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Top Questions About Houseplant Problems

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Questions About Houseplant Problems

  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    October 2, 2014
    A.

    Your plant is commonly known as a corn plant - Dracaena massangeana. The brown/yellow tips are a sign that the soil is too wet. Trimming the brown tips off is cosmetic, but if you don't correct the overly wet soil, the tips will just come back. Allow the soil to dry all the way to the bottom of the pot, so that when you test it with a moisture meter, it reads almost dry. This can take a month or more, if the soil is really wet. When you trim the leaves, make two cuts, so that the natural shape of the leaf is maintained - that's much more attractive. I don't know what you mean by "new little growths" - mass canes' new leaves come in one at a time from the top, out of the fold of the topmost leaf.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    November 4, 2014
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It could be either, but regardless, they are not dangerous to you or your plant. They may indicate though that you are keeping the soil a bit too damp. Make sure the plant is not being overwatered and that the drainage is good.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    November 5, 2014
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Do they turn brown first at the bottom, in the middle or at the top? There are several things that can cause brown stems and knowing where the damage is starting from will help us pinpoint it for you. Please let us know and we will advise.

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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    December 30, 2014
    Certified Expert
    A.

    I would not worry about removing it as this can cause more damage. In most cases, they will be fine if it happens once. The problems occur more over prolonged use of polishing oils or waxes.

    Just leave your plants be and in the future simply give your houseplants a nice cool or lukewarm (never hot or cold) shower or set them outside during a warm rainstorm. This will remove the dust and clean them well.

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    January 3, 2015
    A.

    If your plants have smooth leaves - that is, not fuzzy as in African violets - you can dust them with a feather or microfiber duster once a week or every other week. This will keep most plants quite clean. Plants with larger leaves, such as philodendron to fiddle leaf fig, can be polished beautifully by placing one hand beneath the leaf, then gently wiping the top of the leaf with a dry soft cloth, or even paper towel. Most leaves have a natural sheen, and this approach will bring it out, and it will look naturally shiny, rather than oily or plastic-like.

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  • Answered by
    shelley on
    March 11, 2015
    Certified Expert
    A.

    What plant do you have? Are the leaves discolored?

    Generally speaking, one of the most common causes of limp leaves is a hydration issue. I recommend that you make a determination on whether you are possibly under or over-watering your plant. Touching the soil with your finger is the best indicator - if the soil is dry to the touch, you should water it. If the soil is really damp and soggy, you have over-watered it.

    For watering guidelines, please review the information in the article below:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/how-to-water-a-plant.htm

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  • Answered by
    shelley on
    April 2, 2015
    Certified Expert
    A.

    What types of plants are being affected? It would be easier for me to help diagnose if I knew the plant types since different plants have different requirements for water, lighting, fertilizing, etc.

    How often do you water them - yellowing leaves could be due to over or under-watering. Feel the soil - if it's damp/soggy, you have been over-watering your plants. If the soil is bone dry, the plants are under-watered and need a drink.

    Yellowing leaves can also be attributed to insect pests, lack of sunlight or being root-bound. I would recommend that you read the following article which will assist you in determining what is happening.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/plant-leaves-turn-yellow.htm

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  • Answered by
    shelley on
    April 18, 2015
    Certified Expert
    A.

    I was not able to easily find a merchant who sold these. However, I recommend that you browse pinterest for tree bark trellises. Oftentimes search results via pinterest provide you with do-it-yourself options and/or direct links to merchants.
    https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=tree%20branch%20trellis

    While I was searching I did find a great do-it-yourself tutorial for a tree branch trellis for a pot:

    https://bit.ly/1JT2plT

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