AboutTracy Expertise I have a great deal of experience with most tropical foliage houseplants. I am knowledgeable and experienced in the care and needs of many different kinds of houseplants as well as the pests and diseases common to houseplants. I have had experience with most propagation techniques. My specialty is Aglaonema, Ivy and the Marantaceae family, which includes prayer plants, calathea, stromanthe and ctenanthe. I am also knowledgeable and experienced with artificial lighting for plants. I can not answer questions about succulents or cacti and I have had very little experience with flowering plants. I can help identify plants ONLY if you send a picture of the plant with your question. Please feel free to visit my Myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/experthouseplants for information and tips on plant care.
Experience For the past 15 years I have always had at least 70 houseplants in my house at all times. I also have spent a great deal of time helping friends, family and neighbors with their houseplants.
Education/Credentials I have done extensive research on the care of houseplants, the different kinds of houseplants, pests and diseases common to houseplants and artificial lighting for houseplants. I also have done some volunteer work assisting a master gardener for 5 years.
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
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