Question
Hello,
 I just found this web site and I am hoping you can help me. I can grow almost anything outside but when it comes to the house plants I kill them all.
The first one is Massangeana Cane.  They say it is an easy house plant but after awhile of me having it, it becomes brown leaved and the last one the stalks even just came off completely and those stalks where still green. I have it right by a window as well and it gets the morning sun. I watered it every two weeks. I went and bought another one but I am afraid of this one as well.
Second plant is the Cordyline.  I kiled this plant as well.  It just died all togther in about 4 weeks of having it and I had it right by a window.  I watered it every two weeks.
Third plant is a famous house plant ivy that I feel is just impossible to grow.
It is the pothos plant.  I bought it from a nursery and she told me little to no light and water when dry.  I did just that.  I put it in a corner by a window and it only got the morning sun.  I watered it every two weeks as well. The leaves became yellow and fell off.
And last if I do use epsin salt where and when should I use it and I heard it makes your leaves on any plant outdoor or indoor the leaves should be very green. If I use it how much and when?
Thanks so much.
TJ from Texas

Answer
TJ,

In general you are probably either overwatering them or underwatering them. I know you say you only water every 2 weeks and that sounds like underwatering them. But, how much water do you give them?

Plants neeed enough water when you water them to moisten all the soil in the pot. But they should not be left sitting with a drain tray full of water. That will rot the roots.  Then you should not water them again until the soil is dry, not just on the surface but down in a few inches. With todays potting soil being mostly peat moss it holds a lot of water and takes awhile to dry out and roots need a dry period to breath in carbon dioxide thru the roots.

Are you repotting the plants right after you buy them? That is a mistake. You should only repot plants in the spring and then only if the plant is rootbound. Other wise just set the plant in a larger decorative container.

Do not water a plant with water that has chlorine or fllouride in it. Your Massangeana Cane is in the draceana family and they can't stand flouride. If you have city water it probably has flouride. You need to leave the water sit for 48 hours and the flouride and chlorine will disipate into the air then you can use the water.

As for epsom salts, only use it on blooming plants, it makes them bloom better. Then only give them a teaspoon every 6 months. It is unnecessary on green plants. For your green plants just give them aa dose of a water soluable fertilizer like Miracle Grow once a month and follow the directions on the package. Do not over fertilize them.

Your pothos likes to be really dry before you water it again and do not leave it sitting in a lot of water either.
If you have more questions be sure to write again.

Darlene