Hey everyone, I just inherited this desk plant, but it needs help. It looks sad and peaked. The leaves are starting to turn yellow and I fear its near the end. I dont even know what it is, let alone how to care for it. I just re-potted it into a smaller pot (as advised by a co-worker), but I think that just shocked the crap out of it. I've been trying to keep the soil moist, but I may be over watering it. Does anyone know what kind of plant this is or how to care for it? I really want to save it, but I dont know where to start! I really appreciate any help you guys could provide!
The medium looks to be more for an orchid then this type of plant. Don't keep the soil wet. Your better off using a decent houseplant soil with "Perlite" added (where houseplant soil is sold in box stores) for good drainage. Give it bright indirect light, water when dry, or very near dry.
i keep my aglaonema (aka chinese evergreen) in a mix of cactus soil and regular potting soil with a bit of extre perlite added (the cactus soil doesn't always have enough). keep it evenly moist - don't let completely dry out and don't let it become totally soggy.
Well there you have it. It dosen't seem to mind being a little moist, or drying out a little more. Love those types of plants!
I recommend that you repot it in a smaller medium of fresh soil, as mentioned above, and keep it in a bright, yet out of direct sunlight...location.
Thanks so much everyone!! With all of your help, (I think) I successfully identified this plant as Aglaonema commutatum. Does that sound about right? As soon as I pick up some supplies at the store, I'm going to repot it in the cactus soil/perlite mix as advised by joclyn (thanks btw!). I think I should probably fertilize it as well to help it along. Is there any reason I shouldn't fertilize it? I def dont want to do anymore damage to this poor plant... Chungii V- Thanks for the tip about the saucer. A co-worker swears using it is the only way to go. I didn't know that the type of plant would influence the effectiveness of the saucer method. And I def didnt know this plant doesnt play well with saucers. Thanks again everyone for the awesome tips/direction!!! It is much appreciated :)
It does look like Aglaonema commutatum... Personally, I wouldn't fertilize the plant now, I'd wait until it's healthy and putting out new growth first. There's an old saying, never feed an ailing plant, it's not medicine:) Any saucer will do, you just want to make sure that you dump it out so the plants not sitting in water which could cause root rot.
Yeah it's not the saucer it's the water in the saucer but without the saucer then there's no water...
Hmm.. it sounds like my plant has a case of root rot (caused by me from over watering it). Is there anyway to reverse this- or is it too late? Once I get in there and re-pot it in the cactus soil mix, is there a way to visually identify root rot? The leaves are even more yellow and droopy than when I posted this thread. This situation is a bit counter-intuitive to me, because when I see droopy, yellow leaves, I assume the plant is dry and needs a drink. Apparently not!
It's as much overwatering as it is a badly drained pot. The signs are black, soft and squishy roots with little healthy root left, often the stem will go soft also. Generally it's too late once it's in the stem. If you catch it early enough then a re-pot can help but best is to take cuttings and save what you can. There are systemic (taken into the plants system) fungicide which can prevent root rot and if applied early enough may save a plant. Best though is to try and not allow it to occur. I just realised I suggested this plant as a replacement in your other thread... doh. If you are overwatering by habit perhaps look at getting a pitcher plant or even a fern, something that needs the water and attention that your are able to give.
