| One week ago I got a 3' tall Jasminum polyanthum that I planted in a new 9" terra cotta pot (no dish- it drains freely) with potting soil and tied to a small trellis. It is in full sun. The temperature has been in the 80's and sunny and the plant is really blooming and fragrant. The problem is that the flowers wilt and turn brown the day after they bloom. I am watering it every other day, since it is so hot and the soil is drying out in the top. Is it too much sun? Am I watering it ok?. |
| Most plants go through a short period of stress after they've been transplanted; yellow leaves and premature dropping of flowers are two of the symptoms associated with transplant shock. Continue to water when the top of the soil dries out and be sure to water thoroughly by applying water slowly so it has a chance to trickle down and wet the entire root mass. Terra cotta pots are lovely, but they tend to wick moisture out of the soil in a hurry. So, coupled with the hot sunshine and wicking action of the terra cotta, the soil surrounding the roots of your plant may dry out very quickly. To counteract this, submerge the pot in a bucket of water every 2-3 weeks and allow it to soak for about 20 minutes. This will rehydrate both the soil and the container by driving out any pockets of air around the roots. In a few weeks your jasmine should recover from its transplant shock and retain its flowers for more than a day! Best wishes with your new plant. |
