Spray it with water as often as you can. Keep the soil humid but not too wet. You probably will need to disbud t to help plant to recover. Take some leaves off and wrap them in wet paper towel. You will need to start them up just in case.

Two possibilites - most probable - the plant was too dry for too long and it killed the feeder roots. It will recover but slowly.

Second option - plant caught the root rot. Oops.

Anyway - If you put leaves down - you will save the variety.

Watch the plant - if the situation will improve = it is case #1. If it will deteriorate - #2.

Irina,

if it is root rot, then I need to remove all root or part of the root and repot?

Thanks

Elsa

Before you do anything - can you take a pic of the plant right now? The plant on the top looks ok. The lower leaves are just down but not soft - and it is OK. Gravitation you know... the leaves are older... my skin sags ... doesn't mean I have a root rot.

Irina

Irina,

Lol. You are funny.

I already took off the lower leaves and flowers. Actually, it was worst this morning. The lower and middle layer leaves were soft. I took the plant out of the pot and try to exam the root. It seems part of the stem has a little bit brownish. I scraped/cut the skin until I see the green. Then I put it back to the pot with fresh soil with a bag. I hope it survive as it is one of the toughest plant I have. The outer leaves are still dark green. I think it is not aging?

Is root rot caused by too hot? I thought it is usually happen when temperature below 65F?

Thanks

Elsa

Just asking a couple questions. If you water from the bottom only how long do you let the pot "suck up"? And one other thing if the top of your soil is already dry you must water from the top first to start the capillary action and then let it soak up all it can. At least 20 min to 1/2 hour depending on your soil mix.

Did you buy this plant already growing in this soil mix or has it been transplanted by you? Usually the soil it comes in leaves a lot to be desired and may be difficult to thoroughly wet from the bottom up if it gets to dry. And if some of it continually stays dry,,,,,you lose roots. That could cause plant to wilt. Without knowing more about your plant/watering habits etc., I am just guessing as to the problem for wilt.

Worst case scenario,,,,take off the lower leaves,,,knock off the soil and repot/reroot the plant. AND if you can save a couple of good leaves by all means start them for back up in case bad happens. Good luck !! Rosie

Rosie,

I grow the plant from leave and I usually mix half soil and half perlite. The only thing I can think about the cause was I watered the plant 3 conservative days. Some of the lower leaves were soft on day 1 and day 2. I bottom watered it and leaves bounced back. I usually let it sit in the water approximately 15 min (actually i didn't time it, it just approximate).

According to what you said, I think I miss the step to water from the top. So the bottom soil is damp/wet, while the top soil is dry.

In case the pot is really light, should I water from the top and let water run from bottom? So the soil is thoroughly wet.

The plant is in ICU now. If she want to stay with me. She has to be tough. :D

Thanks

Elsa

Even the top growers lose planes every so often. Happens. You just put the leaves down if you are vigilant - and use the real estate for a new variety. I am kind of philosophical this way. Main thing - to have the rare plant shared with friends - so if yours croaks - there is a place to get leaves back.

Elsa, if the plant is super light, you maybe let it get too dry. In that case yes, you do have to water from the TOP and let in run out and then let it sit and soak! Make sure it is watered absolutely thoroughly so all little root parts get a drink.

After it "sucks up" let it drain and then put it where you keep it normally.

You know, if you are going to put it in a mix that we all use for wicking,,,,why don't you save yourself the trouble and wick it???? Saves the watering chore. Rosie

This sounds like what happened to 2 of my plants. I suspected root rot, and that is what it was. I cut the roots off and found rot in the neck. I had to carve up very far before I found clean green neck to re-root. My growing area is frequently 87 degrees in the summer and it doesn't affect my plants aside from the flowers don't last and they need more water, the temp shouldn't cause the problem you are describing. I recommend starting a leaf...

Amy,

If your grow area is 87F, do you need to have a fan on?

Thanks

Elsa

No fan, the plants are in the kitchen and my plants are a single row, they are not on classic AV grow shelves. In the kitchen there is constant air motion. I have not in the 4 years I have been using the area had any powdery mildew problems! Perhaps when I go back to work and no one is home I will need to put in a little fan...