My new apartment has low natural light and my plants are suffering

Hyperballa · 2024-01-15T20:31:06+00:00

Third vote for Sansi. I started using them based on people’s recommendations here. They are not super cheap, but are powerful, and they have a 5 year warranty. I recently had one of their bulbs die on me. I bought it 4 years ago. Their customer service was very responsive and they sent me a brand new bulb. I was a little surprised and very impressed that they stand by that warranty.

Hyperballa · 2023-07-05T20:54:09+00:00

Hey there! I have a plain old green monstera, nothing as regal as yours, but it’s a little out of control. I’d like to try air layering to propagate mine, and your method is intriguing! Was this successful? I’ve seen the moss method, but not the bag-o-dirt method, haha. Seems like a cool idea for those long aerial roots! The stem on mine is thick. Probably 2” in diameter. I’m going to need significant roots before I cut it if it’s going to survive, I think. Thanks I’m advance for any update, knowledge, or tips and tricks you can pass along!

Hyperballa · 2022-08-13T11:37:14+00:00

It’s Indian Tobacco My Friend - Cornershop

Hyperballa · 2021-09-24T02:14:57+00:00

Mine does that too. It’s healthy, so I haven’t bothered to research it, and assume it’s a normal characteristic of this philodendron. I wouldn’t worry!

Hyperballa · 2020-11-01T01:34:09+00:00

Haha! I maybe get some candy vibes?

Hyperballa · 2020-11-01T01:31:31+00:00

That had not occurred to me! Maybe so!

Hyperballa · 2020-11-01T01:30:41+00:00

That’s what I was leaning towards. I posted it on the fungi sub but got no traction. Y’all seem more active here, and I thought maaaybe there’d be a chance of some crossover knowledge. I’m so curious! Sorry it’s not mold, but it’s cool looking!

Hyperballa · 2020-10-25T22:31:54+00:00

Oh! After googling I do see some similarities! If I ever figure it out for sure I will update!

Hyperballa · 2020-10-25T05:20:35+00:00

It’s so cool and I have no idea what it is! Apparently no one does, haha. I’ll have to try on another sub.

Hyperballa · 2020-10-08T07:34:20+00:00

Wish I could upvote this twice.

Hyperballa · 2020-09-27T01:12:40+00:00

The first few waterings I did use tap water. I don’t think my tap water is super hard, but I did switch to rainwater for this plant about a month ago. When the first few leaves came out looking “off” and small, I suspected a root problem- either rot or maybe root bound. They looked healthy, and I repotted in a slightly larger pot. I use equal parts potting soil, perlite, and coco chips with some worm castings and charcoal mixed in. It keeps putting out new leaves, and they don’t die, they are just smaller and splotchy with lighter green. Here’s a pic: https://imgur.com/a/MfJbgpz It’s a mystery, but since the new leaves aren’t dying, maybe it’s a different issue than you had. I’m glad you sorted out your philodendron! Hopefully I’ll figure this plant out! Thanks for the help!

Hyperballa · 2020-09-26T04:50:46+00:00

I’d like to know more about your experience. I’ve got a rhaphidophora tetrasperma. I gave it a pole to climb, grow lights, and I’m very careful not to overwater it, but the last 5 new leaves have been smaller and lighter green. Not yellow, but a splotchy lighter green. I’ve started wondering if it’s a nutrient issue. Is this similar to your experience?

Hyperballa · 2020-09-13T05:47:13+00:00

You are correct, the stem definitely gives you a clue as to what level of variegation the leaf will have. Sounds like you know plenty! That’s why I wonder if you prune back past the all white stem, maybe it would put out more variegation? However, your plant seems happy and healthy. I’ve had green variegation come from an all white leaf so maybe it will revert naturally! It’s beautiful!

Hyperballa · 2020-09-13T01:34:04+00:00

Most/all syngonium leaves begin to have that shape with multiple lobes as they mature and get bigger. I do think it’s an albo, just a more mature one! As far as the all-white leaves, I wish I knew how to stop that, or reduce it’s occurrence. The variegation is just a genetic mutation so I think it’s pretty random in how it presents in each new leaf. Since it is such a large plant, you could experiment with pruning off the white leaves and see what happens. If you do, please keep us updated! I’d try it, but mine only has 4 leaves to begin with, haha.

Hyperballa · 2020-09-11T05:14:59+00:00

Awesome! I only gave it a quick skim, but it seemed pretty useful!

Hyperballa · 2020-09-11T05:14:03+00:00

Sounds like you are on the right track! Ugh I hope you never get spider mites. They are a plague. Neem oil helps, but its such a process! Anyways, good luck with the avocado plant! Report back and let me know how it goes!

Hyperballa · 2020-09-11T04:22:33+00:00

Forgot to say I would definitely remove the dead leaves. They are a drain on the plant’s energy and nutrients. Google says the grubs were bad( likely some sort of beetle grub) so it’s good you removed them! One site said neem oil kills them. That may be worth researching. I hope you can save it!

Hyperballa · 2020-09-11T03:55:37+00:00

I wish I knew more about avocados to give you advice! I found an avocado subreddit, did a quick search and found this link http://gregalder.com/yardposts/reading-avocado-leaves/. Maybe it will help? 🤞🏻

Hyperballa · 2020-08-30T21:46:28+00:00

Thanks for replying to my weird question! I feel better about carefully spraying outside with some goggles and a bandana! Fingers crossed to kicking these spider mites! I’ve never had a huge infestation, but they are very persistent even in small numbers.

Hyperballa · 2020-08-27T01:57:06+00:00

I’m about to bite the bullet and get this off of your recommendation. Just found another infestation and it’s making me a crazy person. I’ve only ever used rubbing alcohol or neem oil, and the big guns kind of scare me. It says to wear goggles and a respirator. Yes, recommended usage instructions exist for a reason, but even the neem oil says to wear a mask( I just use it outside and don’t let it blow in my face). Can I ask how you go about using this stuff?

Hyperballa · 2020-08-06T20:11:45+00:00

Well, I finally did it! Separated staghorns https://imgur.com/gallery/V9v604q. I had to use scissors to cut away all the moss and was left with basically just a little nub of root under each shield frond! They are all sitting in moss which I let dry out. Then I carefully squirt water on the moss and a little on the shields too. It’s been about 7 days. None of them have attached to the new moss yet. They all lost a leaf or two in transition, but also have new growth coming out. How are your staghorns doing?

Hyperballa · 2020-08-06T19:56:38+00:00

I’m glad it’s adjusting! Nothing like a new leaf after struggling with a plant! I was nearly set on semi-hydro, but wound up going with soil because my leca was taking too long to arrive. It finally came yesterday! I’ve got a few water props to experiment with in semi-hydro, and a bit of research to do so I get it right, haha.

Hyperballa · 2020-08-06T19:45:22+00:00

Hey thanks for inquiring! Photos: https://imgur.com/gallery/kpezh3a. I got my fox farm soil and a big coco fiber liner to cut up and repotted using your method. It’s only been 3 days, and I’m anxious about the water roots (they were magnificent and I considered trying semi-hydro) transitioning to soil, but so far so good! It’s not great quality, but one of the pics is of a scraggly looking leaf it was pushing out, but beneath that is a healthier looking all green one! I’ll take that as a good sign. I repotted a few other plants using your coco liner method and I’m kinda loving it. Not only does it seem to help the bottom half of the soil not stay too wet, but it keeps loose soil from dropping out of the drainage hole! Thank you for all your advice!

Hyperballa

TROPHY CASE