I've got this rock plant about 10months ago and its starting to die š¢. I water it every day or 2nd day. Any tips as to how to look after it? Thank you!
ā2 weeks ago
ātoday
Hello @growcatĀ
Thanks for sharing your question about your rock plant. One of the probable reasons your plant is not doing so well is its either getting too much water or not enough. Have you been watering it the same way for the past 10 months? If I recall correctly these plants are very hardy and don't require a great deal of watering.Ā
For the moment I suggest reducing your water regimen and allowing the plant to dry up a bit.Ā
Let me call on our experienced members @Noelle and @mich1972 for their recommendations.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know. Ā
Eric
Hi @growcatĀ
I agree with Eric - reduce the watering to no more than once a week at the most over the warmer months and perhaps once every 2-3 weeks or so as the weather cools. The crevices and cracks in the rock retain moisture plus the roots are capable of absorbing moisture from the air. Mist the foliage with a liquid fertiliser occasionally to keep plants healthy.
Is it normal to have stuff growning around the rock? Should I clean it off? Thanks!
At the moment I suggest leaving it as is until your plant recovers. Because your plant is in recovery mode, I don't recommend cleaning the surface as it might accidentally move the roots.
If you have any other questions, please let us know.
I've got this rock plant about 10months ago and its starting to die . I water it every day or 2nd day. Any tips as to how to look after it? Thank you!Ā
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @8105. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about plant care.Watering any plant every second day would generally be considered excessive. Typically, these rock plants have a lower tray, and their roots dangle into it. You'd fill the tray and let the roots seek out their own water. You might mist spray the rock several times a week so the roots don't entirely dry out. Some moss placed around the rock can help retain some moisture and protect the roots.
What amount of sunlight does the plant receive each day? Be careful if it receives direct sunlight through a window, as this can burn the leaves.Please let me know if you have any questions.MitchellĀ
Hi,
I've had my rock plant for about two years, but it appears to have stunted. Do you have any tips please on how to generate/promote new growth lower down the stem?Ā
Many thanks!
Ā š
Hello @BadasazĀ
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us.
Your rock plant, which looks like a Pachira aquatica or similar caudiciform species, appears to be healthy but showing signs of legginess, where growth has concentrated at the top while the lower stem remains bare. This often happens when the plant receives uneven or insufficient light, prompting it to stretch toward the brightest source.
To encourage new growth lower on the stem, start by adjusting its lighting conditions. Move it closer to a window where it can receive bright, indirect sunlight for most of the day, or consider supplementing with a grow light for consistent exposure. Regularly rotating the plant can also help promote balanced growth.
To stimulate back-budding on the lower stem, you can consider giving the plant a gentle pruning near the top, this sends a hormonal signal that can trigger dormant nodes further down to activate. However, pruning should be done cautiously and ideally during the warmer growing months, when the plant is most responsive.
Ensure you're not overwatering; allow the water to drain freely and avoid having the roots sit in standing water for long periods, as this can lead to rot and further stunt growth. A diluted liquid fertiliser every few weeks during spring and summer may also support new shoots. With consistent care and the right conditions, your plant should respond over time with fuller, more vigorous growth.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Hey Eric and community please help Ā my rock lava plant need your help heās leaves fell off and I donāt know what to do. Is it normal for the white stuff on the outside of rockĀ
Hello @korzaĀ
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us.
It is actually fairly common for lava rock plants to lose their leaves when stressed, and this can be due to several reasons such as changes in light, watering issues, cold drafts, or seasonal shifts. The plant may be reacting to cooler overnight temperatures combined with reduced light exposure. The white coating on the lava rock is most likely mineral deposits or salt buildup from water evaporating through the porous rock, which is normal and not usually harmful. However, if the white substance looks fuzzy or soft, it could indicate mould or algae, though from your photo it appears to be mineral deposits.
To help your plant recover, first check the stem by gently scratching the surface with your fingernail. If the tissue underneath is green, the plant is still alive and capable of producing new leaves. Watering should be managed carefully; the dish should hold some water so the rock can wick up moisture, but the rock should not sit submerged for long periods, as this can suffocate the roots. Place the plant in a spot with bright, indirect light, such as near a window but out of harsh direct sun.Ā
Because the mornings are cold, ensure the plant is not near drafts or chilly windows, as it will do better in a consistently warmer location. If the white buildup bothers you, you can gently scrub the rock with a soft brush and rinse it using distilled or rainwater, which will also reduce future mineral deposits. Above all, patience is important since lava rock plants can remain bare for weeks before sprouting new leaves once conditions improve.
Going forward, try to use filtered or rainwater instead of tap water to prevent mineral accumulation, and monitor the stem for signs of new growth. If the stem remains green and firm, there is a good chance the plant will recover. However, if it becomes brown and brittle, it may not survive.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Hey Eric thank you for replying back so quickly.Ā I have scratched the stem it appears to be green underneath āŗļø.Ā Agreed it has been cold I will try putting it in some sun light.Ā I water mine once every couple of days when the bowl is dry.Ā do I continue to do this?Ā
Hi @korza,
It sounds like itās likely one of those wait-and-see situations. The green under the stem is a good sign, so hopefully it will pull through. Keep giving it some sunlight and continue watering every couple of days when the bowl is dry, just as youāve been doing, and letās see how it goes.
Mitchell
Hey Mitchell, thank you Ā for your quick reply.
lets watch this space I will update in few weeksĀ
Eric, I have the same one which is about 18 months old I think. Recently, in the oast couple of weeks, leaves are starting to turn yellow. What should I do? I haven't changed the spot. Thanks for any help you can give me.
Hi @RadhaR,
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.
Can I trouble you to post some photos of your plant? Seeing it might help us to better identify a cause and suggest an appropriate approach to the issue. Let me know if you need assistance uploading photos. I'm happy to assist if required.
There's a good chance it is related to either water or nutrient issues.
What is your current watering schedule like? Usually, a good water once a week is enough.
Are you adding any kind of fertiliser? An application of a liquid fertiliser such as this Scotts Osmocote Pour+Feed Indoor Plants is likely a good idea, as yellowing leaves can be an indication that they are not receiving the nutrients they need.
Once we can see your plant, I can certainly offer further advice, but these recommendations should help regardless.
Jacob
Could be overwatering, having read the previous responses. Didn't give it any feeding. What is the right one for thus plant?
You can't really use a pellet fertiliser because of the way the roots run down to the pebbles, so liquid fertiliser is the way to go.
The liquid fertiliser I mentioned would be what I'd recommend.
