"Linda W." wrote in message

AV's are probably one of the easiest plants to grow. My guess is that
you
overwatered it because it was flowering and put on a great show.
Unfortunately, AV respond well to a bit of benign neglect, particularly
when
it comes to excess watering. They don't like wet feet.

Here are a couple of thoughts that might work to resurrect you plant: l.
Clean off the old soil from the plant and repot in new soil that isn't
soggy
and keep the new soil damp but not wet. 2. Break off one of the
healthiest
leaves from your plant at the base and put it in water. When roots
develop,
plant the leaf in a high humus soil and wait for new plants appear.
Personally, I would repot first and try for a new plant from a leaf as a
backup.

Good luck...

John


John and Tracy ...

Thanks so much for your responses.

The soil in the little pot is indeed quite wet, and so I think your
overwatering theory is probably correct. I'm not even sure why I
watered it so much, as I generally tend to let them get dry in between
waterings.

John, the plant wasn't flowering at the time I watered it. In fact,
I've put all three plants out on my balcony rather than in their usual
location inside because I thought perhaps more light out there might
encourage them to flower. The one in question hasn't flowered for
years.

Linda W.

AV's with proper soil, warm temperatures, fertilizer, light and water should
have flushes of blooms every four to five months. Have you ever repotted
them into high humus soils such as the types sold by Schultz or MiracleGro?
In fact, most garden centers carry potting mixtures specifically designated
for AV's. AV's like bright light but little sunlight, particularly in the
summer. An east window in the winter is fine. They will also grow and bloom
well under eight to ten hours of flourescent light a day if placed four to
six inches beneath the light. Fertilize with a low nitrogen such as Schultz
Bloom Plus (10-60-10) at half strength every other time you water. With this
type of regimen your plants should thrive. It's also better to place a
saucer underneath and water from the blottom. They develop water spots on
the leaves if they become wet. BTW, I had a sad looking specimen, an
Oprimara, thrust at me two months ago. It's now blossoming. I also have a
leaf from it sending up plantlets.

John