We are entering into winter (I live in Switzerland) and I overwatered my cheese plant (6 ft tall). Its leaves are yellowing at the bottom, the top leaves are still healthy. I have emptied the water but am concerned about the stagnant water (rotting smell). Should I repot and try to get rid of the rotted roots? Or leave it and let it recover on its own? Thanks in advance.
Ryan
Rotted roots are sure death for any plant. If you can smell that stagnant smell, they're rotted. The only hope is to pull it out of the pot (you'll need to cut it back to compensate for the root loss, also to make it easier to handle, but you can root the cuttings,) wash off all the infected soil, cut off all the mushy roots, and replant in fresh soil (I like to use a 50-50 mix of cactus potting soil and perlite.) You can treat the roots with anti-fungal powder, which is pretty expensive if you have only a few plants, but you can sprinkle them with cinnamon before you repot - much cheaper, and possibly just as effective. Here are a couple of articles that have some more tips for you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/treating-root-rot-gardening-tips-for-housplants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/overwatering-container-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/prune-roots.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/rooting-plant-cuttings.htm
In the future, if you test the soil moisture all the way to the bottom of the pot, you can avoid overwatering.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
Do I cut aerial roots?
Yes, you can cut off the aerial roots flush with the stem. More info on swiss cheese plant here: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/swiss-cheese-plant/proper-care-of-a-swiss-cheese-plant-swiss-cheese-plant-propagation.htm
My Swiss cheese plant has a black edging on one of the leaves. What can I do to prevent this?
This sounds like a watering issue. It can be that you are either under watering or over watering. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch on the top of the soil (and about an inch down).
My swiss cheese plant has some leaves that are rolling up and growing back into the vine. Is this normal?
It sounds like either a not enough light problem or root rot. Move it to a location with more light and check for root rot. This article will help you with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/treating-root-rot-gardening-tips-for-housplants.htm
How often do cheese plants flower?
These plants will blooms once they reach at least 3 yearsof age, and only under ideal conditions. Flowering normally takes place in summer months, though can happen any time with good care.
I have a cheese plant in my living room. There seems to be water on the edges of the leaves. I wonder what would cause this. I have not sprayed it with anything.
This is called Guttation.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/guttation-in-plants.htm
I have a Swiss cheese plant that has a couple of leaves that are turning brown on the edges. What could be causing this? It is in a pot in a well lit room away from heat and droughts.
It sounds like either a not enough light problem or root rot. Move it to a location with more light and check for root rot. This article will help you with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/treating-root-rot-gardening-tips-for-housplants.htm
Just for good measure, give it a bit of fertilizer.
Also water the plant with distilled water or leave the water to sit for 48 hours before using.