free of dust.
55–75ºF) and has plenty of indirect
light. Keep it away from cold draughts.
Check your watering regime (see left).
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PLANT
SHARE
LEANING TO
THE CARE
ONE SIDE?
It is leaning
towards the light.
SAVE IT Turn
the plant regularly
or tie it to a bamboo
cane or moss pole.
BUG ALERT!
(see pp.24–27)
Prone to scale
CROTON
insects and red
Codiaeum variegatum
spider mites on
the
foliage.
A croton requires similar care
to an umbrella tree, but
needs a slightly warmer room
(at least 15ºC/60°F in
winter), likes humidity, and
should be protected from
fluctuating temperatures.
DROOPING
LEAVES?
This is due to
overwatering or
underwatering.
SAVE IT Check the
compost. If it’s soggy,
allow it to dry out and
check for signs of root
ZEBRA PLANT
rot (see Plant diseases,
Aphelandra squarrosa
Schlefflera
pp.28–29). Ensure you
Often sold in flower, a zebra
arboricola
water when the top 2–3cm
plant needs similar care,
Height: up
(1in) of compost has
but must be kept above
to 1.4m (5ft)
dried out.
15ºC (60°F) in winter.
Spread: up
Overwatering will cause
to 1m (3ft)
the lower leaves to drop.
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CHRISTMAS CACTUS
Schlumbergera buckleyi
ouseplants
Christmas cacti are forest cacti – jungle
evergreens rather than desert natives.
The H
They bear flowers in winter.
HOW NOT TO KILL IT
LOCATION
Place it in a room that’s 18–24°C
(65–75°F). To ensure it flowers, rest twice a year in cooler temperatures (see No flowers?).
LIGHT
Provide bright, indirect light.
WATERING + FEEDING
Water when the top 2–3cm (1in)
of compost is dry, letting any excess water
drain away – don’t let the plant sit in soggy NO FLOWERS?
soil. Water more sparingly in winter. Feed
Your plant will need a rest period
monthly in spring and summer.
in order to flower again.
CARE
SAVE IT After flowering, place Place the plant on a pebble-filled tray
your plant in a cool, unheated room
(about 12ºC/55ºF) for an 8-week
of water for humidity, misting the leaves
rest period, and water less. Put it
twice a week when it’s not in flower. Repot
outside in summer in a shady spot,
into a slightly larger pot every 1–2 years
and water and feed as normal. In
when the root ball has filled the pot (it likes autumn, give your plant a second
to be snug). Add some grit to the compost.
rest period in a cool, unheated
room, ideally where no lights will be
switched on at night, for 8 weeks.
BUG ALERT!
Prone to mealybugs
Then return it to its flowering
(see pp.24–27)
in the nooks and
position and care for as normal.