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They Just Don't Grow!
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Posted: Dec/29/2007 12:15 PM PST
We recently moved into a house that had been unoccupied for some time. I'm attempting to rejuvenate some of the nice plants that were here. Most are cactus and succulant, and they are doing well. But the two plants in the pictures just won't grow. They get new growth, then immediately the leaves turn brown (mostly at the edges), and they never mature or bloom. They are in a raised planter bed on the west patio. It is well protected on 3 sides and gets only partial, filtered afternoon sun (not much sun at all, really). Any help would really be appreciated. Attachments:    |
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Posted: Dec/29/2007 5:42 PM PST
Welcome to GG from WI, doc! Those two plants look to me as if they'd like either more water or a change of location. Do you know what type of plants they are? I'm not an expert by any means, just saw the pics and had to respond. Someone else with more knowledge will stop by soon. Thanks for joining us, and feel free to "dig around!" 
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Posted: Dec/30/2007 7:30 AM PST
They don't look healthy, do they? I think the plant with pointy leaves is a banana and I can't comment on that since I haven't grown them! The plant with the really brown leaves look like it needs more water, like mb said. I can't ID that one either! The small flowering plants...are they impatiens? If so, I'd say your planter is suffering from a lack of fertilizer and water. Impatiens will stop blooming and setting buds if they are not kept moist at all times. So my guess is the fertilizer has been depleted in that narrow planter, it's not getting enough water, and possibly the roots are crowded and the plants can't grow. It might be time to replace the soil with a soilless mix. |
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Posted: Dec/30/2007 9:17 AM PST
I'll go with Sweetle on this one. Trying to revive old beds that have been neglected for a long time is a time consuming project. From the few pictures I have seen, the soil really needs to be dug up, amended, or replaced. It looks very heavy and compacted which means very little oxygen is getting in. It's really hard starting over, but having a beautiful yard is worth it. I've been working on mine for 6 years now, and am nowhere near finished. This year I start on the south yard. Here is my humble opinion. Started on one area at a time. Keep or save what you want or can, work the ground with peat, fertilizer, compost, replant, and move to the next area. Keep coming to GG for help, and encouragement, with a few laughs along the way. Have fun! Sass |
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Posted: Dec/30/2007 10:59 AM PST
I agree with all the others, I agree with Ron on the ID of them. I would also look at the depth they are planted, from the pics to me they look like they may be planted a little to deep. If your gonna redo them anyway, lift them an check their depth. |
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Posted: Dec/30/2007 12:14 PM PST
These plants are on the west side, but protected by walls on 3 sides and filtered sun on the fourth. They basically get very little sun, and plenty of water. I sort of suspected its a soil problem, as I lost a couple of other plants I tried to add. The soil here is almost all sand. I kinda thought I'd have to dig up this whole planter bed and start with new/better soil. I think I'll move the bird of paradise to a sunnier location, maybe the hydrangia to a semi sunny spot. There's a fern and another tropical looking plant that are doing well, so maybe I can save them, and go from there. Thanks for the advice. |
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Posted: Dec/30/2007 4:01 PM PST
Quote: Originally posted by RonsGarden The first and second pic are Bird of Paradise, the third is a Hydrangea.B of P need a lot of sunlight, and moisture while actively growing. Fertilizer would definitely help them along. The hydrangea needs constant moisture and are greedy feeders also and require morning sun and shade from the hot afternoon sun. Since the gardens have been neglected you may need to ammend the soil. Use well aged manure, peatmoss and compost! I agree and also noticed concrete. Is this between a wall and a sidewalk? Both plants may need to be moved out of that area and given some space and the sun/shade/water/fertilizer that suits each plant. Linda B from SC |
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Posted: Jan/01/2008 9:46 AM PST
Just another thought from the frozen tundra...those two look like they've gotten too much sun, to boot. I was just posting pictures of my MIL's hosta garden, which I inherited/transplanted after she lost her only shade tree. The leaves of those plants all look just like yours! |
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Posted: Jan/09/2008 4:12 PM PST
Thanks for all the ideas. The bird of paradise has been there quite a while I think, and may in fact want more space. The hydrangia tho is quite small. I can't imagine its a "too much sun" problem, because as I said, they hardly get any at all! These leaves turn brown (rusty sort of) the minute the appear. I'm thinking soil problem. I just don't know what component I might need more of. Since I took notice of this, I've looked closer at some of my other plants and notice something similar on my lovely hybiscus. I've been treating it for white fly, and now, I'm seeing black dots on all the buds and under the leaves, as well as a few holes in the leaves, and some of these light brownish spots! |
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Posted: Jan/09/2008 4:54 PM PST
Boy, it certainly does sound like you've got your work cut out for you! You're right, it doesn't sound like the sun exposure is the problem, which means it's probably the soil...which means replacing all of it, would that be possible? If there's a University extension office, or a local Ag Trade department of some sort, you could try them and see if they offer soil testing, and they may also be able to advise you on soil ammendments when the test results are in. Keep digging, don't give up! (Keep us posted, too... )
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