Hi all! I'd love some help- I adopted this money tree because one of the attorneys in my office got a new office plant & was going to throw this one away. I decided to take her home to try to save her but I don't know how! I just bought some bonsai soil mix, regular potting soil, and a new pot on Amazon (not too big) and I'm planning to repot with a mix when they come in, or possible put the bonsai mix on the bottom as a drainage layer. Am I on the right track here? Thanks!!!

Actually, I removed it from the bag, moved it into indirect light, and while keeping some sphagnum moss wrapped loosely around the base, I propped it in a pot with orchid bark. I've kept it moist, but not too wet, and misted frequently... I think my environment and conditions are simply not up to par for certain orchid types. The air in my space is very dry, and the heating unit is propane. Being a small second story apartment, and having the AC and heating units we have, it's very tricky to keep a constant temperature. It's ok, though... it's a great learning experience, and has taught me many things. It's not the first plant I've ever killed, and it won't be the last. Without greenhouse conditions, which I just can't duplicate indoors, I'm afraid some types of orchids simply aren't going to perform. So far, Cymbidiums and Epidendrums seem to do best, with Dendrobiums following close behind. Phals don't seem to like it here, although I do have a young species type that is thriving. Encyclias seem to like it ok, and the one Oncidium I have is alive and green. The Paph I have is doing fine, as well. There is new growth on many of my orchids, the Cyms with the most new growth. Without perfect orchid conditions, I do the best I can... actually, I'm very surprised that so many of my orchids are doing as well as they are! Losing one backbulb is not the end of the world... I'll learn from it, and move forward. I'm just very appreciative to have had the opportunity to try growing it! Thanks, Richard... I'm glad that your generosity allowed me to learn something new!

To clarify, Generally when we water, we water until we see water coming out the bottom of the pot. When it comes to Sans., I spill the excess out of the saucer after a few minutes, just don't let it sit there more than a few minutes. (Small sips of water aren't useful to indoor plants, contrary to what many folks think.) I don't see any wrinkling, I agree this plant looks a bit rough, but otherwise fine. I would cut off that leaf w/ the pink stuff on it, maybe even take it back to the store & show them, but I'd definately cut that leaf off at soil level. I agree this plant's had a tough life & its prior owners haven't been gentle, but it's nowhere near dying. If you've been reading a bit abt Sans., may I pls. ask what is it that has you thinking it's dying? I just looked back at your comments above, abt the yellowing & cracking. I see two newish growths on that plant, they look good. You seem not to know this, but Sans. are extremely tough plants used to growing in crappy soil & neglectful conditions & still they continue pretty well. You'll see, a little care & it'll look better soon.

That looks like a katydid. It's a kind of grasshopper and yes it will eat the leaves. Neem oil won't do much to kill it unless you spray it right on it, but then you're just drowning it, lol! Chewing insects like this are best dealt with by Spinosad. That's the pesticide's name, look for it in the ingredients in several brands. Bonide's is Captain Jack's Dead Bug Brew, there are other brands too. Spray it in the early evening when bees have gone home. Once it's dry, when the bees come back in the morning, they can walk on it and it won't hurt them. An insect has to ingest it for it to work, so the kadydid will have to eat a little more leaf with Spinosad on it, but then they stop eating and die. Spinosad is good to have on hand too if you get Citrus Leaf Miner, which usually shows up in the fall and spring.