When my grandfather died, I got his plants! I am killing them. Most sickly looking these days is the arrowhead vine. What can I do to get its color and bushiness back? I had it outside last summer in lots of sun for a while and it bleached like it is now, so I brought it in and it seemed to do better. But now it's bleaching again. Right now I can't put it outside, but I could move it to the side of a window. Thanks all- KM
If you do need to put it outside filtered shade. They are understory plants. If it were mine I would repot it in good quality mix and see what it does. Liz
The soil mix may be clogging the root pores (lenticels) and not allowing water in properly. I would change the soil to something less peaty (most potting soils) and more porous with larger particles, add some grit for faster drainage and then keep it evenly moist, but not sodden all the time. In other words, if water drains out more quickly, you can water as often or more so as you might now, but it won't be struggling to grow in e.g. African violet mucky stuff with fine particles, but will get more oxygen and be able to 'use' the water it gets.
Agree. Your "arrowhead vine", I believe, is naturally found at the waters edge. Constant moisture, protected from other plants, and out of full sun. You would think, though, it would thrive in a traditional potting mix. But, in practice, I have found that most plants, this one included, will do best if you take your potting mix and cut it by 50%, adding grit, perlite, bark chips, etc. to improve root transpiration and drainage. Most commercial potting mixes are great for annuals. Most plants that you plan on keeping in a container for more than a year, though, will need a much looser mix. Adaptation to different light levels can take several weeks. Whether you are moving it from a north to a south window, or indoors to outdoors, you have to be careful. Your local garden center will likely have a simple light meter you can purchase that, if used properly, will help guide your plant placement.
