I just checked my zebra plants' pH levels and it said it is 8.0 and it says the soil leavel is moist to wet, idk if that's bad, as you can see from the picture the first one is from November after a move, this poor thing has gone through a lot 😩 idk what I'm doing wrong i keep thinking I'm watering too much but then when i let it dry out it goes crazy sad and starts dropping leaves, it's still growing leaves so it's been confusing me
The leaves looks overwatered based on the dark leaf tips. I initially thought it is looking for light, as well, based on the bare stems. But, the leaf nodes are close together. I’m guessing the plant is putting out new leaves as fast as possible to keep up with the dying leaves. I recommend checking the soil wetness before watering using a wooden skewer or similar device. Consider cutting and propagating to get back the fullness. I can’t fully address the pH levels. I can only state if you have information that the pH is detrimental to the plant, then, maybe changing the soil can help. There may be easier methods online that does not stress the plant like a soil change which can damage roots. 🍀🪴
0 J'aimeHow would you recommend cutting? I'm nervous to do that
0 J'aime I’ve never propagated this type of plant. Google shows several videos on it. One article said it propagates in water or soil. I recommend leaving at least three leaf nodes on each cutting to allow both roots and leaves to sprout. Let at least one node stay above water/soil. Use Superthrive plant vitamins in both the soil and water to boost roots. Use Rooting Hormone Powder for soil propagation. The hormone triggers root growth. Good luck🍀🪴
0 J'aime Some examples of cut lines.
Check if the plant is root bound and that it has adequate drainage. It may need repotting to a slightly larger size pot.
0 J'aimeLast time i watered the water ran through the bottom and into the pan it was sitting on was trying to make sure i was watering it thoroughly i kept thinking i was only getting the too soil wet and not the bottom part wet
0 J'aime Remove the pot gently and take a picture of the roots. Root bound plants can still allow water to freely flow like my spider plants. My plant looks healthy and happy being root bound. So I don’t need to act. Your plant is in distress. You can rule out a detrimental root bound condition by simply looking at the roots.
If your reading of 8.0 is correct, it’s way too alkaline for your zebra plant. Look for a peat based soil and amend accordingly to your plants needs.
1 j'aimeSo your saying i should completely re pot it with new soil
1 j'aime I would do it. There are some things you can do to lower the ph of the soil it’s in now but it’s a little more involved and personally I think it may cause you more grief if you don’t know where to start. Start fresh so you know exactly what type of soil you’re working with. I’m curious at what the root system look like.
1 j'aimeI have a zebra plant as well, it’s the biggest drama queen of the bunch. Had to move mine from grow lights to window otherwise I got brown leaf tips which eventually dropped. For watering, I use tap water that has sat for >24 hours that is pH adjusted to ~6.8 (using pH down). If you water enough with pH adjusted water it should help with your soil pH. Hope that helps.
0 J'aimeThank you!
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