On 17/05/2012 12:19, Pete the Novice wrote:
Hi all

Okay first of all can anyone tell me the name of this pant please.
I inherited this plant in the spring last year it flowered really well
towards the end of the summer i think.
The problem is its not looking very healthy i really want to do
something about it to make it well again.
I think it needs repotting in some fresh soil but im not sure which soil
to use i'm pretty sure my dad used to use the acid soil but not 100%.
Also i am not sure what feed to give it as i'm not sure what the plant
is called.
The leaves are going light yellow and quite a few has black/brown spots
on them.

Thanks for everyones help in advance its such a nice plant i will be
gutted if i lose it this year.


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It's a rhododendron, but until it flowers (and maybe not even then -
there are so many that look very similar) it is not possible to say
which one. I would be surprised if it flowered at the end of summer, as
they usually flower around now (looking at the buds on your photo,
assuming it has just been taken, would confirm that).

Yes, it looks as though it woud benefit from repotting, maybe in a
larger container. It does need acid (ericaceous) soil. Also, it looks
as though it is in a concrete pot. Concrete is alkaline and over time,
as the acidity of the soil is lost, it might add to an already-stressed
plant. Best to avoid rhodos in concrete pots if possible. If you want
to keep it in the same pot line it with polythene. Don't forget to
punch a drainage hole through the polythene!

If repotted in acid soil it should grow and flower well. As an
insurance, you could always give it a dose of Iron Sequestrene which
will soon stop any yellowing.

--

Jeff