Cargo wrote in message
...

"JennyC" wrote in message
...

"Cargo" wrote in message
...
Its easier if I show you a few pics of our Dwarf Rhode.

This year it has been very poor, in fact very ill, more like it.

Does anyone know the cause of this ailment.

Pics are 800 x 600 so take a little time to load...

http://www.daj.fseltd.btinternet.co.uk/rhodiproblem.htm

thanks
Don

Too much sun?
Too small a pot?
Jenny



Jenny, thanks for reply

To much sun.......we are in the UK :-) The plant has stood in the same
area
for 5 years now and this is the first poor show.

The pot is 12" diameter and 12" inches deep. Do you think this is to small
for 5+ year plant. We thought as a dwarf it should be restrained by the
pot.

thanks
Don


Hi Don,

Jenny's probably quite right on both counts. Knock your Rhodi out of its
pot and see if it's pot bound. If the roots are completely filling the pot,
two things will be happening:
1. The soil ball will dry out very rapidly and will be difficult to keep
wetted.
2. The roots will be touching the sides of the pot and getting very hot
with the sun on it.

Your Rhodi prefers a moist, cool root run. It is currently getting neither
of those. Although you say it coped with sunny conditions until now, it
probably coped with them because it was not so stressed. I think that if
you repot your Rhodi in ericaceous compost (which will also have the effect
of feeding it), water it in well and stand it in a shadier place, you will
see it recover. The food supply in the compost will only last 4-6 weeks, so
be prepared to feed again in a couple of months' time. It will also help
your plant if you deadhead it, so that it's not trying to make seed. This
is standard advice for Rhodies, but is especially important while your plant
is recovering.

Regards,
Spider