Plant questions
Real questions from home gardeners, the kind people post with a worried photo, answered by GrowPls: what's likely going on, what to do about it, and when to worry.
Showing questions tagged #potted-plants · show all
How often should I fertilize plants grown in pots, and what should I use?
Potted plants usually need light, regular feeding because nutrients wash out faster than in the ground. Start with a balanced, water‑soluble or slow‑release fertilizer at half strength every 2–4 weeks in the growing season, and always follow the label.

clivia
Why are my clivia leaves turning yellow with brown patches?
Those yellow leaves with crispy brown patches are most likely from stress: too much direct sun and/or watering issues causing leaf burn and weak roots. Move it to bright shade, adjust watering, and remove the worst damaged leaves so new healthy growth can replace them.

desert rose
Why is my desert rose (Adenium) not flowering?
This desert rose looks leafy and healthy but is probably getting too little strong sun and/or too much nitrogen-rich fertilizer, which makes leaves instead of blooms. Give it several hours of direct sun, let the soil dry more between waterings, and switch to a low‑nitrogen, higher phosphorus and potassium feed to encourage flowers.

plumeria (frangipani)
Why didn’t my potted plumeria bloom and should I prune it?
The plumeria in the photo looks leggy and likely isn’t getting enough strong sun or the right seasonal care to trigger blooms. Give it more direct light, a dry, coolish rest in winter, and then prune lightly to shape and encourage branching once it’s growing strongly.

