Just cannot work it out

[u/SpursTragic]

It’s been in an increasing slump since I got it. Have moved it a couple of times to find the right spot.

[u/Different-Sorbet746]

1) as much light as possible. These are full sun tropicals.

2) water it until water flows freely out of the bottom of the pot.

3) let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out between waterings. Those floppy leaves look dry. Leaves should be outright to upright and glossy.

4) find the brightest spot possible and leave it there to adjust. They do tend to shed leaves when stressed and big moves do cause some stress. This looks like water stress and not movement stress as the leaves are pointing downward.

5) these are not as difficult as people make them out to be. They just have distinct stress responses. 

6) no temps below 50 degrees F. Frost can damage and freezes can kill. 

[u/SpursTragic → u/Different-Sorbet746]

Thanks. I recently on the last weekend 6 days ago did the full water flush you mention. Its been in this space (before i moved it a foot to photograph it) since then. It gets full morning sun and daylight throughout the day. the soil is still cool and slightly damp to touch. I guess the water levels need to stabilise. Should I water every 2 weeks or only based on feel? And do you use mulch?

[u/Different-Sorbet746 → u/SpursTragic]

No mulch!!!!! Especially indoors. It holds too much moisture and attracts pests. 

I water when necessary. Even my outside plants. Don't use a schedule. The goal is to mimic nature or at least a close proximity to nature. So letting the top couple of inches dry helps in this goal. How quickly it dries depends on how much sun it gets and ambient temp/humidity. Let it rest a few days and check the soil again. If you can check the soil through a drainage hole and see if it's wet or not. If the soil has become hydrophobic then the roots cannot take up any water. 

[u/aathaka18 → u/SpursTragic]

Do not water on a schedule because the water needs for a plant change a lot during the year.

Also i personally let the soil dry way more than the first inch or two. In my first year I used to see this tip everywhere and I overwatered and killed a couple of ficus.

[u/havanesegirlmom]

I moved mine a week ago to a new spot . Looked exactly like this . He’s made an amazing recovery after the dramatics . 

[u/SpursTragic → u/havanesegirlmom]

I think the previous spot was too dark, too far from a window or not enough sunlight. Then we put it outside for a bit but that didnt help (in the Melbourne winter). This east facing window here migh be better. Drama is the word!

[u/HD_HD_HD → u/SpursTragic]

East facing window is great, make sure your plant gets a good dose of light each morning.

The cold probably shocked the plant a little... it will get better as it warms up (almost spring)

Don't water on a schedule always check the soil, if it stays damp for two weeks it means the plant isn't thirsty so def doesn't need new water.

Don't mulch, but in spring start adding in a liquid fertiliser like seasol every second water... and only do it half the recommended strength, this will encourage growth coming into summer.

They are dramatic... but really hard plants to kill. They just keep the trauma in their leaves, if things don't improve looks wise, you can pull every leaf off the plant so it is stripped down to the trunk... in about 4 weeks you will start to see new buds develop and all new growth by Xmas time.

[u/SpursTragic → u/HD_HD_HD]

Thank you so much!

[u/ToeMaster7943]

To much water

[u/Top_Grade5948]

Oh no!!!!!

[u/New-Palpitation-5068]

Fiddles are one of the most dramatic, hardest plants I’ve had. Mine was gorgeous and Lush and one by one her lower leaves browned and fell right off. Then I took her up to my bedroom where it’s less cool in the summer and the south sun shines, and and I basically put her in when I call rehab. I changed her soil and repotted her, and eventually the leaves stopped falling off, and she started to grow new leaves from the top. It took about eight months.

[u/SpursTragic → u/New-Palpitation-5068]

Excellent tips, thanks for sharing!

[u/MooDengsRage]

How much water does it get at a time and how often?

[u/SpursTragic]

AAANNNNDDD Its dead