House plant having difficulty adjusting to elevation - Ask Extension
Hi - we recently moved from Washington, DC to Boulder, CO, and our previously thriving house plant (pictures attached) seems to be having some difficu...
Knowledgebase
House plant having difficulty adjusting to elevation #159798
Asked November 07, 2013, 10:25 AM EST
Hi - we recently moved from Washington, DC to Boulder, CO, and our previously thriving house plant (pictures attached) seems to be having some difficulty adjusting. It is losing a ton of leaves, and the leaves are yellowing/browning to a degree we have not seen in the past. We are not sure if we are over-watering, under-watering, whether this is normal seasonal leaf drop accelerated by the change in climate, the elevation change, a combination of these factors, or something we haven't even considered. The plant is positioned in the house to get about the same amount of light as it did back east. Any thoughts on what is happening or how we can better care for the plant would be greatly appreciated! Please let me know if there's any additional information I can provide. Thank you so much in advance for any ideas!
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
It looks like your plant is Pachira aquatica, aka Guiana chestnut or Money tree. 'Aqautica' in the name suggests it is a wetland-type plant: moister conditions with bright light, warmth and humidity.
Dropped leaves can be an idication of relocation shock. You should get leaf regrowth once you find its perfect new location and it adapts to it.
Bright, indirect light (no direct sun) is best for this plant. Keep away from the coldness of windows and doors, and also keep away from heat & ac vents. As Colorado is extremely dry, especially compared to Wash. DC, increase humidity around this plant using a room humidifier.
Water this plant until completely saturated, then water again ONLY when the top 1-2" of soil is dry. You will need to feel the soil with your finger for dryness. Again, saturate the soil, but don't let the plant sit in water as this can cause root rot. Be sure the water drains all the way through, then empty any saucer so it doesn't sit in the water.
Fertilize about once each month in spring and summer with 1/2 strength of a balanced fertilizer such as Miracle Gro. Because plant growth slows down in the winter months with the reduction of light, don't fertilize in the winter months.
Finally, be sure to check in, around and under the leaves for any insects, webbing or disease. Treat as needed if you find something.
This plant has seen quite a shock with a long move to a completely different environment. Warmth, bright light, humidity and moist (not WET) soil are the keys to help this plant recover from it's shock.
Dropped leaves can be an idication of relocation shock. You should get leaf regrowth once you find its perfect new location and it adapts to it.
Bright, indirect light (no direct sun) is best for this plant. Keep away from the coldness of windows and doors, and also keep away from heat & ac vents. As Colorado is extremely dry, especially compared to Wash. DC, increase humidity around this plant using a room humidifier.
Water this plant until completely saturated, then water again ONLY when the top 1-2" of soil is dry. You will need to feel the soil with your finger for dryness. Again, saturate the soil, but don't let the plant sit in water as this can cause root rot. Be sure the water drains all the way through, then empty any saucer so it doesn't sit in the water.
Fertilize about once each month in spring and summer with 1/2 strength of a balanced fertilizer such as Miracle Gro. Because plant growth slows down in the winter months with the reduction of light, don't fertilize in the winter months.
Finally, be sure to check in, around and under the leaves for any insects, webbing or disease. Treat as needed if you find something.
This plant has seen quite a shock with a long move to a completely different environment. Warmth, bright light, humidity and moist (not WET) soil are the keys to help this plant recover from it's shock.
