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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!
2 weeks ago
today
Hello @korza
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.
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.
Eric
Hey Eric thank you for replying back so quickly.
I have scratched the stem it appears to be green underneath ☺️.
Agreed it has been cold I will try putting it in some sun light.
I water mine once every couple of days when the bowl is dry.
do I continue to do this?
Hi @korza,
It sounds like it’s 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 you’ve been doing, and let’s see how it goes.
Mitchell
