i bought a big plant from homebase with a plaited stem/trunk (it's like a small tree)?

Question

it's an indoor plant, but unfortunately the label with the name of it and care instructions was lost on the way home. the leaves were turning dry and brown and dropping off, and the soil was dry, so I watered it a bit, but it kept happening, except the leaves were soft and brown instead of dry and brown as they were before. I haven't watered it again, and now the leaves are going dry and brown and still dropping off. I really don't know what to do with it! it was quite expensive too!

Answer 1

This is my favorite website for the identification and care tips for house plants:

http://www.greenpatio.com/

Good luck with your plant.

Answer 2

with out seeing the tree which could be a fig tree small leaves, or it could be a umbrella type tree large leaves like a umbrella. either way they will not stand over or under watering any kinds of draughts or strong sun light. If its a fig type they do shed there leaves, look for any new shoots on the stems if there is then keep it watered always water from the bottom NEVER from the top as you do not know how much water is in the pot even if the top of the pot is dry they could still be alot of water half way down the pot. I think they both need a good watering and moving from where they are now ,they don't like it. indoor plants do not mind being pot bond unless there is loads of roots coming out of the base then re pot them. The plant labels that you get with the pants are a standard label and you may as well trow it away always get advice or go on the Internet , Each plant is different like a small child and needs different things, ( it is alive) (I work in a garden centre so I hope this sorts your problem out)

Answer 3

Homebase Plant Pots

Answer 4

Homebase Garden Pots

Answer 5

Sounds like it could be a bay leaf tree, laurel, I think. If it is, I am a bit surprised that you were told that it is an indoor plant! It isn't too hardy and may need to be brought in during a frost - but generally it should be kept outside.
Go back to Homebase and check out exactly what the plant is and the instructions. If it is bay and if they have told you that it is an indoor plant, then you should get your money back.

Answer 6

Without seeing it, from what you describe it sounds like a Ficus tree. They are very temper mental about their environment. Doesn't like drafts from A/C. In winter it doesn't like heater vent blowing on it. Also keep it away from your entry way where it will get the draft from front door opening & closing, avoid high traffic areas of your home. It doesn't like direct sun. May be getting too much sun if you have it near a window. You may have over watered it? Best way to check if a plant needs water is to place your finger below the soil about 2-3 inches to see if it's moist. Top of soil may look dry but below surface it may be moist. It may have lost leaves from transporting. It really doesn't like to be moved. So find a spot in your house that's not drafty, not too sunny and avoid high traffic areas of the room too. Try a quiet corner & give it time to settle after being moved again.

Answer 7

Sounds like it might be pot-bound. Plants like these are regularly too big for the pots they are in - its typical of shops like that.

I had a similar plant from Ikea, which had similar symptoms, and I bought a bigger pot, took the plant out, loosened the roots, and planted it in to the bigger pot, and gave it a good water and feed. its brill now!

Answer 8

Chances are it is an Australian native..Ficus microcarpa 'hilli' or 'Hill's Weeping Fig'.Popular tree for outdoor cafes in Sydney....expensive....Keep the plant outside and water when needed..OK....once on Friday arvos...you crazy seppoes.

Answer 9

I bought two of these a few years ago, smaller ones and they did exactly the same. Within a few weeks they were dead, and I followed the advice on the labels.

Answer 10

Take it to the plant doctor !! or give it some root powder & baby bio leaf feed .