Gregory's ServerI have a new chamaedorea elegans, but it seems to not be doing very well (tips of leaves going dry, some dry spots here and there). Am I watering it too much, or too little? It's next to a window, but out of direct sun for most of the day (some sunrays hit it in the morning from a different window). Could the light be the problem?
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@Gargron It's a rainforest plant, so non-direct sunlight is preferable.Watering too much is worse than watering too little; the plant can bounce back from a "drought", but if the root system starts to rot due to overwatering, it's good night, Irene. Also, you could mist the leaves from time to time to emulate the rainforest humidity.  @Gargron when a plant is stressed it may shed leaves and instead invest energy in [b]olting so you need to discover what the stressor is @Gargron when a plant is stressed it may shed leaves and instead invest energy in [b]olting so you need to discover what the stressor is (e.g. food/light/water) @Gargron "It tolerates low levels of humidity and light, though it prefers medium to high humidity and bright indirect light" - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamaedorea_elegans I'm going to guess you're over watering it. Dunk the pot in water until you stop seeing bubbles every few weeks and the rest of the time keep it in your bathroom and report back. @Gargron #1 house plant killer is lack of humidity. I used to water my plants at night and keep them in trays where runoff gathered. That way their roots get a good drink overnight and their leaves take everything that evaporates in the day @Gargron #1 house plant killer is lack of humidity. I used to water my plants at night and keep them in trays where runoff gathered. That way their roots get a good drink overnight and their leaves take everything that evaporates in the day. |
@Gargron Maybe too little? Internet seems to think so at least.
Plants can be infuriatingly vague to look after, though...