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Please help with my star Jasmine - is it ok?

chriswatson1984XYrsg1Ikchriswatson1984XYrsg1Ik Posts: 4
in Problem solving

Hey guys,

this is my potted star jasmine. As you can see it has bloomed really nicely. But since it’s bloomed the leaves have got paler and are sagging more. 

I’m watering every couple of days and feeding every two weeks or so. Do you think it’s likely I’m over or under watering? I have a moisture sensor and it always says the soil is dry.  Please help!

Chris 

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    What a lovely looking Star Jasmine.
    Once the flowers are out the plant puts on lots of new growth and the leaves are usually pale when they are fresh and turn a darker shade of green over the following weeks as they mature.
    I can't see anything wrong with the plant at all unless I'm missing something

    The best moisture tester is a finger inserted into the soil a couple of inches :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • chriswatson1984XYrsg1Ikchriswatson1984XYrsg1Ik Posts: 4
    Pete.8 said:
    What a lovely looking Star Jasmine.
    Once the flowers are out the plant puts on lots of new growth and the leaves are usually pale when they are fresh and turn a darker shade of green over the following weeks as they mature.
    I can't see anything wrong with the plant at all unless I'm missing something

    The best moisture tester is a finger inserted into the soil a couple of inches :)
    Thanks for the answer Pete!

    I was worried as a few weeks back before the plant bloomed, the leaves were darker and looked healthier. 


  • chriswatson1984XYrsg1Ikchriswatson1984XYrsg1Ik Posts: 4
    After a little more digging around in the pots, I have noticed large amounts of ants in the soil. 

    After a bit of research it seems ant colonies can cause problems in pots - has anyone had any experience with this? 
  • PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
    It looks lovely - I wish mine looked as good!

    Ants in pots means it is too dry - keep watering very generously. It is hard to overwater a pot if it has drainage and isn't sitting in a saucer - the water will drain away. For a plant that size, I reckon a can a day at the moment. The ants will then leave, as they don't like a wet home.
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    chriswatson1984XYrsg1Ik said:
    After a little more digging around in the pots, I have noticed large amounts of ants in the soil. 

    After a bit of research it seems ant colonies can cause problems in pots - has anyone had any experience with this? 
    The ants gradually take over the containers and their activity disturbs any soil and the roots of the plants are often left hanging in mid air.
    Soaking the pots will deter them - easier to do if the pots are not placed directly on soil or lawn. 
  • chriswatson1984XYrsg1Ikchriswatson1984XYrsg1Ik Posts: 4
    Thanks guys, that’s super helpful. 

    I’m going to try watering a little more and find a way to get those ants out - and see where we get to! 
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