skip to main content

Plant identification help needed to save houseplant

12 years ago

Hey All,

Judging by previous posts that I have seen, I feel like this is the correct forum/sub-forum to post this in. If it is not, I apologize in advance. On to my story: I am a medical student in a laboratory and there is a plant by a window that is in desperate need of attention. I would love to help bring it back to life but I do not know what it is. I feel that is important to identify the plant before I begin to attempt at a revival. I have posted pictures of the plant, so hopefully that will help. Since it is not in good shape, it does not look as it normally would so I understand if it is simply to sick to identify. In any case, any feedback would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Hal

Image link:

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

User
12 years ago
Hi Hal,

Well sorry to say that IS in awful shape, but MAYBE we can salvage a wee bit of it. From a dark & distant pic, am GUESSING this plant is some kind of Wandering Jew (Tradescantia of some kind).

That clump of dry, wilted growth on the left is mostly dead or dying, so I'd forget that. Rather than suggest what to cut off, how about this?

Of what I can see there are 3 sprigs left alive. How about you remove them, strip off any dead material, leaving ONE NODE AT LEAST (a knuckle-like joint, should you be unfamiliar w/ the term 'node'). Place those 3 sprigs in a cup of tepid water, give it a few days then pls. take another pic & come back here, we'll re-assess.
haloony
Original Author
12 years ago
Hey Pirate_girl,

Thanks for the response! Yeah, I think it has been neglected for a while. Since I am a newbie, I am always looking for ways to get my hands dirty. So, I took your advice and cut off three of the nicest sprigs. I placed them in a small cup of tepid water. I had placed them in water on Wednesday August 10th and checked them today, August 15th. I think they are doing well. The biggest sprig has grown a new leaf and is visibly rooting. The medium sprig is also rooting but it is more difficult to see. I am posting pictures so you can see for yourself and let me know what you think. I eagerly await the next step!!

Thanks,
Hal

{{gwi:66971}}
{{gwi:66972}}
Related Discussions
Need Help with Plant Identification
Q
Comments (8)
Those are almost certainly Muscari ('grape hyacinth ') bulbs. When in full bloom, they would look beautiful in a mixed basket with pansies and other spring blooming plants. I hope that the basket was drastically reduced, lol. If you want to try planting these spent bulbs, select a well-drained site that receives full to partial sun and plenty of room for these bulbs to multiply and spread.....which they will do if they're happy. Muscari is not an annual, but a hardy spring flowering bulb. Don't attempt to grow it as a houseplant.
...See More
Need Houseplant Identification
Q
Comments (6)
Zen, Welcome to GardenWeb. Your plant is Fittonia argyoneura...common name, Silver Nerve Plant. Although Fittonias are sometimes grown as a house plants, they're mainly sold as outdoor, annual, Accent Plants and ground covers. Since you mentioned you were new growing house plants, 'and I wish you the best of luck,' Fittonia's are somewhat fussy. As Karen stated, she grew hers in a terrarium. Fittonias are humidity-lovers, but fresh air is important, too. If you decide to place yours in a terrarium, ventilation is needed. Fresh air. Soil should be kept moderately moist, but not soggy. Pinch the top two to four leaves every other month so it doesn't get spindly. I hope your Fittonia lives forever, but if by chance you lose it, don't be discouraged. Toni
...See More
Need ID help houseplant/sympathy plant, variegated leaves, Baton Rouge
Q
Comments (4)
now that you have the latin name.. use it.. it should make searching much more rewarding ... and then try the houseplant forum ... just looking at it.. it looks like it is the type of plant that would root in a glass of water.. but that is a guess ... add the word 'propagation' to the latin name .. and away you go ... ken
...See More
Help with saving this unidenitified houseplant
Q
Comments (9)
How did the roots look when you repotted? If it was not properly cared for before you got it, then the roots are probably not in great shape and recovery will be difficult. It will do best if it is in a pot just large enough to accommodate the roots as they are now. If the pot is too large, then it will be more prone to root suffocation. You will have to be very careful not to over water. Move it close to and in front of a sunny window, as Tiffany suggested.
...See More
User
12 years ago
Hi Hal,

Good for you they're rooting. Wait 'til the roots get about an inch long & then pot them up. Now that I look again, I see the roots may already be that long. You may wish to read up a bit on mixes.

I didn't get to mention, part of the problem is you're not quite posting in the right place. Yes, to Gardenweb & to Houseplants, but rather than the Gallery, pls. look for the Discussion side of Houseplants. Then you can post there (or re-post this thread & recap efforts so far).

Once it became possible to post pix directly into thread as it has become, folks pretty much stopped using this Gallery; as you can see, there's not much activity on here.

Once at the Discussion side, you'll have benefit of multiple opinions & ideas & lots more reading one can do.

You could also try a general search for Tradescantias, care & culture & you'll get some ideas, also see some pix, if they match your plant.

While I hope your plant will recover, it's a pretty readily replaceable just in case.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Unthirsty Plants Help You Save Water in Style

By Bruce Parker

Spend less effort and money on your landscape with drought-tolerant and native plants that liven up your yard

Ideabook 911: I Need Help Staging for Resale

By Becky Harris

CONTAINER GARDENS Happy Houseplants, Happy People

By Laura Gaskill

Potted plants add life and beauty to a room. Learn easy ways to keep them healthy

LIFE Decluttering — How to Get the Help You Need

By Alison Hodgson

Don't worry if you can't shed stuff and organize alone; help is at your disposal

HOUSEKEEPING When You Need Real Housekeeping Help

By Becky Harris

Which is scarier, Lifetime's 'Devious Maids' show or that area behind the toilet? If the toilet wins, you'll need these tips

LIFE You Said It: ‘You Can Help Save the Bees’ and More Houzz Quotables

By Becky Harris

Design advice, inspiration and observations that struck a chord this week

ORGANIZING Get the Organizing Help You Need (Finally!)

By Laura Gaskill

Imagine having your closet whipped into shape by someone else. That’s the power of working with a pro

MOST POPULAR The Perfect Houseplant for People Who Kill Houseplants

By creative jewish mom.com

If you can fill a jar with water, you can keep golden pothos vine happy — and it will pay you back with cleaner air and a greener home

MOVING Relocating Help: 8 Tips for a Happier Long-Distance Move

By Laura Gaskill

Trash bags, houseplants and a good cry all have their role when it comes to this major life change

HOUSEPLANTS Meet a Houseplant With Excellent Communication Skills

By creative jewish mom.com

It droops when thirsty, revives quickly and thrives under fluorescents. You may want to hire this hard worker for both home and office

Sponsored

More Discussions

What do I do with this plant?

11

Philodendron Birkin

2

Anyone have a true Christmas cactus?

9

Why Can’t Plants Be Produced to Live?

2

What’s wrong with my plant?

2