Plant Longevity I recently lost one of my veteran plants of 5 years đ. It was gorgeous and seemed healthy but the stems started to blacken one by one until there were none. What is the key to plant longevity? How do you keep a plant long term. I have not had one past 7years. What am I missing?
Knowing VERY little about your plant or its condition ⊠either a pest or root rot got to it. Did u take it out of its container to see its condition??
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Root rot and fungal infections can slowly kill off a plant. Trespence is correct that you have to examine all of the plant including the roots by taking it out of the pot. Examining the roots will show rotting.
1 j'aime Iâve been able to save a few ailing plants by taking them to a local nursery especially the smaller shops that have been in business for many years. Their experts are always onsite. I show them my sick plant and describe the care. They are always happy to help. Thatâs how I learned about fungicides and powdery mildew! Very helpful folks in those nurseries that survive surrounded by big box stores. My oldest plants can live outside in pots or on the ground all year. The foliage returns even after freezing. Iâve been bringing more in since the freeze are lasting longer. These are my oldest potted plants. All over 10 years old: Purple oxalis, Ponytail palm, Queen of the Night cactus (20+), Rosemary, Upright Elephant Ears, Crinum Lilies (80+), monstera and White Butterfly syngonium (20+). They live outside (zone 9) most of the year. A Photo of the crinum lilies is shown.
Both previous comments are good advice but also, some plants are just short-lived. That being said you most likely have some fungal condition going on.
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My oldest is 20+ yrs. The biggest thing I've found for longevity is checking the plant over fairly regularly. This helps catch any issues in the early stages. I've also utilized the local nurseries for help in the past. But whether it's checking them over when the apps 'progress update' pops up, or when you fertilize, it's well worth the time. Past that making sure you meet the plants water and light needs. Water especially can lead to a ton of different issues. So when in doubt check the soil before watering (using the app as a guide, not the end all be all). As it could work great in one season, but say the next are dryer or more humidity, it will effect the water needs.
3 J'aimeThanks so much! I thought maybe the cold weather was too much for it to bear. I did inspect the roots but they seemed fine. Tbh I question whether or not I recognize a healthy root. If itâs not black, mushy or smelly, I assume it is healthy. I just find it odd that conditions that were great for a plant for years suddenly arenât đ€·đœââïž
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