These are by far the least attractive photos I've ever put on this blog, but if there's a way to make dead/dying plants look attractive, I'm yet to figure out how to do it! In September SoCal suffered a maaaaaaajor heat wave, as in record-breaking heat wave. I had the good fortune of being out of town visiting my parents during said heat wave, but my plants were not so fortunate. They were left in the care of my husband, who did not go to quite the extreme measures I might have taken to keep them from suffering. I guess he thinks he's "too busy" to go out and buy 25 umbrellas and lovingly, carefully string them up over each individual plant;)
Also, the little purple flowers in the second picture have somehow not only survived, but thrived, am I supposed to be trimming and pruning them? They've grown at least two inches since this picture was taken.
Any and all advice is most appreciated!
PS I realize that the porch looks filthy, and I apologize. I took these photos one morning after several days of rain, so there was no way to sweep it clean for the pictures. I do sweep it, I promise!
PPS I have added a "videos" button up at the top, and a "thanks for the mention" section on the right. It's a work in progress, so if you have ever written about me or my blog on your blog, and you are not included in this list, please email me with the link at whitewaxflower@gmail.com so I can add you!
I would definitely give that top one a chance. It doesn't seem to be on it's last legs quite yet. Maybe a lot of water, some pruning of dead portions and some new, fancy, water-retaining soil would do it? As for the one that's thriving, I can't help you. I can help with dying plants, but have no experience with thriving ones... says a lot about whether or not you should follow my gardening advice, eh? ;)
ReplyDeletei'm not a real gardener even though my blog name implies that. i just happen to live in the gardeners cottage.
ReplyDeletebut they don't look that bad to me. the top elephant ears is looking good still. remove the dead leaves, water it and leave it alone. cut back the rest of the plants and water them too. i think they will all come back. that has been my experience. i'm always shocked in the spring when things come back from the dead. i belong to the local garden club and that's what they have taught me. so give it a try. what have you got to lose.
Hi, Mary Grace! This is your long lost Aunt Lynne! I have been peeking in on your blog ever since your mom posted the web site on Facebook. So happy to be re-connected with you! I am no plant expert, but friends do say that I have a green thumb. On the split-leaf philodendron, just cut back all of the injured leaves, and all of the plants energy will go to the remaining healthy leaves. It should come back just fine in the spring. So glad to know that you are doing well. You and your family are very special to me! Love you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the helpful hints, ladies! I went out there and trimmed all the leaves, gave it a deep-watering and told it to feel better soon;) Hopefully that does the trick! It looks a bit pitiful with just three or four leaves sticking up, so I'll look forward to when some new ones sprout out:)
ReplyDeleteLong-Lost-Aunt-Lynne ;) - oh my goodness, how fun to be in touch with you! I'm so excited that you've been enjoying the blog! We love you too! xoxoxo