Identification: Trying To Save A Plant

Discussion in 'Indoor and Greenhouse Plants' started by funkyblue, May 23, 2011.

  1. funkyblue

    funkyblue Member

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    Location:
    Adelaide, South Australia
    Hello All :)

    I'm trying to save a plant.
    It's been dying for YEARS. It started off with millions of leaves and now I'm down to half a leaf.

    It's cold here right now and I think this plant needs better soil and warmth.

    I would love to save it if possible.

    I know little about gardening, but am sure I can purchase what soil is needed.

    Or am I better of giving up now?

    Kind Regards
    Scott
     

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  2. paion

    paion Active Member 10 Years

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    Aspidistra? Curious about what you've done to it, I thought they were considered to be absolutely impossible to kill... Honestly it's so far gone I think you're better off buying a new one.
     
  3. funkyblue

    funkyblue Member

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    I repotted it recently. It stopped it dying completly.

    Yes that is the plant! I've been looking for that name.

    What advice do you have, if I chose to save it? It's been dying for YEARS. So I have a little faith that it may come back again. Still lots of roots.

    What type of soil/conditions could save it?

    Thanks in advance
    Scott
     
  4. Silver surfer

    Silver surfer Generous Contributor 10 Years

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    Aspidistra were plants much loved by the Victorians in Britain.
    Then they thrived in the heavily curtained, dark, unheated cold, (frost free) rooms.
    They thrive on neglect, with infrequent watering.

    They are not happy in new modern homes with light rooms that have large windows or the warm temp that homes are kept at nowadays.

    Just find the right room, cool, north facing maybe.
     
  5. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Well, south-facing in Adelaide ;-)

    Actually, come to think of it, in Adelaide it will probably be hardy outdoors in a shady spot.
     
  6. Silver surfer

    Silver surfer Generous Contributor 10 Years

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    Oop!
     
  7. thanrose

    thanrose Active Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    Jacksonville, FL USA USDA Zone 9
    It grows outdoors here. We get a few frosts a year and infrequent hard freezes. It's hot and humid much of the year. Aspidistra will get sunscald if the canopy gets shredded by a tropical storm in mid summer. Those damaged leaves will persist for years... I can look at the two patches I have of this and name the hurricanes responsible over the last ten years. Generally no direct sun. I do not fertilize them. Leaf litter that chances to decompose is about the extent of added nutrient to this very poor sandy soil.

    I don't know if this one will survive, but it may take a very long time to give up the ghost, too. I'd be calling for last rites myself.
     

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