Problems Growing a Crown of Thorns
Question:
I have a Crown Of Thorns plant, the leaves are turning yellow, and falling off. I am watering it about once a week and it is in the west window and gets midmorning and afternoon sun. It was doing fantastic, it is about 4 years old and not really growing at all. It is still about the same size as when I bought it. It has not flowered yet either. I had one for years and years and it grew very large and bloomed almost all the time. Do you know what I am doing wrong this time?Hardiness Zone: 6a
Rosa from Detroit, Michigan
Answer:
Rosa,Sorry to hear about your Crown of Thorns. There are several things that could be going on. When leaves on a houseplant turn yellow and fall, the most common causes are over-watering or cold drafts. When lower leaves dry up and fall off, the causes is usually too little light, too much heat or not enough moisture. Crown of Thorns will stand a certain amount of neglect as long as they have a nice sunny window and an occasional mist in the spring and summer, but this plant needs only moderate amounts of water from spring until fall. In the winter it should be watered only sparingly. Try to let the soil dry out between watering. You can expect to see some leaf drop during the dormant period, but new leaf buds should appear within a month or two. Give your Crown of Thorns as much exposure to bright light as possible and keep it away from any cold drafts. You can also move up one pot size in the spring about every two years.
Ellen
About The Author:
Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
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