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Norcross, GA on May 06, 2012

My iron plants aren't doing well. I posted about them at the end of winter, asking if I should dig them up and make them

house plants. They were bought at Pike's in the fall and planted outside because the zone info said they'd do fine all winter. Even with the mild winter, they turned brown like you see here. I'd hoped they'd get better. They have put out some new growth, but they don't look good. I have 4 smallish plants. Should I dig them up and pot them for inside? And if so, should I cut off all of the leaves with brown on them? My front yard, where they live, is mostly shade, but does have short times during the day where there's some sun.

6 Comments

Donna Dixson Buford, GA

I can't tell really well from the picture but it looks like you may have them planted too deep?

on May 06, 2012 · Like 0
Louise Norcross, GA

How can I know if they're planted too deep? Does too deep cause this reaction?

on May 06, 2012 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

Being planted too deep causes a decline. The plant should be planted so the dirt is at the same level it was in the pot. Also, it's not great to have your mulch touching the plant like that. There should be a little space around the base of the plant.

on May 07, 2012 · Like 0
Erica Glasener Atlanta, GA

Louise, these plants are very hardy for Georgia gardeners but I have had periods in my garden where they got very dry and had lots of brown leaves. Morning sun would be ideal but hot afternoon sun may contribute to the spots, bleached leaves, etc. I suggest making sure they get plenty of moisture if they are getting hot afternoon sun.

on May 07, 2012 · Like 0
Louise Norcross, GA

How much is plenty of moisture? Watering every day, every week, what? Sorry, I'm not a very dedicated gardener, I fear. I like to plant things and watch them thrive without doing much. Not too good, I guess. :-( And should I dig them up and plant them higher in the ground?Should I cut off the ugly leaves? That will mean very few remain. They're certainly not pretty at the moment.

on May 07, 2012 · Like 0
Erica Glasener Atlanta, GA

Louise, I don't pay much attention to mine but yes cut off the ugly leaves, and new ones should replace them. I would water them once every couple weeks, long and slow, soaking if we get no rain, just rained here in Atlanta so this week is covered. They will recover I feel certain, if it's not too much trouble take a shovel, dig up the clump and brush off some soil on the top and replant but this is only if you buried them deeper than the depth of the pot they were growing in. Hope this ...»
makes sense and helps.
Some 10-10-10 or similar fertilizer may help too.

on May 07, 2012 · Like 0