Question
Hi!
I presently live in German Town, Maryland, USA. I do not know the name of the plant but in India we call this plant as Champa I guess this a new variety of it. It blooms into a rose kind of flower but has fragrance of champa, the color is yellowish white. I love this plant very dearly and am perturbed since it's leaves have started yellowing. I keep it indoor since I live in an apartment. My sister-in-law has the similar kind of plant and she said if it is watered less the leaves starts yellowing. I went out of town for 3 days and the problem has increased. Please help me to save this most loved plant of mine's.
My second question is my Boston fern sheds lots of leaves. What can I do to lessen it also kindly let me know how much watering should be done to the Boston Fern I spray water in the form of mist twice daily and the plant is being kept in my living room.
Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks.
Warm regards,
Anar


Answer
Dear Anar,

It's impossible for me to identify your plant for you as I am afraid I have never heard of Champa.  It sounds as if your sister-in-law is correct when she says the yellowing leaves are probably due to lack of water.  I will give you some general advice which I hope will help you to save your plant and, if you can send me a photo, maybe I will be able to identify it.  It sounds very pretty and I would like to see it via a photo.

Presuming that the soil is now very dry since it was not watered as you were away I would fill up a bucket with tepid water and place the plant in this until all the air bubbles have stopped rising to the surface of the water.  Remove the plant, let it drain and then replace on its tray or saucer.  If it has smooth leaves then mist it occasionally to keep it cool.

It will probably soon perk up and you should place it in a well lit position but not in direct hot sun as the flowers could wither very quickly.  And don't forget to feed it too - probably once a week will be fine during the growing season.  It doesn't need food when it is resting and watering should be reduced then too.

As regards your Boston Fern this is probably lacking in water too although you are spraying it daily.  I would give your fern the same watering as your other plant [in a bucket] to make sure that the roots have a good long drink.  The compost should remain moist but not soggy.  I think that spraying your plant twice a day is a bit too much, I would say once a day at the most but only you know how hot and dry the air in your apartment is.  

If you can position it on an east or north facing windowsill it should do well. They like good indirect light but not shade as is popularly thought by many.  Again like your other plant your fern should be fed regularly.

I do hope the above information helps you to look after your plants and bring them back to health.

Diana