Question
My plant when purchased developed dry brownspots on the leaves. It was very very moist when purchased. I have watered it less and keep it medium moist.  It is in a 6" pot.  Now the leaves are turning yellow and falling off.  It receives good indirect sunlight it is sitting infront of a window.  We keep the house around 71 degrees.
It was purchased 5 weeks ago.
Can you tell me what the problem is?  Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Trisha,

Newly acquired plants should be fine for at least a couple of weeks after purchase as long as you avoid anything extreme, which you obviously have. It certainly appears that your Dieffenbachia was not properly cared for before you got it and now you are paying the price.

I suggest that you return the plant and get a refund, if possible, because this is a troubled plant that may not recover.

If that is not an option for you, then carefully un-pot the plant and inspect the roots. If they look soft, mushy and dark, then root rot has taken hold and the plant is history.

If there are many roots that are firm and light in color, then it should survive. Put it back into its original pot and move it back to its original location. Prune back any stems that are leggy because they have lost a lot of lower leaves. New growth will emerge just below where you make the pruning cut on the stem. Water thoroughly whenever the top half inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

As long as the roots are healthy, you should get healthy new growth and have an attractive plant again if you are patient.

Good luck and please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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