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New honeysuckle problem
Sarah 46
Posts: 7
Hi there, I bought some honeysuckle plug plants online and potted them up and are growing inside on a windowsill. 2 out of the 3 are doing really well, whereas one is looking awful. I think it's called 'Belgica'. Some leaves have fallen off, and there's some white fluffy patches on the leaves. Is this some kind of fungus? I don't know why this one isn't growing when the others are? If anyone has any advice I'd be very grateful! I've emailed the company I ordered them from to see about a replacement, but I don't want it to happen again...! Thanks
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Posts
Have you tried rinsing it off the leaves? Probably a fair shout getting a replacement, it shouldn't grow mould on a windowsill!
Doesn't sound very good; might be worthwhile keeping it well away from the others in case it spreads.
Sarah - bear in mind that honeysuckles are woodland plants, so indoor windows aren't the best location - too hot and humid - so the mould is most likely due to lack of ventilation. They'll dry out very quickly too. If you can put them outside for a while during the day and bring them in at night for a couple of weeks, that will get them hardened off and used to the outdoors. You can then put them outside in a sheltered, shady spot to let them grow on. Pot on as they get too big for the pot they're in.
If you can get a replacement - so much the better! The original will probably survive anyway
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I was planning on planting them once they're big enough against a fence that faces southwest but has some shelter later in the day because of the house casting a shadow. Is that going to be too sunny for them?
Keep them shady while they're so tiny Sarah - they'll really struggle if they're too hot as you won't be able to give them enough moisture to support the new top growth. It makes them more susceptible to problems as well.
They're fine with some sun ( when they get big enough to plant out ) as long as they have a cool root run - think 'edge of woodland' conditions. Moisture retentive soil and a good mulch after thorough watering will really help get them established
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...