| Author | Content |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 13, 2009
11:40 AM Post #6403668
| I have a small (1.5 foot) Night Blooming Jasmine that I am trying to grow large enough to plant outdoors. It was received from the nursery about a week ago and planted into a 16" pot of 50% Hyponex Potting Soil and 50% Hyponex Cow Manure Compost (0.5 0.5 0.5). About 2 days a go, I noticed this strange new growth of off-white spots on the foliage. I am wondering if it is a fungus or something. Anyone know what it is, and can I do anything special to make this plant take off and grow? I want to transplant it outside to my yard, but it has to get much larger to handle south FL sun first. (Please see attached photo for a look at the spots).
Thanks in advance!
Mac
Longboat Key, FL
Zone 9
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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babeegirl
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
April 13, 2009
03:11 PM Post #6404691
| it almost looks as if it got sprayed with something that damaged it like a chemical. |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 13, 2009
03:50 PM Post #6404842
| Hi babeegirl!
Thanks for the weigh in. I appreciate it.
While I do not believe an accidental chemical spray is the problem, I WAS spritzing the foliage with a plastic spray bottle that I used to control flare ups on my grill, and it only had water in it before. The water WAS city water when it was last used, but I rinsed it out well in my well water sink, prior to filling it with fresh bottled spring water. I had no distilled water at the time, so I opted for Arrowhead spring water as opposed to using my well water. This thing has been ultra-sensitive to changes to my environment, so I am now only using distilled water and only when needed.
I will watch for further leaf growth and if none of these patches are seen, then perhaps you may be onto something!
Thanks again!
How's the weather coming along in Wichita? I worked at Kansas Heart for a short while a few years back. Can't say I miss KS winter weather! Should be getting nice about now. |
babeegirl
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
April 13, 2009
04:10 PM Post #6404931
| not yet:) it's been rainy, chilly and gloomy. We have a few nice days here and there but not with any continuity. Just as soon as it turns warm the tornadoes will probably show up :) You know, it might be interesting to take a drop of the water from the bottle and place it on one of the leaves in a controlled experiment to see if you get the same type of spot. If it doesn't mark the leaf then you could eliminate the water as a culprit. Also, when I lived in Texas, I used to buy a product called Super Thrive and it really helped plants make the transition to living in the Texas sun.
This message was edited Apr 13, 2009 3:12 PM |
NatureLover1950
Vicksburg, MS
(Zone 8a)
April 13, 2009
04:14 PM Post #6404955
| Have you tried cleaning the leaves? You could take a soft, damp cloth and gently wipe them off. It looks like the leaves had something on them, perhaps some sort of chemical to control insects at the nursery. When you spritzed them with water it could have caused the dried residue to collect in spots where the water beaded up. I've had that happen with plants before. |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 13, 2009
05:06 PM Post #6405165
| Babeegirl: Thanks for the product referral. I will look into it immediately.
Naturelover1950: Yes, I tried to clean off the spots, but the leaf is dry and brittle. The area ripped off with rubbing, so it's nothing I can clean off. I removed the leaf I tried to clean altogether and looked at it very closely with a magnifying glass. It's a dry, shriveled area of the leaf. In addition, upon further inspection today, I notice about half the tips of the leaves getting dry and brittle also despite the pot having adequately wet soil and pea gravel at the bottom for drainage. I have attached a macro shot of the tip of one of the leaves. Please take a look.
I gave the plant filtered sunlight by a window today for the first time since rescuing it from its last near death experience from direct south FL sun. About 3 hours of morning sunlight and 3 hours of afternoon sunlight, all through a window.
I am at a loss here... thanks for the suggestions. I will start looking for Super Thrive to see if it can rescue this plant before it dies.
Does the soil mix I used sound okay? 50/50? I am very new at gardening and landscaping with plants, so I am flailing along here with what I learn on the internet which it seems everyone has a different way of growing things and tricks. I WILL find my green thumb if it requires me obtaining a Horticulture degree.
The most bizarre thing is, is that this thing seems to grow best under a 150 watt equivalent Compact Flourescent Lamp (CFL) (AKA Ecobulb) that you would use to transition from incandescent to CFL table lamp bulbs. (It's the new fluorescent bulbs that look like a spiral neon light tube in white that are better for the environment). Problem is, I HAVE to transition this plant to outdoor life and I don't want to make it dependent upon this type of light to grow. Is this possible?
So bizarre... thanks to both of you regardless for your suggestions!
Hang in there Babeegirl... spring IS coming. :)
Mac
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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imzadi
Jackson, SC
(Zone 8a)
April 14, 2009
10:06 AM Post #6408204
| sorta looks like spider mites also. |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
April 14, 2009
10:19 AM Post #6408280
| I agree, I think I can see the stippled pattern that is characteristic of spider mites also. It's possible that the infestation was already taken care of and that's just the residual damage, but I'd probably wash off the undersides of the leaves and spray them with neem or something else that kills mites just to be safe--they can spread like crazy to other plants so you don't want to take chances. Some of the whitish stuff on the top surfaces of the leaves could be hard water or something like that--sometimes those minerals don't rub off easily but it won't hurt the plant. I don't see anything that looks fungal. |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 14, 2009
06:30 PM Post #6410601
| Thanks everyone! I hope this doesn't sound stupid, but what's the best way to wash the underside of the leaves? This thing is so fragile at the moment, I am afraid to wipe the leaves too hard with a cloth, or spray it with a garden sprayer, except for on the mist setting, which I am not sure is enough force to wash them off. Regarding Neem, I don't know much about this product either. Should I buy an Organic Neem Oil such as Omri? Is there a place I can go buy Neem Oil locally such as Home Depot or Lowe's or do I have to order it online? I don't have a lot of plants yet, so I don't need a lot of product. (I understand you dilute the Neem Oil in water?
I told you all I was a rookie! Haha!
Please advise. I hope it's not Spider Mites. But if it is, I appreciate the heads up!
We are currently receiving our first real rain in months of drought and I have the NBJ outside during the periods when the rain is softly falling.
I am desperately doing all I can to help this thing thrive. Thanks to all respondents for the assistance. It is greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Mac
"Clueless in Longboat"
Longboat Key, FL
Zone 9-10 |
imzadi
Jackson, SC
(Zone 8a)
April 14, 2009
06:34 PM Post #6410626
| actually you can go to walmart and get insecticidial soap in a spray bottle
spray the underside and everything from top to bottom they will kill spider mites. or with a cotton ball since they are fragile. |
Procrastinator
Havelock, ON
(Zone 5a)
April 14, 2009
08:27 PM Post #6411109
| Is it possible that your plant needs iron? Same thing happened to me and I just bought my plant on Saturday and had to transplant it because it was root-bound.
That is what I read but don't know if I'm right since I am rather new too and looked it up to find out what the problem was.
Any thoughts or am I way off base. I was going to get some bone meal tomorrow.
Elaine and Otis |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
April 14, 2009
08:46 PM Post #6411218
| Iron deficiency usually manifests itself as the whole leaf being yellowish except right around the veins is still bright green, so that's definitely not what's going on here.
Spraying the undersides of the leaves is fine if you aren't able to wash them off easily. I usually start with the washing because that helps get rid of some of the mites and many times I'm able to control them just with that and don't even need to use chemicals. But it's not a necessary step if it's not easy for you to do. How I usually do it is tip the pot on its side so that the undersides of the leaves are exposed, then take the hose and spray it (all my spider mite issues have been on container plants outdoors). Indoors if the plant is small enough you could do it in the sink but that's a little more cumbersome. |
RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
April 14, 2009
10:52 PM Post #6411862
| Ecrane, take a closer look at the first pic provided. Do you see something "web" like on the under leaf provided.
Rachel
This message was edited Apr 14, 2009 10:54 PM |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
April 14, 2009
11:10 PM Post #6411958
| I don't really see webbing (although I could have missed it). I was suspicious that it was mites because of the stippled pattern on the leaves |
RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
April 14, 2009
11:18 PM Post #6411980
| Maybe I should have stated a cacoon instead of webbing. My eye's are not that good anymore, but the second time I viewed this post, my eye's were drawn to the underside of the leaf that was provided.
You gave an excellent antidote for most of the "common" cure...if it is an actual "pest" problem.
Rachel |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 16, 2009
12:59 AM Post #6417353
| Thanks again for all of the replies. I think I may be in trouble here though, guys. Today, the NBJ is dropping many smaller recently grown leaves. No wind, no rain today, nothing that would cause leaves to break off. They are just falling off the plant as I am finding them lying on top of the soil. The leaves are small, (about 1/2" to 1" long), and look perfectly green and healthy.
After noticing the leaves lying on the soil, I inspected the bottoms of the leaves with a magnifying glass, (and saw nothing), but I went ahead and washed off the bottom of each leaf remaining on the plant. I am not sure how moist to keep this soil, as I have heard that NBJs do not do well if they dry out, but maybe I have OVER-watered it? The soils is pretty damp from the rain yesterday. Would this cause a shedding of leaves?
I would have NO IDEA if it's low on Iron? I just bought this NBJ from a very reputable dealer and it was BEAUTIFUL when I received it one week ago.
I am going to get the neem oil tomorrow and spray this thing just to be sure, but I am really getting concerned this one is going down the wrong road.
Any further advice?
Thanks again, everyone. You guys are very kind.
Mac |
imzadi
Jackson, SC
(Zone 8a)
April 16, 2009
07:09 AM Post #6417652
|
probably not in a high enough humidity rage and took a shock. jasmines like humidity. i have a night blooming jasmine and a yallow jamine thats a fall bloomer . if inside maybe the air conditioner if ran changed it for the plant.
second the roots might be messed up. to me i dont give plants cow manure until late in their growth. jasmines are picky.
and they light drained soil like sandy soil.
talk to the people you bought it from maybe they can tell you more |
babeegirl
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
April 16, 2009
09:04 AM Post #6417987
| Mac, I think it's time to take it back to the nursery instead of spending even more money just to keep it alive. You should be enjoying a healthy plant right now and feeling happy about it.
This message was edited Apr 16, 2009 8:06 AM |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
April 16, 2009
10:01 AM Post #6418219
| I would check your watering, the leaves falling off like that and the fact that it sounds like it's been kept pretty damp make me suspect it could be too much water. Maybe not, but worth checking. Yesterday's rain on its own shouldn't have hurt it, but if it had already been a bit on the wet side then it could be a watering problem. I keep mine on the drier side in my garden and it does fine, so they definitely don't need to be wet all the time. I also wouldn't worry too much about the humidity, I grow them out here where we don't have much humidity all summer long and it does just fine.
It doesn't look like it's low on iron, as I mentioned in my earlier post, the symptoms of iron deficiency are the leaves will be mostly yellowish except for bright green around the veins. Plus iron deficiency doesn't make leaves fall off, so there's definitely something else going on. Here are some images of what leaves look like when the plant is deficient in iron so you can see what it would look like http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=chlorosis&btnG=Searc... |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 16, 2009
02:45 PM Post #6419374
| NOT GOOD... this is today's presentation. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 16, 2009
02:47 PM Post #6419377
| And this... 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 16, 2009
02:55 PM Post #6419414
| Babeegirl:
I can't exactly call the nursery and ask for a replacement. It doesn't seem right.
This plant came in PERFECT condition, and all of the damage has occurred within a week, due to something I have done to it, or some organism or deficiency that it has developed due to my lack of experience with this plant. (Or growing plants in general).
I have to save this plant. I want it in my garden.
I think I am going to follow Imzadis advice and try to replant this thing in a 50/50 mix of potting soil and native FL soil which is 75% sand.
It has to be something with the cow manure compost, and or it's too wet and not able to drain.
Please, if anyone has any other (or different advice) than my plan based on today's pics, PLEASE respond asap. I will check the blog every hour.
Many thanks to EVERYONE.
Mac
|
babeegirl
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
April 16, 2009
02:58 PM Post #6419433
| well, just consider taking it back to ask for help, not necessarily to get a replacement or ask for a refund. You never know, they may have had other people that bought the same plant have problems too that they can easily identify and help you solve. |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 16, 2009
03:04 PM Post #6419454
| True... I got it mail order, so "taking it back" is not an option, but I will call them and see if they have any pointers for me.
What do you think of my idea or trying to re-plant it again? I definitiely have to take SOME action. And take it today.
Such a drag... :(
Warming up any? |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 16, 2009
03:14 PM Post #6419495
| Had an idea. Perhaps I could take a cutting from a decent looking area of this plant and try to grow another NBJ in a smaller pot of native soil/potting soil. Does this sound like a good idea?
Also, I am wondering if salt isn't also a problem. The top of the soil has whitish crystalline looking patches on it. Wouldn't know how salt got into the soil though.
Mac
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 16, 2009
03:15 PM Post #6419503
| Another shot of the white stuff... 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 16, 2009
03:17 PM Post #6419513
| Then again... the mystery white stuff just may be the little white plant food chunks in potting soil that have dissolved...
Plant 9-1-1, hello? I need a rescue!
|
RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
April 16, 2009
03:25 PM Post #6419550
| It does look like a "type" of salt build up. I know my water does due to the type of additive's we have to use due to water softener's so I do not water my plant's with water that come's out of my spout's.
I think your suggestion on taking a cutting and starting a new plant is wise at this point. Did you say you checked for spidermite's. From the last pic's you have posted...sure does remind me of mite damage.
Rachel |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 17, 2009
11:53 AM Post #6423868
| Did check for Spider Mites, and I did not see any signs of them, but I went ahead and sprayed the entire plant with Neem Oil. I dug it up, sprayed it off with my garden hose, sprayed it with Neem and have re-potted it into a fresh pot of straight Hyponex potting soil. No cow manure this time. It looks like it may survive, at this point. I also took a section of the root ball and plant and have re-potted it in a 60/40 mixture of potting soil and indigenous sandy FL soil respectively.
I watered both plants with rain water I caught off the roof the other day during our heavy rain. I have about 10 - 2 liter bottles of it left and that is all I intend to water this plant with.
I have watered the plant with my well water, but I have and use a direct connection off the well upstream from any water softening salts or equipment. So I just don't know how it developed a salt build up, but now, I will not risk it. I will simply use rain water and maybe distilled water should I run out of rain water. Wish me luck!
I am not a TOTAL brown thumb however. The two President Hibiscus trees I planted last week appear to love their new digs! Here's a shot of one of their numerous flowers.
Thanks again, everyone! I am learning, and I thank you.
:)
Mac
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
April 17, 2009
01:57 PM Post #6424420
| Hi Mac and how's life in LongBoat Key today? I am a Florida lovin gal ;-)
You sound like you know exactly what you are doing when it come's to gardening. I am learning as well and this website is the best tool I have found. Beautiful hibiscus your growing there.
Wishing you tremendous luck with your NBJ.
Rachel |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 19, 2009
08:45 PM Post #6434397
| Well, below is a post-transplant photo, so it appears as though it was the right decision. I never dreamed that owning a plant that many consider to be a hardy, low-maintenance "weed" would be so time consuming, fragile and fickle!
I guess I will never get this thing acclimated to south FL sun and heat, as every time I have tried to move it outdoors, it has wilted and nearly died.
Anyone from FL successfully growing this plant outdoors that I can get some pointers from?
Mac
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
April 19, 2009
08:55 PM Post #6434446
| I d-mailed you back;-)
Have you tried posting this problem on the Florida gardening forum? If not, I do suggest you do.
Wishing you the best Ken and I will look forward to you posting some pic's on the tropical plant forum as well.
Happy Gardening
Rachel
This message was edited Apr 19, 2009 8:56 PM |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
April 19, 2009
08:55 PM Post #6434448
| If you look at the Plant Files entry for it, there are several people from Florida who are growing it successfully, and some others from other parts of the south that are probably close to as hot and humid as you are http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/2128/ I suspect in your area it'll probably be happier if it gets a little shade during the hottest part of the day. Also anytime you're changing a plant's conditions, it helps to adjust it gradually. If it's used to being in the house and you just put it outside in the sun, that's going to tend to make it unhappy unless you adjust it gradually to being outdoors. When you put it outside, did you leave it in a pot or were you planting it in the ground? If you planted it in the ground it could have just been transplant shock, if you can protect it from the sun for a bit while it gets established it should recover from that (also helps if you plant it during the cooler months of the year...I don't know what time of year you tried it) |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 19, 2009
09:28 PM Post #6434610
| Thanks Rachel!
ECrane: Yes, I initially tried acclimating it outdoors immediately upon receipt as I understood it to be such a hearty plant it was "a plant it and forget it" type of plant. I planted it in practically full sun as I also read to do, it looked grand upon receipt, but after planting in my yard, the following day it looked next to death! I took it out of the ground, put it in a pot and put it inside under 75 degree AC, and a 150W CFL Ecobulb which it loves. I then started to give it gradual sun through a window and then slowly a few hours outdoors in morning sun in the pot. It always looks shocked after being outside for even a few hours of cool morning sunshine.
I tried doing all of this in the last couple of weeks. I received the plant about two and a half weeks ago. It's been next to death twice now, and I guess considering it looks like it's going to pull out of this nose dive also, this is why they call it "hardy". It's already 80 plus degrees here some days although humidity remains about 65-68% which is low for us and maybe too low for the NBJ, I don't know.
The leaves still have some brown spots, see pic below, but overall, the plant looks better since spraying with Neem and replanting in potting soil w/o cow manure/compost mix. Also without giving it ANY sunlight. Just the Ecobulb which it does well with placed about 12" underneath the shade.
Thanks for the referrals to get some further help!
Hopefully one day I will have the NBJ I want in my garden and I will send photos worthy of the bandwidth! haha
Thanks again, everyone.
Mac
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
April 19, 2009
09:34 PM Post #6434647
| Your passion run's deep for this plant.
Wishing you all the best with the outcome.
Rachel |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 19, 2009
09:47 PM Post #6434706
| I love the smell of NBJ. I used to live in San Clemente, CA and I purposely went for night drives up the 5 & 405 freeways with the top down, just to smell the NBJ planted in the area.
NBJ blooming in the cool summer breeze, the sun splashing into the ocean, and "Boys of Summer" by Don Henley on the radio. Ahhh... sweet flashback!! (haha - sometimes I am such a dork!)
I understand it can be very bold and become overbearing to some, but I will simply keep it cut way back if it becomes too much. I have yet to ever smell too much of NBJ. I fear if it is indoors, I might though, and thus the desire to get it outside asap.
Keeping the faith. Thanks for the well wishes, Rachel!
:)
Mac |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
April 19, 2009
09:54 PM Post #6434728
| 65% humidity definitely isn't too low for it, we can grow them out here where we have much lower humidity than that. I think long term for you it'll be better off with some afternoon shade--Plant Files lists it as sun to part shade which tells me that in hot summer climates it definitely ought to be in part shade and won't appreciate hot afternoon sun. I'm not sure why it reacted so badly when you put it outside in morning sun, but you might try first putting it out somewhere that doesn't get any direct sunlight to let it get used to the temperature and humidity change vs indoors, then once it's used to being outside in the shade add in morning sun gradually. Maybe it'll adjust better that way--it's worth trying at least if you really want it outdoors. |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 20, 2009
12:48 PM Post #6437171
| G'day everyone!
Well, I tried ecrane's advice and put the jasmine outside this morning into full shade around 10:15 am. It's a nice day today. 80°F, mostly cloudy, wind out of the south at 5 mph and humidity is 66%.
I just went outside at 11:15 pm and found the NBJ wilting yet again. The photo below was taken about 2 minutes after bringing it back into the house to show you the degree of wilt. Before putting it outside it was very upright, and lively looking, and the branches had some spring to them. Now they are hanging as you can see from the photo.
I am at a total loss as to what to do here. I have this thing potted in a 16" pot of a 60/40 mixture of Hyponex potting soil and indigenous FL soil respectively.
So I am not sure what to make of this, really. I did some research on Hyponex and have found it to have a very bad reputation, and even some articles suggesting it contains high levels of Arsenic. One story I read online mentioned a cat dying after drinking the drainage water in a pan from a plant planted in Hyponex. Does sound a wee bit like an urban myth to me, but who knows. Maybe the soil IS the problem?
I have the plant back under its 150W CFL Ecobulb and if and when it perks back up, I may consider trying to once again replant this bloody thing into a different brand of potting soil just to try. Then again, maybe I should just try some straight Florida soil with no additives, no fertilizer, etc.
Any recommendations on a GREAT potting soil? Money is not an issue. Saving this plant is. I bought the Hyponex because being the rookie that I am, I assumed potting soil was potting soil. After some research, I ASSumed incorrectly it appears.
Also, the other NBJ plant I sectioned off of this plant is not going to make it. It amounts to a small trunk. No foliage, and it looks pretty sad. I am too ashamed to photograph it. LOL
Would appreciate any further advice before I give up on this specimen.
Cheers,
Mac
This message was edited Apr 20, 2009 11:54 AM
This message was edited Apr 20, 2009 11:57 AM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
April 20, 2009
03:37 PM Post #6437919
| I usually use Miracle Gro potting mix...I'm sure there are better things out there, but it's always worked fine for me. If the plant was in complete shade and it was only 80 degrees out I'm not sure why it would have wilted. |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 20, 2009
05:23 PM Post #6438473
| I know... this makes ZERO sence whatsoever. Here is a follow up photo taken just 4 hours back indoors under the Ecobulb. You can see where the whole plant is more erect, (except for the one huge leaf on the left. It has a slight break in it from it's weight - this occurred after the second day of owning it). Overall, it's more springy and full of life.
It's completely crazy, I know... why this thing is so temperamental to the slightest elevation in temp, or change in humidity (whichever is the culprit). It had no sun today because it's been overcast today, so it's not the direct sun.
Thanks for the recommendation for Miracle Grow potting soil. Does it have Vermiculite or Perlite in it? What purpose do they serve?
Thanks ECrane3! You're very kind and very knowledgeable. (I have read many of your posts and comments on DG).
I appreciate the time spent helping this rookie along. Maybe there's another, less fragile plant that smells like NBJ does that you can recommend?
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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babeegirl
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
April 20, 2009
05:47 PM Post #6438589
| do a search here for corkscrew vine or snail vine. I think you'd be pleasantly surprised:) |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 20, 2009
05:54 PM Post #6438624
| Corkscrew vine or snail vine... got it.
I assume it is similar to the smell of NBJ? Question is, can this rookie get it into the ground successfully? haha
Thanks Babeegirl! |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
April 20, 2009
06:03 PM Post #6438675
| Wow! What an interesting thread reading it as different things play out.
Pretty much, I was thinking everything Ecrane did the whole way down based on the data of the day.
Each place is different, including the garden down the block, so I'll provide some info from my garden, and then go from there.
When I think about it, all of the night jasmine I have gets no direct morning or afternoon sun. They thrive in a humus rich mulchy soil. I've never seen a NBJ get too much water, although I can not see how large the pot your plant is in, it appears that the pot is rather large to the size of the plant and may pose a segment of a multifaceted array of issues facing the plant simultaneously
In general, in weather over 75F they are not happy transplants in my garden, and will remain distressed up to 2 weeks. The warmer the temps, the more distressed it will look. 99% of the time they recover. All transplants are left in a recovery area which is shaded most of the day. It will need to be left alone for a while, but it should recover.
So, make sure it's in shade for several days.
As much as you want to do something for its distress, let it alone for a few days, but make sure it's moist, not dry. If possible, don't fertilze or put other things on it as it will only add to it's distress.
The photo here is of a NBJ that I grew from a cutting about 3 inches long. It looked pretty terrible for several weeks, but as you can see, it eventually snapped out of it and is one of the best blooming NBJ I've ever had, it gets covered with the blooms.
And finally...if the little bugger croaks, I'll send you another, I pull them out of my garden like weeds.!
Rj
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 20, 2009
06:36 PM Post #6438854
| G'day Rj! Thanks very much for weighin' in! I really appreciate it.
To answer your question, it is planted in a 16" pot. Please let me know if that is or is not an appropriate size for it. (You referenced "issues" due to size of pot). I put it in a 16" because I thought I was going to be forced to grow it in a pot forever, and as I write this, I am still not convinced otherwise.
Okay mate, so let me get this perfectly straight.
Your NBJs are planted where they only get late afternoon sun. If transplanted in temps higher than 75 degrees, yours look pretty shattered for a couple of weeks, but if they are allowed to ride it out, 99% of the time they will come back.
My question to you is this:
At what size do you recommend planting this thing into the yard? It's about 18" now, although it's been through hell and back.
Should I pick a place in my lawn that has only late afternoon sun and plant it there, or plant it in a full sun location and construct a shade to cover it until it snaps out of it? Will it be able to tolerate full sun after it gets established? The reason I ask is, the only real place on my property that doesn't get a LOT of sun is on the west side of my house, where many large trees in the wooded lot next door shade the whole side of the house and yard. So I am afraid it's going to have to be full sun, or full shade pretty much. My lot is very vacant of large trees as it is a new home. I have three 15 foot Live Oak trees in the back lawn which do not provide any shade due to their maturity and low foliage.
Will the NBJ grow in full shade? If so, I will plant it on the west side of the house, no problem. I heard it requires sun to produce flowers, and thus scent though.
I will definitely take you up on your offer to send me one or two cuttings should this one die off. I have a fair amount of cash in this plant, and a LOT of time and stress. haha. Gardening was supposed to be GOOD for my BP the doctor said. Mmmmm... not so much.
Thanks for helping me to try to make sense of all this.
Cheers,
Mac |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 20, 2009
06:43 PM Post #6438897
| Babeegirl:
I am reading that the corkscrew vine is quite invasive. As in "problem child invasive".
Do you have trouble containing yours?
I need some fairly low-maintenance options if possible.
How do yours behave?
Mac |
babeegirl
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
April 20, 2009
07:02 PM Post #6438974
| we'll see once I get the seeds to sprout! but then again, I'm in Kansas so it's probably not as invasive here as it would be in Florida. I plan on putting mine in a container so I can bring it inside during the winter. Aren't those gorgeous blooms though! I'm used to problem children too:) with a dog that thinks he's a digging machine and a kleptomaniac cat named Nitwit the Terrible, life is never normal. |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 20, 2009
07:16 PM Post #6439035
| Sounds like a fun household. And yes... the blooms are indeed amazing.
Know anything about pot sizes?
Trying to calculate the size pot I have the NBJ in. It's 19" across at top, 10" across at bottom and 15 inches high.
I am coming up with a 9 gallon pot.
Concur?
|
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
April 20, 2009
07:47 PM Post #6439211
| Most of my MBJ's are in some shade during the day, getting some morning sun and some afternoon sun. Those are the main ones, having said that they are in every conceivable location through out the garden except..in full sun. The gardens in front have more sun, but still has late afternoon shade. The back gardens are under a canopy of various large tree's from my place and the surrounding neighbors.
re the pot, it's best only to pot up a size or 2, a guideline I learned the hard way to be sure, as I use to pot up way too much. It's hard to say, since I'm not sure what the soil was, and the drainage material used. But generally speaking even with good drainage material too big of a pot can pretty much drown your plant.
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/p.php?pid=6438473 this is the latest picture? It looks pretty good to me, especially for NBJ. My experience is that most of the time the nbj will exhibit distress most of the time after transplanting. I have several plants like that.., like the clerodendrum bungei. It will wilt and look like death during the day and perk back up at night..it does that for a couple of weeks before it's happy again, but it always pulls through.
I think your experiencing the value of keeping a new plant in a pot for a while, because it is a good way to test locations for it. I'm doing that with a couple of plants right now. In Houston I never test anything in the full sun unless I'm absolutely sure I've seen it grow somewhere else in the neighborhood in full sun. I will pick a location and let it stay there for about a week, and you can tell if it wants more, or less...same with watering..sometimes I'll have to move a plant to an area that I water less if it's distressed because of too much water. I do the same thing in the garden beds too..Right now I'm testing 3 plants in pots that I want to plant in that location of the garden bed, so far so good on a couple, but the jury still out on the 3rd.
I think Ecrane offered some good advice about aclimation. Considering the plant has switched from inside to out, in the ground and out, and in a pot ...the best thing for it now is "recovery"- Pick a nice quiet shady place with some morning sun..and leave it for a week. After that...when it's recovered..acclimation...The larger the plant gets the more tolerant it can be of conditions. Think about a 2 step method to planting it where you want. Chances are in Florida or S. Texas planting a small plant in full sun with little relief is putting it at a disadvantage.
lol..I'm blah blah blahing! This link is a bit technical to read, but it is very interesting about drainage in pots, from a DG member..this is the link to it.
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/p.php?pid=1608726
Rj |
babeegirl
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
April 20, 2009
07:47 PM Post #6439215
| not sure...I'm not that technical. I'm more the type to get a 9 gallon pot, put it next to it and say "yep, that looks about right". |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
April 20, 2009
07:54 PM Post #6439249
| LOL..yep, that's how I did it too. It seems logical, leave a lot of room to grow! |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 20, 2009
08:04 PM Post #6439313
| Rj: Thanks very much once again. I appreciate the info.
I guess I will have to just leave it in the pot and give it an hour of EARLY morning sun, say 8 am - 9 am, then move it under my front porch to see what it will do.
Today, it was very overcast here, so it wilted over just from the temperature alone, (which was 80 degrees) and or the humidity of 68%. It received ZERO direct sunlight today and still started to wilt within an hour. I can only hope you are correct in saying that it will crash and burn, but then come out of the ashes stronger than ever. It won't be easy to watch I must say.
I trust you will send me some of your "weeds" should this one meet it's demise. haha.
Thanks again for the recommendations, mate. Indeed appreciated by this rookie.
Mac
|
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 20, 2009
08:06 PM Post #6439325
| By the way, my pot is19" across at top, 10" across at bottom and 15 inches high.
I am coming up with a 9 gallon pot.
Guess that is too big? Maybe I should downsize the pot? If so, any recommendations for soil? Please include brand, mix, etc.
Mac |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
April 20, 2009
08:39 PM Post #6439533
| At this point, it's potted, -my recommendation would be to let it recover, keeping in the back of your mind what items might contribute to a deteriorating plant.
LOL..you know what I had to do and still do. I have an area, call the "Forget about it" area. It's a shelf in the back of the garden out of my eyesite. It has a lot of shade, and when I've done more dammage than good to a plant trying to make it better, I take it to that area and leave it for a few days. Amazingly, most of the time I check back there week or two later and the plant is doing way better than when I was fussing over it.
I make my own potting soil..so..think drainage, yet some moisture retention.
When dealing with plants, I coined a phrase that I have to tell myself a million times..and you won't go wrong...----- "In the plant world, A little, is A lot!" |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
April 20, 2009
08:47 PM Post #6439579
| There's definitely something weird going on with this plant, I've found NBJ to be very tough and resilient, not even a lot of transplant shock when I've planted mine in the garden. The only other thing I can think of is I wonder if it's got badly damaged roots, maybe from overwatering at some point in the past? A plant that doesn't have enough roots is going to tend to wilt like that much more easily than a plant with a root system that's proportional to its top growth. If you're going to repot it in some better potting mix anyway take a look at the size and condition of the rootball when you transplant it--if you're seeing a lot of brown/black mushy roots that's probably what's going on. |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
April 20, 2009
08:53 PM Post #6439619
| I find it tough and resilient too, but mine show distress most of the time when transplanted..even the ones that I baby the roots on...and it could be that they are wimps because they get a lot of shade..but they always recover. This is a perfect example of what I was saying earlier that one gardener experiences somethings differently just down the street. |
wonderearth
Santa Cruz, CA
(Zone 9b)
April 20, 2009
09:31 PM Post #6439852
| I have experienced this almost exactly with a toad lily that I purchased last year. It was just really temperamental. I think I might have let it dry out and then over watered it. Well it pretty much fizzled and then I planted the roots and it's coming back like gangbusters this year. I'm not an expert but maybe risk letting it just do its thing. I would put it in a shady spot and give it a little time. |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 20, 2009
10:51 PM Post #6440340
| ECrane: Last transplant I did which was a couple of days ago, to rid the pot of the cow manure compost, the roots looked good. White, stringy, and looking healthy. No brown or black mush whatsoever. This was also the same time I held the plant in my hand and turned it upside down and sprayed the little darling with Neem oil to rule out Spider mites as many had suggested. I put an inch of pea gravel in the bottom of the pot, then replanted it in Hyponex potting soil. (I also found out today through some Internet research that this is not good soil either. See my post above about this if you haven't already). I too may start making my own.
The CRAZY thing is, is that this plant does well indoors in the 78 degree AC under the Ecobulb, so I think that should effectively rule out a root issue, wouldn't you? I am asking sincerely, because as you know, I am the "greenest" green-thumb wannabe here. It's JUST when I try to put it outside that it throws a tantrum. Bloody hell, man.
So, I have resolved to do as many have suggested. Take a chance on mother nature. I am going to leave this plant be. I am going to put it out in an hour per day of early morning sun, and then move it to a shaded spot in the yard, which will most likely be on or near the west side of the yard under the huge Southern Live Oak and Pine tree mix that is in the lot next to me. It will not be getting much if any sunlight after this one hour in the morning I have it on my patio. I am also going to stop watering it until the soil dries out some. The pot doesn't drain when I water the plant at all, so I think Rj may be onto something. I think I have too much soil and not enough plant. STILL - That doesn't explain why it does so well indoors under a CFL bulb and not outside where it belongs. Wimp indeed. SPOILED ROTTEN I'll say.
I will let it be. Sink or swim.
I will look at it everyday, but that is it. I won't touch it.
It's up to the garden gnome to save it, I guess. :)
Will post progress and photos a couple of times daily. Should be quite the drama. Tune in and turn on, mates!
By the way.. here is the up to the minute photo of the problem child taken just ten minutes ago, (which is approximately 11 hours after being back inside the house under the ecobulb). Going to turn out the light now and let it sleep. It's got a big day tomorrow. Thanks a million, everyone!
G'night from LBK!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 20, 2009
10:53 PM Post #6440356
| Sorry... this might work better! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 20, 2009
10:54 PM Post #6440361
| Or not... |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
April 20, 2009
11:13 PM Post #6440440
| Having a pot that is too large for the plant does make it easier to overwater it, but I can't figure out why it only has symptoms when it's outside--if it was getting too much water because the pot was too big it would be showing symptoms no matter where you put it. And going from 78 degrees inside to 80 degrees outside in the shade shouldn't stress it, that just seems really weird to me. If you had taken it from the house and transplanted it in to the garden with those conditions then I could see that it could be suffering from transplant shock, but carrying it outside in the pot shouldn't do that.
I think you've got a good plan on stopping babying it and see what happens. But if it doesn't make it, don't give up on NBJ altogether, I'd suggest trying again with another one. They're definitely not all this temperamental! |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 21, 2009
10:22 AM Post #6441934
| G'day all!
Well, this morning at 8 am I put the NBJ outdoors into early morning sunshine for 1 hour. The weather conditions were:
64 degrees F
87% Humidity
Wind NNW @ 5 mi/hr
UV 0/16
Checked back on it at 9 am and all looked fine. Here is the 9 am photo.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 21, 2009
10:28 AM Post #6441963
| At 9 am, after the one hour of sunlight, I moved the plant to the west side of the house and placed it into full shade. (Didn't want to push it with too much sun too fast).
9 am conditions were:
68 degrees F
Humidity 74%
Winds NW @ 6 mph
UV 1/16
Below is the 9 am photo just BEFORE moving it to the west side of the house. Still looking good. :)
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 21, 2009
10:34 AM Post #6441999
| Above is same photo as previous posted, sorry.
Here is the 10 am photo taken on the west side of the house after one hour in the shade.
Conditions were:
73 degrees F
61% humidity
Winds NW @ 5 MPH
*Note: UV in full sun is reported at 4/16. UV obviously not a factor.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 21, 2009
03:23 PM Post #6443369
| So, the plant faired okay until I went out to check it at 3pm. I found it to be in direct sunlight - (thought that side of the house did not get any sunlight until 4:30 or so, but I was wrong). Some wilting noted, but not bad. The UV index was really high today, (15 out of 16) so I am attributing the wilt today to the sun exposure. Conditions at 3 pm were:
80 degrees F
Humidity 45%
Wind WNW @ 7, gusts to 14.
UV 14/16
The same conditions were present at 2pm, and there was no wilt noticed at that time. (It was still in full shade).
Odd thing is, this thing wilted like mad the other day when it was overcast!
Here is the slight wilt photo taken at 3 pm.
I have moved it back under the shade so we shall see if it recovers of crashes.
I promise after today, I will stop obsessing about this thing. I am just going to leave it is in the full shade and leave it alone. Will report back when it croaks and/or turns the corner and begins to grow. It hasn't grown at all since I have owned it.
Thanks again to all.
Mac
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
April 21, 2009
03:36 PM Post #6443424
| Glad to hear it's handling the outdoors a little better--hopefully it'll turn out to be a good plant after all! |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
April 21, 2009
04:56 PM Post #6443751
| It's strange, all of mine get wilty everytime I transplant, and there's been a few. I was ripping them out of the ground this morning..they're everywhere |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 22, 2009
12:08 AM Post #6445721
| Rj: With so many NBJs on your property, the fragrance has to be pretty overwhelming when they bloom, yeah?
Thanks Ecrane3. I sure hope it pulls through. Next challenge, is (when it is ready), transitioning it from pure potting soil into the extremely sandy soil I have here. I would say my "dirt" is 70% sand or perhaps even greater.
I'll be looking for some pointers when it comes time from both of you guys!
Thanks for being so awesome.
Cheers,
Mac |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 22, 2009
12:45 PM Post #6447758
| UGH!!!
Just peeked out at the NBJ, and it's wilting pretty badly. Leaves have shrunk in size and the plant's branches are pretty much hanging.
It's 80 degrees again today, and it's been in the shade all but for the hour between 8 and 9 am, but the humidity is really low today (35%) - which is UNHEARD OF here to my knowledge for this time of year.
Not sure if the low humidity is causing it, but I am not touching it. I am resolved to leaving this thing be. Sink or swim.
Rj, I hope you're right and this thing snaps out of it.
Hope everybody's having a good Earth Day 2009.
Cheers,
Mac
This message was edited Apr 22, 2009 12:04 PM |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
April 22, 2009
04:14 PM Post #6448670
| It will...if the pot is very wet, sometimes I will take a thin chopstick size stick and poke holes outside the root area, it aerates the roots...
Yes, the night jasmine can give a headache the scent becomes so strong with multiple plants blooming at the same time. (that's me, can't speak for anyone else). |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 23, 2009
10:23 AM Post #6451921
| Today's presentation... pretty sad.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
wonderearth
Santa Cruz, CA
(Zone 9b)
April 23, 2009
01:53 PM Post #6452755
| It doesn't look too bad. The new growth looks somewhat perky in the picture and the browning on the ends of the leaves is probably from over watering at some point or low humidity (from being inside with air conditioning?), maybe the wilting and the brown tips are two separate issues. The wilting is from the heat and sun and the brown ends are from being inside or over watered. Also I was told that once the leaves begin die at the ends the leaf will continue to die and there is nothing you can do to save it. Just trim of the brown so that it doesn't look so bad. I have a feeling your little guy just needs some time to figure out how to be outside. Greenhouse grown plants can be so pampered that they don't have the thick skin required to be outside. Sometimes they just can't adjust quickly enough and die, but yours doesn't look like that is going to happen. Part of gardening for me is being ok with letting nature take its coarse. Attrition is part of the process. Particularly in the beginning. This said, yours looks ok. I would go tossing it in the compost just yet. We've had a heat wave this past week and my new bleeding hearts just bit the dust : ( they should come back next year though, i hope. Good luck. If it doesn't work, try again during a cooler season and purchase from a different source. |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 23, 2009
03:17 PM Post #6453108
| Krikey! I am putting my faith in your guys' knowledge about plants and I am hoping this recovers, but it's been brutally hot today.
If ya ask me... by looking at the 3pm presentation, I am concerned it's about to kick the bucket.
Pessimistic, yet hoping I am wrong. :)
Cheers,
Mac
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
April 23, 2009
03:21 PM Post #6453169
| Yeah, it's actually looking pretty good to me too. |
imzadi
Jackson, SC
(Zone 8a)
April 23, 2009
05:15 PM Post #6453644
| maybe this one just likes shade and some jasmines do like moist soil. maybe this one is one of them. |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 25, 2009
10:39 AM Post #6461112
| G'day mates! Okay... we're just not turning the corner. Something tells me I have a problem below the dirt. I am guessing it is root rot or something. The soil is still as wet as the day I put it outside and "forgot about it".
Take a gander at this action...
I'm voting for a dig up, root inspection, and a replant into dry indigenous soil. Any comments before I do such?
Happy Saturday!
Mac
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
April 25, 2009
10:46 AM Post #6461137
| The soil does look wet and the pot is too large for the plant as I think someone else pointed out a while back. I'm also curious what kind of soil you have in the pot now--it doesn't look quite like my potting mix does so I'm wondering if it's garden soil instead of container mix? Garden soil is too heavy and doesn't drain as well as soil-less potting mix so it's not good to use it in containers. If you're planning to keep it in a pot for a while still, I would get some good potting mix and scale down to a pot that's a more appropriate size for the plant. |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 25, 2009
10:57 AM Post #6461170
| I have it planted in 100% Hyponex Potting Soil. No additives, no fertilizer, no compost.
I have recently read that Hyponex isn't worth a darn however, so I will never buy it again.
Think I should dig it up and give it a shot in drier sandy soil?
Thanks for responding. Hope you have a good weekend. How's the weather in the east bay? |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
April 25, 2009
11:08 AM Post #6461215
| I would buy good quality container mix. I would NOT use garden soil, regardless of whether it's sandy or not. I use Miracle Gro potting mix, I'm sure there are better brands out there but it's always worked OK for me and is fairly readily available. And you also need a smaller pot, that is very important as well. If the pot is too large, you make it way too easy to overwater your plants. |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 25, 2009
11:12 AM Post #6461238
| Does this thing look salvageable to you? I mean, I am almost ready to throw in the towel and try to get another one and start over. I can use Miracle Grow potting mix then and have a better shot, hopefully. Do you put ANYTHING else in the mix, (such as fertilizer or compost) or go striaght out of the bag? |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 25, 2009
11:13 AM Post #6461245
| Also, do you put pea gravel or anything in the bottom of your pots for drainage? |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
April 25, 2009
11:21 AM Post #6461285
| I would probably try repotting this one and see if it comes back--it's impossible to say whether it can be saved or not but it doesn't look in that bad shape, so I think if you get it out of the overly wet soil and overly large pot it could still have a chance. If you find brown mushy roots when you un-pot it I would trim those off too.
I don't add anything to the potting mix--MG comes with some fertilizer in it so I generally wait a little while before adding any additional fertilizer. Also you should never fertilize a plant that's under stress, you need to wait until it recovers and starts putting out some new growth and then you can fertilize it. Compost isn't really necessary for container plants, and because it decomposes rather quickly it tends to collapse fairly quickly and not leave large enough air pockets in the soil, so I would not put it in. I also never put gravel in the bottom for drainage--it actually hurts rather than helps. Go over to the Container Gardening forum and read the sticky threads that are at the top of the forum, those will explain why adding a "drainage" layer is counterproductive, and I think there are some comments in there about why compost and other fast-decomposing things are not good in containers either. There are also some recipes for making your own really good container mix, so if you don't mind taking a little more time to make your own mix those recipes will give you something that's much better than Miracle Gro potting mix. |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 25, 2009
11:40 AM Post #6461352
| Take a look...
Whatcha think?
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 25, 2009
11:43 AM Post #6461365
| Have Miracle Grow Potting Mix in a small pot standing by... (I live 2 minutes from a store that carried it).
How much of these roots do I need to trim?
Will put it into just soil - no gravel no additives.
Thanks, Ecrane3!
Mac |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
April 25, 2009
11:58 AM Post #6461424
| It's hard for me to tell from the picture--you're going to have to figure out for yourself if any roots need to be trimmed or not. If some of the roots are rotten they will be sort of slimy and mushy. If you find ones like that, then cut them out. If you don't, then you may have caught things in time before the roots started rotting. |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 25, 2009
12:45 PM Post #6461570
| Okay... well, I felt of the roots and none of them felt "mushy" or even wet for that matter, so therefore I did not try any of them.
Straight into a pot about 1/8 the size as the previous pot of MG Potting Mix.
Just enough water to moisten the soil and straight under the 150W Ecobulb that it proves to thrive under. Will give it the Ecolbulb until it gets some life back, then transition it to my afternoon sun windowsill.
Thanks again, ECrane3. Sorry I am such a rookie. I am learning and hopefully I will learn some things and be able to share my experiences with people greener than I to pay it forward.
Cheers,
Mac
|
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 25, 2009
12:54 PM Post #6461606
| The plant had two stems growing out of it. The two seperated at the root ball as I was planting it, so I separated them into two pots. The piece of stem (see pic shown), is stuck into a piece of that block foam stuff used in artificial flowers, or it sure looks like it. Is this a common thing to use for growing cuttings or something? It and about two small roots are all that is on the bottom of the "twig" plant.
When I first received the plant and started to replant it, I didn't disturb the soil from around the root ball so I never saw this foam block thingy. Should I have removed this, and is THIS possibly why the plant would not grow well? 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
wonderearth
Santa Cruz, CA
(Zone 9b)
April 25, 2009
01:38 PM Post #6461751
| Wow im sorry. clip off all the roots that aren't healthy and white. Also get a second opinion on this but, if you trim the roots you've might have to trim the top also, it has to stay balanced. A plant with to much top growth and not enough root structure won't be able to absorb all the water and nutrients it needs to sustain all its top growth. You need to leave enough leaves for photosynthesis. Trim all dead looking leaf material. If plants can strike from cuttings, your little guy still has a chance, assuming it's only been wet feet, not a fungus or something that's causing the distress. Good luck. WE |
wonderearth
Santa Cruz, CA
(Zone 9b)
April 25, 2009
01:42 PM Post #6461776
| Sounds like you can ignore my previous advice. Could be that this is a newly struck cutting and does need to be babied for a little bit. |
Ems_Garden
Slidell, LA
(Zone 8b)
April 25, 2009
03:48 PM Post #6462169
| Wow mac you have certainly been trying very hard to save this plant, I hope it makes it for you. I have had a NBJ for a couple of years now, bought it as a small plant and it now grows to about 4 -5 feet tall. I have it in large pot in the yard in a shady area. It gets a small bit of morning and afternoon sun. Mine blooms wonderfully. I even leave it out during the winter with some mulch on top, and while it does die down, it comes back in the spring. I water it about once a week. I also use Miracle Grow potting soil. I pretty much ignore it and it does wonderful. I fertilize it probably every few months with Miracle Grow. I carefully peel off as much as I can of those lil foam seed starters when I get them. Not sure if this is the right thing to do, but it hasn't hurt any that I've done it too. The couple of plants that I left it on didn't seem to do as well. Maybe someone else with more knowledge can help with that. You seem to move it around a lot and I'm wondering if you would do better to leave it in one spot for a while and let it get acclimated to that spot. I am by far no expert and have killed quite a lot! lol I hope you can make this baby happy, you will enjoy it so much if you can. Good luck!! |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 25, 2009
05:54 PM Post #6462579
| G'day everyone!
I HAVE indeed been trying tirelessly to save this plant! I hate to lose ANY plant, much less one I REALLY want in my garden for it's scent. I guess I am not an experienced enough gardener yet to make it easy on me. I have learned SIX valuable lessons however, through this experience with the NBJ, so if I continue to learn at that rate, I will eventually get the hang of it. I owe all of that learning to you guys and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
I have really only moved it between 1 of only 2 places outdoors and back inside to go under the Ecobulb as needed to keep it alive (this Ecobulb and being indoors in the AC are the only things that seem to revive this plant). I put it out three days ago in FULL shade and I really left it alone. Yesterday it looked bad, and today it looked just horrible. If I had done nothing today, I am certain it would have been dead sometime tomorrow. The heat here in FL might be too much for the wee thing. Either that, or the humidity being ultra low right now for FL is not helping it, or possibly both.
I left some of the foam seed starter block stuff on the "twig planting", simply because there wasn't much EXCEPT for this. I am betting the twig plant will surely die. I planted it anyway in the hopes of increasing my odds at having at least ONE good plant. I did clear the other plant, (the green wilted one) of all of the foam, so maybe that one will take off and grow now. This is my hope.
As far as the roots go, I didn't have a lot of white root present as you can see from the photo, although they didn't smell, feel soaking wet nor mushy. I left ALL the roots as is, as nothing seemed mushy really. The roots weren't white though. They were light brown and limp, but I left them be for fear of cutting roots off would further its demise. So far my batting average with this plant isn't good and gets worse with each thing I try to do to it.
I will not dig this plant up again. It will recover and grow, or it will die. I can't keep shocking it by digging it up repeatedly. I have trimmed off all of the dead foliage, and hopefully it will continue new root and foliage growth now that it is in good potting mix and not the Hyponex rubbish. I am going to leave it in the only place I have had it thrive, which is indoors in the AC with the 150W Ecobulb 2 feet above it. That's it. It's all I can do.
I cannot thank all of you enough for your assistance in this endeavour. I started gardening to help reduce my stress and blood pressure, and this particular plant has not helped either! Bloody hell, man. Haha... :{)
Cheers,
Mac
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ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
April 25, 2009
06:14 PM Post #6462661
| I think the "foam block" you found is probably the medium that they used to root the cuttings. There are a few different types of media that can be bought as little cubes that you stick your cutting into. It shouldn't hurt anything so don't worry too much about trying to remove it.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for your plant...but the good news is even if it doesn't make it, you've learned a lot in the process so you'll have a much better chance with the next one! |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 26, 2009
02:53 PM Post #6466096
| Just thought I would let you guys know that the previously unknown shrubs in the front of my home have finally flowered. They are Star Jasmine!! (Jasmine nitidum). I have SIX of them that are very well established and healthy, although I only have one flower (opened last night) out of the lot of six bushes. More pinkish pods though, so I should have more flowers tonight maybe!
Anyone know how strongly scented these are? Will I not be needing the NBJ to provide my home with fragrant flowers after all?! I will keep trying to resurrect it though, as I need it or something relatively large for a bald spot in my lot line.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
April 26, 2009
04:01 PM Post #6466341
| They are fragrant, I don't think the scent is quite as strong or carries quite as well as the NBJ though. They also smell different and I don't think you can ever have too many scented flowers so I'd keep trying on the NBJ. |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 26, 2009
04:34 PM Post #6466455
| Rest assured... after all I have been through with this NBJ, I am going to fight it's loss until it's a dry, burned out reed! LOL If I lose it, I will get another.
Thanks Ecrane3! |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
April 29, 2009
02:14 PM Post #6480216
| G'day everyone...
Despite my valiant efforts, I regret to announce that the Night Blooming Jasmine I have been desperately trying to save has finally succumbed.
Upon taking the plant out of the pot, the roots were rotten. Thanks for everyone's advice in trying to help me get this plant established.
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RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
April 29, 2009
02:18 PM Post #6480242
| Oh, so sorry Mac. Wishing you better luck on the next go around if you decide to try one again.
Have a great day.
Rachel |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
April 29, 2009
03:25 PM Post #6480650
| Sorry to hear that--are you going to try again with another one? |
rjuddharrison
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
April 29, 2009
03:27 PM Post #6480666
| dmail me your address |
wonderearth
Santa Cruz, CA
(Zone 9b)
May 03, 2009
11:21 PM Post #6500249
| RIP NBJ : (
Mac please try again. |
MacFL
Longboat Key, FL
(Zone 9b)
May 07, 2009
12:05 PM Post #6517317
| G'day everyone! Thanks for the replies.
Yea, the NBJ is pushing up daisies as they say.
RJ: Will d-mail you momentarily. Thanks for the offer. You are too kind and a great asset to the board. I appreciate your generosity. Had an emergency trip back to Australia so sorry for the delay, mate.
Cheers everyone!
Mac
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