Weak stems - Ask Extension
I have wintering-over and seedling asclepias (curasivica) with weak stems and curling but green leaves, tend to drop leaves but some have low new spro...
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Weak stems #612790
Asked February 08, 2020, 12:00 PM EST
I have wintering-over and seedling asclepias (curasivica) with weak stems and curling but green leaves, tend to drop leaves but some have low new sprouts. Some are from my seeds but the worst-looking one is on its second year as a winter-over.
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello there and thank you for your question.
There could be a few things going on with your asclepias. The leaf drop could be caused by over watering and/or lack of sunlight. So be sure to check the soil before watering. A good way to do this is to poke a finger into the soil and inch or two to sample the dampness. With regards to sunlight, you may need to place the plant in a place that provides more sunlight.
Another factor that could be causing the problem is lack of nutrients. Generally, we don't recommend fertilizing during the winter months, but you may want to consider fertilizing your plants now. Under fertilized plants can exhibit weak stems.
Here are a couple of links that you may find helpful. This one is about common house plant problems. (I realize that your plants are not "house plants," but since they are overwintering inside, you could be encountering house plant issues.)
https://extension.psu.edu/preventing-diagnosing-and-correcting-common-houseplant-problems
This one has some good information on fertilizing house plants. (Again, treat your asclepias like house plants for now.)
http://www.ladybug.uconn.edu/FactSheets/houseplant-fertilization-recommendations.php
I hope this helps.
There could be a few things going on with your asclepias. The leaf drop could be caused by over watering and/or lack of sunlight. So be sure to check the soil before watering. A good way to do this is to poke a finger into the soil and inch or two to sample the dampness. With regards to sunlight, you may need to place the plant in a place that provides more sunlight.
Another factor that could be causing the problem is lack of nutrients. Generally, we don't recommend fertilizing during the winter months, but you may want to consider fertilizing your plants now. Under fertilized plants can exhibit weak stems.
Here are a couple of links that you may find helpful. This one is about common house plant problems. (I realize that your plants are not "house plants," but since they are overwintering inside, you could be encountering house plant issues.)
https://extension.psu.edu/preventing-diagnosing-and-correcting-common-houseplant-problems
This one has some good information on fertilizing house plants. (Again, treat your asclepias like house plants for now.)
http://www.ladybug.uconn.edu/FactSheets/houseplant-fertilization-recommendations.php
I hope this helps.
