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House Plants/Gold Dust Acuba - sagging leaves

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Expert: Tracy - 9/1/2009


Question

Gold Dust Acuba
I bought a Gold Dust Acuba at the nursery at Target about one month and a half ago.  The plant extends 11 inches above a 7-inch tall, 6-3/4 inch wide pot.  I leave in the inland part of San Diego County (Bonita) and it has been very hot since I purchased the plant (in the 90s).  I don't have the air conditioner on in my home during the day when I am at work.  When I get home in the evening, my condo is pretty warm.  The soil in my plant often feels pretty dry and I have been watering it about once a week (about 2/3 cup or a little more of water).  The leaves on my plant are sagging.  I have attached a picture for your reference.  Any suggestions about how I can help my plant to recover?

I appreciate your help,

Cecilia

Answer
Hi Cecilia
  You really cannot water plants on a schedule. Plants need to be watered when the soil gets dry enough.
The problem is probably lack of sufficient water. The heat during the day can be a aggravating factor but is unlikely to be the cause. If it was only the heat then the plant would recover in the evening when it cooled off.

When watering plants the general rule is to allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between watering then water the plant enough for a small amount of water to drain out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
Be sure to empty the drainage tray so that the bottom of the pot is not sitting in the drained water. The soil will soak up the water through the drainage holes. This will cause the soil to stay too wet.

I hope this helps. If you have any questions or need additional information please don't hesitate to ask.
          Thanks
              Tracy  

Tracy

Expertise

I have a great deal of experience with most foliage houseplants. I am knowledgeable and experienced in the care of many different kinds of houseplants as well as the pests and diseases common to houseplants. I have had a lot of experience and success with most propagation techniques. I am also knowledgeable and experienced with artificial lighting for plants. I can answer questions about all aspects of 'indoor gardening'. Not only questions about growing foliage plants and starting seeds under artificial plant lighting but also questions about artificial plant light system set up, supplemental artificial lighting and cost. ~ I can help identify plants accurately ONLY if you submit a picture of the plant with your question.~

Experience

I usually always have at least 70 houseplants at all times. I have done extensive research, education and have over 15 years of experience with houseplants, indoor gardening, interior landscaping and artificial plant lighting. About 30% of my houseplants are grown exclusively under artificial plant lighting. Many of the other houseplants that are growing in natural light are also given supplemental lighting using artificial plant light. I have 5 complete artificial plant light systems that I designed and built.

Organizations
I have done volunteer work for several local botanical gardens and conservatories.

Publications
I have written extensively about plants, all aspects of houseplant care, indoor gardening and artificial plant lighting. I have written many informational blogs, articles and 'plant care guides' for many websites, forums and some online horticultural communities.

Education/Credentials
I have extensive research, knowledge and experience on the care of houseplants, the different kinds of houseplants, pests and diseases common to houseplants, indoor gardening/landscaping and artificial plant lighting.

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