Root Awakening: Keep aroids in airy spot

Aroids need well-draining soil

My caladium was thriving until recently. It is now growing slowly and its leaves appear crumpled as they open. How do I rectify this?

Peggy Ong

The inability to unfurl new leaves is common in aroids grown indoors. Your plant seems to be grown in an organic material-based mix, which can retain a lot of water. Wet feet and a lack of air circulation can prevent new leaves from unfurling and developing properly.

You may want to allow the growing mix to dry out more before watering again. Also, consider changing the growing mix to one that is more porous and well-draining.

Finally, move the plant to a location with filtered sunlight and better air circulation.

Shrub may be the Pink Lime-Berry

I took it upon myself to take care of this plant I found in my housing estate. Since I added compost, it has grown somewhat. What is this plant?

Victor Choong

As it appears you did not plant this shrub, the seed could have been brought by birds.

There are two plants that look similar to this. They are the Curry Leaf Tree (Bergera koenigii) and Pink Lime-Berry (Clausena excavata), which are commonly grown in local gardens. Their leaves look and smell similar.

Your description suggests this plant may be the latter, as it has appeared spontaneously in gardens. Information is scarce on this plant’s safety for human use and consumption, so exercise caution.

Multiple possible reasons for pumpkin’s burnt leaf edges

There are burn marks on my plant’s leaves. What are the possible causes and what are the treatment options?

Adrian Ling

The yellowing and burnt leaf edges seen in your plant may be due to a few reasons.

First, avoid letting the plant dry out excessively and wilt, as this will kill leaf tissues. Keep the root zone evenly moist throughout its growth while also avoiding wet feet, and ensure there is sufficient air circulation in the growing area.

Second, excessive application of fertiliser can lead to issues with nutrient toxicity. Follow the label’s instructions on dosage and, if you are growing this plant using hydroponics, change the nutrient solution periodically.

Third, your plant may have a fungal disease. Apply fungicides to reduce the spread and severity of any disease. Avoid injuring the plant and promptly remove diseased parts from the growing area.

Soursop may be diseased

Why is my soursop infected with a black substance?

Ong Eng Siong

Your soursop fruit may have been infected with a fungal disease. Various species of pathogenic fungi have been reported to cause similar-looking issues and laboratory tests are required to pinpoint the exact causative agent. You will also see black spots or patches on the fruit’s exterior.

Remove all traces of infected plant parts from the growing area. Avoid injuring the fruit during development and apply chemical fungicide regularly to reduce the likelihood of reinfection.

Prune Desert Rose to encourage branching

How can I encourage my Desert Rose to grow more branches from the caudex? Its branches are thin and tend to reach for the sky. Should I repot it in a shallower container?

Jonathan Law

First, the Desert Rose is a sun-loving plant and needs direct sunlight to prevent long and lanky growth. 

Prune the plant to cut back the long branches, making sure the cut end is at an angle. That will reduce the likelihood of water accumulation, which can cause rot.

Growers seal the cut end with grafting tape, which will force the plant to produce abundant new growth. After pruning, withhold water and keep the plant out of direct sunlight until new growth begins. The tape can then be removed.

There are numerous online videos by different growers on how to encourage branching in the Desert Rose, which you can refer to.