posted
i have an indoor Palm tree, I'm not too sure on the type tho. In the past two weeks the stalks on it have become very soft, bendy, and the 'leaves' have all died! It has not been re-potted recently,stands @ 4' tall, and I just don't know how to revive it! Any suggestions would be so very helpful. Thanks in advance.
Plants: 3 | From: Vancouver, Canada | Registered: Feb 2003
| Seeded: 142.179.121.187
posted
Barbie doll Is this a new houseplant? If so, it may not be completely adapted to its new home. If not, check the following: Water, palms like a steady supply of moisture. They DON'T like wet soil or dried out soil. Humidity, palms like humidity, the are harmed by hot, dry air and cold drafts. Hot, dry air also encourages spider mites, which do like palms. Look for tiny webs. A magnifier helps. Palms also do best in a sunny east or west window. What size pot is it in? It may need repotting. Use all purpose soil. The pot MUST have drain holes, and should be 12" or better. An examination of the roots can tell you plenty. Hope some of this helps. Rick
Plants: 107 | From: Northern lower Michigan | Registered: Jan 2003
| Seeded: 198.108.224.157
posted
Thank you Rick, for your advice. It isn't a new plant, I've had it for a few years now, it really was starting to flourish...but you're right. There are little webs. So, is this it for my plant?
Plants: 3 | From: Vancouver, Canada | Registered: Feb 2003
| Seeded: 142.179.121.187
posted
Barbiedoll Spider mites are tough, but they can be gotten rid of. They do their damage by sucking juices from the plant. One of the best weapons is soap! The commercially available product is "Safers Insecticidal Soap". Other soaps, (not detergents) such as Ivory can be used in a pinch. Use at a rate of 1-2 teaspoons per quart of warm water. Spray on leaves, being sure to cover the bottom side and leaf joints. You will need to do this weekly for a while. A mist bottle works well. Soap works in several ways. First it breaks down the webs. It also gets into their breathing holes and suffocates them. It also starts breaking down the outer coating on their bodies. Other natural insecticides that are effective are Rotenone and Pyrethrum. There are stronger chemical insecticides that will work, but I can't name them offhand as I grow everything organically. One other thing. Check the rest of your plants. Spider mites attack many plants. Maintaining a higher humidity helps to keep them in check, as does misting with water. Spider mites like it dry. From what you describe, (the webs), they are numerous to need the soap treatment. Hope this helps. Rick
Plants: 107 | From: Northern lower Michigan | Registered: Jan 2003
| Seeded: 198.108.224.167
posted
Thanks again, Rick. But one small problem...there are no leaves left on my plant! I know, I should just start over, but jeez, it was the first one my husband and I bought, so call me sentimental. Or just plain Mental! But really, thanks!
Plants: 3 | From: Vancouver, Canada | Registered: Feb 2003
| Seeded: 142.179.121.187
posted
Barbiedoll Don't give up too soon! Just because they killed the leaves doesn't mean that the plant is dead. Give the growing tip and upper trunk a good cleaning (they are still on the plant) and give it a little time and water. You may be pleasantly suprised. Rick
Plants: 107 | From: Northern lower Michigan | Registered: Jan 2003
| Seeded: 198.108.224.169
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