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My poor house plants

michellecarolan2012michellecarolan2012 Posts: 20
in Plants
I bought these two plants about 5 years ago, at a time in my life when it was time to grow up snd start afresh. I recently moved in with my boyfriend and ever since I made the move, the poor plants have been looking sad and sickly. I’m hoping it’s not an omen! Would anyone be able to tell me what I need to do to bring them back to being healthy and happy? Like I am now! 
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  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    When did you last pot them on and/or feed them?  Are they sitting in a cold draught at night?  Are they too cold or too hot by day?  Do you ever mist them?
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • michellecarolan2012michellecarolan2012 Posts: 20
    I’ve never potted them (that’s changing the pot and adding more soil I’m guessing) or misted them either: I’m a complete idiot when it comes to gardening. I feed them with tomato feed every now and then alright but that’s all I do for them.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Tomato feed isn't the best for leafy growth - it's to promote flowers and fruit. If you want to feed them, choose something with more nitrogen for leafy growth. But first put them into bigger pots with some fresh compost, which will have enough food for a few months. Make sure the pots have drainage holes and that you empty any excess water from the outer containers.
    Another possibility is that if you moved on a cold day and they weren't protected from cold, or if they were knocked or bumped during the move, the damage could have shown up later as browning of the leaves.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • michellecarolan2012michellecarolan2012 Posts: 20
    Thank you so much for your insight. You are the most helpful group of people that I’ve ever come across, especially because nobody ever makes me feel stupid for not knowing the very basics. I really appreciate this group. Thank you: you’ve really made my day!
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Everyone's got to start somewhere :)
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    As plants grow their roots grow too and need more space and nutrients and water so you need to remember to check the bottom of the pot for roots showing and then pot on if they are.  Check every spring.

    When you re-pot, it needs to be a slightly wider, slightly deeper pot with drainage holes.  Soak the roots first and let them drain again then you put some fresh compost in the bottom of the new pot, insert the plant and its roots and check the level at the top and then fill down the sides, poking it down with your fingers so it's firm but not solid.  Water well again and let it drain.

    My preferred compost for house plants like this is a loamy John Innes no 3 type but others may have other ideas.  My preferred watering method is to dunk the plant pot and all the roots and compost in a bucket of water till no further air bubbles appear then let it drain completely before putting back on its saucer or in its decorative container.  Do this once a week in summer and once every 2 or 3 weeks in winter if the house is centrally heated.

    Once a month I put my houseplants in the shower to remove any dust from their leaves and again let them drain afterwards.    Misting simply involves spraying with plain water to moisten the foliage and is important in the dry atmosphere of centrally heated homes.   In summer I put my houseplants outside for a holiday in fresh air but out of direct sun and water as needed as rainfall is often not enough.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • michellecarolan2012michellecarolan2012 Posts: 20
    Thanks everyone for taking time out of your day to help: funny how kind words from complete strangers can have such an affect on how your day goes: I’d a pep in my step all day long! I’ll go compost shopping tomorrow after work!
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Good luck.  Hope they reciprocate all the TLC and thrive.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Chris-P-BaconChris-P-Bacon Posts: 943
    Avoid watering with tap water. They're not too bad tho - soon perk up with a bit of TLC.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I'm not usually one to outright disagree with anyone, but those two plants will be absolutely fine with tap water (and it's pretty hard to get around if someone doesn't have water butts to collect rain). The only downside is if the water is hard and gets splashed on the leaves it can leave white marks, just the same as on a shower screen or tiles. The solution is to water the compost not the leaves, which is good practice anyway.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
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