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Help!

emmgreenshields0fVZJExzemmgreenshields0fVZJExz Posts: 8
in Plants
I've been left in the lurch at work as the woman who looked after the plants has left and left me to sort the plants out I have no idea what they are or what to do with them.

Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Pour some water around them, let it drain in the sink, then stand back in the saucer. Do this once a week.  I don't think either of those plants need bright (windowsill) sunlight, but not in the darkest place either.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Hello @emmgreenshields0fVZJExz, the two plants with burgundy coloured undersides are Calatheas, which need specific care to survive.  The GW link here gives further details:
    Calathea Care: Growing and Caring for Calatheas - BBC Gardeners World Magazine

    They look very healthy so have been well cared for.  The most important thing is not to overwater.  Place your index finger into the soil down to the first knuckle - if it feels dry, the plant needs watering.  Use filtered water or rainwater, not tap water as this can contain elements that the plant dislikes.  When you water let the water drain into a sink or the saucer but empty the saucer so that the roots do not remain overly wet.

    If I remember correctly another forum member grows these plants under controlled conditions so I'm hoping that @Balgay.Hill will also come to your help.

    The other plants nearby in your first photo are spider plants, undemanding and easy to look after, do you need any help with these?
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • emmgreenshields0fVZJExzemmgreenshields0fVZJExz Posts: 8
    Thank you so much not easy when they are not your own 
  • Balgay.HillBalgay.Hill Posts: 1,089
    edited January 2022
    I'm no expert, as i've only been keeping Calatheas for a few months. I've just been following the type of advice found online, such as the link from Plantminded. Mine are by an East facing window, as they don't like too much direct sun. Yours look healthy, so i would leave them in the position they are used to. They are prone to root rot if overwatered, so i do the knuckle test, and don't stick to a timetable. I've been using tap water, but mine is soft with no added fluoride, and I leave the watering can overnight so the chlorine can disperse.

    The top one looks like Calathea rufibarba, and the bottom one might be C. misto.
    Sunny Dundee
  • emmgreenshields0fVZJExzemmgreenshields0fVZJExz Posts: 8
    Thank you for all your advice hopefully I can keep them alive till the office staff return
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