Urgent outdoor plant about to die!

Buzzhole

Member
Hi all, have been growing outdoors each summer for the past 7 years, never had any problems. Suddenly one of my plants looks really ropey and I dont know why.

Its an auto cinderella jack about a month and a half old, started indoors in a paper cup, transferred twice finally into the current container. Using Canna terra soil and clay pebbles.

The ACJ plant is doing really badly. Please check out the enclosed images. I watered it last 2 weeks ago and didn't since then because it wasn't really drinking much and the soil was moist. I did notice some white spots on the leaves but now they are looking somewhat shrivelled... today watered for the first time but it has not helped at all. The plant is looking bad.

Any thoughts? Many thanks.
 

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Way2-High

Well-Known Member
There should be a “upload file” thing under where you type. Just click that and upload directly to the site.
 

Way2-High

Well-Known Member
Is there proper drainage? I had an issue similar to yours and it was because the bottom of my pot wasn’t drying out causing what I call soggy bottom.
 

Buzzhole

Member
Is there proper drainage? I had an issue similar to yours and it was because the bottom of my pot wasn’t drying out causing what I call soggy bottom.
It’s the clay pebbles I put at the bottom of the pot retaining moisture. I think they are keeping it too moist down there.
 

JohnDee

Well-Known Member
It’s the clay pebbles I put at the bottom of the pot retaining moisture. I think they are keeping it too moist down there.
You mean like hydroton? I'd think that it would improve drainage. Did the plant ever get an opportunity to really dry out?
Well whatever...better luck on your other plants.
JD
 

Buzzhole

Member
I'd given it 2 weeks to dry out but i think the issue is the clay pebbles. They must be jamming up the bottom of the plant, I guess it just doesn't like them... its the first time that I've tried them, and the last.

Is it worth trying a "Plant-otomy" take out all the wet soggy shit at the bottom of the pot, cut off any dying roots and replant in drier soil no clay pebbles? Or do you think there#s no point?
 
I agree. They look like they're drowning. I've had issues with soggy soil and water sensitive plants where the soil takes forever to dry out. I use a soilless Pro-mix/perlite/FFOF together to be on the safe side. Canna Terra Pro and FFOF by themselves can get very soggy especially in big pots.
 

Buzzhole

Member
Dear Comrades... I have better news this morning. And hopefully this can help others who like to grow outdoors. So last night I brought the little luvvies inside for that home comfort vibe. They were wilted and fucked looking and this morning totally expected them to be dead.

But no.... a nice surprise. They survived the night. I think some of this is the cooler climate over here in London, UK. That and the less than decent drainage set up is causing our girls to have cold, wet feet at night.

I think the answer here is to bring them in at night and to bear in mind that soggy bottom + cold night could kill your plants.

Take a look and let me know what you think. I put em back outside now for today's sun.

Screenshot 2019-05-16 at 08.32.01.png
 

Buzzhole

Member
PS: Am going to hold off from transferring them out of these containers. I think if the root ball can grow some more and get established then they might be alright in the end. Also it should get a bit warmer in London soon, that will help.
 
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