I have never been successful in growing plants indoors. No matter what the plant is, they die on me if it is a houseplant. I bought a beautiful pothos and did everything by the book - or so I thought. As the wonter set in, I only spray it with water once every 2 weeks or so. But it is still not looking good. Any ideas what might be the problem? And what can I do differently? ( photo / image / picture from Tina's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from Tina's Garden ) [/img]
How often do you water it? How much sunlight is it getting? My first thought was too much water and not enough bright light.
I water it once every 2 weeks. In fact, I just spray a little bit. I had killed my house plants before and was told that I am watering too much. So, I know that is not the case. About the sunlight, it is sitting close to a window. So it gets some sunlight. Not too much though. Do you think I should move it to where it can get more sunlight?
I am with Toni, needs much more light.....and the watering regime sounds OK.But if there are no leaves needing moisture, it could be being over watered, maybe some fertiliser with high nitrogen would help.
Too little light...Most people think plants can survive with out much sunlight, which low light for a plant is still a lot of light in a room. I held my garden light meter directly by the lights in the (5)light fixture in my kitchen and it still didn't read more than really low light....which is not enough light for most plants. Humidity could also be another factor of your plants health. As soon as winter hits around here the humidity plummets to very low and is another stress on the plants, causing them to shed leaves. You can cut the plant back a bit farther to encourage the leaf nodes to break and fill in the base of the plant so it looks healthier. When you water put your finger in the soil up to your first knuckle. Is it dry or damp? that is the best indicator of whether the plant needs a drink or not. And don't hesitate to fertilize it. They need to eat, too. the trimmed part of the plant could also be rooted if you would care to try. get a 1-2 gal sized clear plastic bag (such as a ziplock or a "twisty tie"type) and put some sphagnum sheet moss or a sterile potting mix (NOT SOIL) in it. moisten it and set it somewhere bright and warm(bottom heat, such as a heating pad set on low, is very helpful for this whole process here)and let the media absorb the water. After the media is moistened lay your cuttings in the bag, node side down, (rooting hormone is helpful, but not absolutely essential), close the bag and keep it warm and bright. Opening the bag everyfew days to check in the process. once you see root growth or leaves...open the bag a little and keep it propped open for air circulation. Hopefully, if you chose to try this it goes well for you...If it doesn't, don't worry. You can always try it again. I am not always successful every time I try to root plants, but I keep on trying.
If you've just been misting it, then the soil and roots would be dry. I'd suggest more water... not overwatering, but water the soil instead of misting the leaves. We have several pothos in the office and none of them get any sunshine... just flourescent lighting. They are all thriving.
If it were mine, I would take your pothos out of the pot (too big for what's left) Cut the long stems back to about 5"- 6" long. Cutting them just under those little bumps 'root nodes' They will form new roots. Use a small pot, like 4" or less. Stick as many of the stems in THE pot as you can fit. Add a handful or so of "Perlite" to the soil in a bowl and mix it up before adding to the pot. The Perlite will give the plant much better drainage. Perlite can be found near where the houseplant soil is sold at places like Lowe's, Home Depot and Walmart. Give it bright indirect light. Some direct sun and or dapple is ok, too much can burn. I would probably hold off on any food for a few months until it all starts growing really good again. When you do feed it, use a very diluted amount every once in a while. Too much will burn the roots. Water once until you see it comes out the drain hole, let the soil almost dry before watering again. I have taken cuttings from the mother pothos, stuck them back in the same pot and just watered as usual. Pothos hate constant wet feet
Some plants can be on death's door and still recover. Plants thrive with attention but when people are no longer there, they wither and die. A rescue story: http://www.gardenstew.com/blog/e10953-1 ... -gang.html As the story says, the remaining plants were placed in bags with a sprinkling of water, enough to keep the humidity high. They were not removed till sufficient roots were visible,. They were placed in new pots, the humidity was maintained till they were established. Jerry
cut the plant in pieces about 3-5 inches just around the bumps near the leaves. Put the bunch of them in a glass of water and let them grow roots. May take a week or so. then repot in fresh soil. the old soil may or may not have bugs in it or that white crunchy mineral junk on it. Just toss it and start new. mine grows in diffused light and goes nuts. In fact I have had some sitting in water for several years and it keeps on growing. just keep the water clean. It does need some reasonable natural light. but it does not not require bright light. Although it does well in the bright light also. good luck with it.
