Urn plants (also known as Aechmea fasciata) are a popular choice for indoor plants. They have striking, colorful flowers and their leaves are tough and leathery, making them an ideal houseplant for people who don’t have a lot of time to devote to plant care. However, if you’ve noticed that your urn plant is starting to fall over, it could be a sign that something is wrong. In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why your urn plant may be falling over and what you can do to fix it.
One of the most common reasons why urn plants fall over is overwatering. Urn plants are native to Brazil, where they grow in rocky soils with good drainage. If you’re watering your urn plant too frequently or if the potting soil doesn’t have enough drainage, the roots can become waterlogged and the plant can start to rot. When this happens, the leaves will become soft and mushy, and the plant will start to fall over.
To fix an overwatered urn plant, the first thing you need to do is stop watering it. Let the soil dry out completely before you water it again. If the roots are severely damaged or if the soil is too compacted, you may need to repot the plant in fresh soil.
On the flip side, if you’re not watering your urn plant enough, it can also cause it to fall over. Urn plants need regular watering to stay healthy and upright. If the soil becomes too dry, the leaves will start to wilt and droop, and the plant will eventually fall over.
To fix an underwatered urn plant, water it thoroughly and make sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. You may also want to mist the leaves with water to provide some extra moisture.
Urn plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. If your urn plant is not getting enough light, it can become weak and floppy, which can cause it to fall over.
To fix a lack of light issue, move your urn plant to a brighter location. Make sure it’s not in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
Pests like spider mites and mealybugs can also cause urn plants to fall over. These pests feed on the plant’s sap, which weakens the stems and leaves. If you notice small webs or cottony masses on your plant, or if you see tiny insects crawling around, it’s likely that your urn plant has a pest problem.
To fix a pest problem, you can try washing the plant with a gentle soap solution or using an insecticidal soap. If the infestation is severe, you may need to use a stronger insecticide or consult a professional.
Finally, if your urn plant has been in the same pot for a long time, it may be root bound. This means that the roots have grown so much that they’re starting to fill up the pot and there’s no room for new growth. When this happens, the plant can start to fall over as it becomes too heavy for its pot.
To fix a root bound urn plant, you’ll need to repot it in a larger container. Gently loosen the roots and transplant the plant into fresh soil. Be sure to give it plenty of water to help it adjust to its new home.
Q: Can I save my falling urn plant?
A: Yes, in most cases you can save your falling urn plant by addressing the underlying issue. Whether it’s overwatering, underwatering, lack of light, pests, or being root bound, there are steps you can take to help your plant recover.
Q: How often should I water my urn plant?
A: Urn plants should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Depending on your home’s humidity and light conditions, this could be anywhere from once a week to once every two weeks. Be sure to use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes to prevent overwatering.
Q: Should I fertilize my urn plant?
A: Yes, you should fertilize your urn plant every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer and follow the package instructions carefully.
Q: Can I prune my urn plant if it’s too tall?
A: Yes, you can prune your urn plant if it’s getting too tall. Use sharp, clean scissors to cut the stem just above a leaf node. This will encourage new growth and help keep your plant compact and bushy.