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Plants do wilt sometimes even when the soil appears to be moist. The leaves may appear burnt on the tips and margins. The excess white crusty, salt-like layer is a salt buildup in the soil. To correct this condition leach out the excess salts by watering thoroughly and water a second time in 30 minutes to wash the salts out the drainage hole. Pour off the excess drainage water.
The white, cottony masses are most likely egg masses of a Mealybug species. They are about 3/16 inch long, flattened, slender, and some have waxy filaments extending from their bodies. Mealybugs attack all parts of plants. Their damage is often similar to that of aphids. Also, honeydew (the sticky stuff) is frequently a problem. Depending on how severe the infestation of your plant is, the cottony masses may be spot treated by dabbing a cotton swab of rubbing alcohol on individual insects. If your plant is covered with white masses everywhere, you may need to decide if the plant may need replacing. For more information on how to get rid of Mealybugs, see Plant Insect, Mealybugs.
Reference: EB0695 "Houseplant Pests" See: Mealybugs
Your plant is probably suffering from being chilled, in addition to looking wilted it may drop some of its foliage. For future purchases, it is best to request a bag to put your new plant in during its transport from the store to your vehicle and then into your home.
Here are a few more tips for houseplant care during the winter months:
To control insects, use insecticidal soaps formulated for houseplants.
Reference: EB0695 "Houseplant Pests" See: Scales; Spider Mites; Mealybugs
The florist's cyclamen, Cyclamen persicum, ordinarily blooms well when first introduced into an interior atmosphere, but then becomes difficult to manage. The bud failure your plant is experiencing may be related to warm temperatures. This cyclamen grows best at uniform temperatures between 55° F. and 65° F. In winter, they are used as outdoor plants for color in California where temperatures generally stay in this range.
Yellowing leaves can be caused by a number of factors. This plant requires bright light, a rarity in Northwest winter homes. Water by setting the pot in a bowl, letting it take up water from below, and then allowing it to drain thoroughly. Overhead watering can cause rot. If the plant is growing well, it needs a liquid fertilizer every other week. (in spring and early fall.)
The plant also requires a period of rest, or dormancy, usually given during summer. Water less in May and allow the leaves to yellow in June, then stop watering altogether. Keep the tuber dry and cool until early fall and then repot in fresh soil. Keep it in a cool, bright place until new leaves are fully developed.
These requirements are easier to achieve when managed by professional growers in controlled conditions. In most homes, it's necessary to treat the florist's cyclamen as a short-lived, impermanent indoor plant.
Reference: EB1354 "Houseplants"
Spider plants -- Chlorophytum comosum --form superb, easily grown houseplants. For best growth, they need bright light, and some sunlight, especially during dark winter days. The pallor you report may be caused by lack of light, because the plant doesn't photosynthesize properly when light is limited. Also, these plants require less water in winter, and will look pale and limp if over-watered.
Check the drainage in the pots to be sure the plants aren't getting root rot from standing in saucers of water. The plants will probably perk up with the arrival of spring light.
In general, all house plants will be limited in growth at this time of year. Late February is a good time to indulge the gardening impulse by repotting, fertilizing, and increasing water to houseplants as they go into spring growth spurts. For excellent information on the needs of specific house plants, refer to a Reader's Digest publication: Success with House Plants (1981.)
Reference: EB1354 "Houseplants"
Begin planning in late September. The plant needs about 8 weeks of short day treatments to initiate flowering. Absolute, unbroken darkness for 14 to 16 hours each night is essential. Cover the plant with a light-proof box or put it in a closet overnight. Keep it dark from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. the next morning, but be sure it gets bright light during the daylight hours. Keep the soil moist and feed it every two to three weeks with an appropriate balanced houseplant fertilizer. When the bracts (or modified leaves) at the tips of the branches begin to show color, the plant will no longer need the enforced dark treatment. Flowering and vitality of poinsettias can be improved if they are maintained at temperatures between 65° F. and 70° F. These plants are native to central Mexico and appreciate warmth.
