Q.120 Year Old Plant: All Of A Sudden All Of The Leaves Are Dying. It Is In My Kitchen Getting Indirect Right And The Temperature
stays between 69 and 72. I’m about to lose it all and don’t know how to save it. Has been transplanted over the years, used a Cactus potting soil mix. The leaves are drying up despite routine watering. I am scared I will lose the entire plant. Trying to save this for my father who is 88. Two weeks ago these leaves shown in the picture were green and healthy. Thank you so much for your time and assistance
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Ah, this is good information. The cactus soil will be ok, but they still prefer compost mixed in. They tend to have a more tropical requirement, than desert. They will like a little more moisture, but still like to be dry, mostly.
Yes, still give the recommended treatment. It will be the best attempt at correcting the issue.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
I feel like I'm going to appear as the Grim Reaper, here.
If that is only 2 weeks worth of damage, then that is VERY alarming. Something tells me that the bottom of that pot is full of water, and is likely the cause of what you are seeing. It won't have had enough time for routine watering yet. It is likely that you may not even have to water it but once per week, or even once every two weeks. You will need to make sure that the soil is completely bone dry down to 3 inches between waterings. You will want to wait even longer if extra water is not allowed to drain out of the container, or it doesn't have drain holes.
Whether you leave it in the saturated soil, or transplant it to new soil, it is going to be more stress than the plant will be able to handle. This paired with the severe infection is likely to bring the plant into its death.
Because of its state, I can't really get a good look at what plant it is. It appears to be a peace lily, to the best of my knowledge.
It is going to be very difficult to bring this back, but your attempt should be as follows:
The first thing to do will be to apply a fungicide (or change the soil, first, if you choose to do so) This article will help you with fungicide use: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
Next will be keeping it in proper lighting. Indirect light will be best. They don't handle direct light well, and even less so under stress. Keep it in this lighting.
Next will be watching those temperatures. 69 is pretty close to where they will slow down in growth. Keeping it in the 70's will be best.
They aren't heavy feeders, but cactus soil will not have near enough nutrients to sustain the plant. Either amend with compost, or liquid feed. Do this AFTER RECOVERY, (hopefully it makes it to this point).
Here are more tips to care for the plant: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/peace-lily/peace-lily-plants.htm
This was a night cereus. So sad - it was in really bad shape by the time he allowed me to bring it home to try and save it. This was my great-grandmothers. I will try all of the above. Thank you. If nothing else - I will buy new starts and make him something beautiful.
