Passiflora cutting woes....

peteski2011

Hello everyone 

I’m struggling to work out why what was once a very healthy and happy cutting has ended up looking like this. It hasn’t been overwatered in areas too hot or cold but the leaves are starting to wrinkle and the ends as you can see turn yellow then brown. Absolutely gutted as it is now a year and a half old and was doing so well. Any suggestions as to the cause would be greatly apppreciated and also whether it can be saved!

thank you all

Bijdezee

What sort of temperature does it live in? They lose their leaves in winter, might be that. Light levels good? 

peteski2011

Hello thanks for replying temp wise paround 16-18c at all times. Struggling to work out why the new growth it’s just gained is wrinkling up as well. It’s been starting to head this way for the last 6 months.

Bijdezee

Hmmm strange, that temperature should be fine. Might be a problem with watering.. Maybe its too shallow and so the roots are still dry. I assume the brown leaf ends are dry and crispy? Try giving it a good soaking untill the water runs through then again a week later. See if theres any improvement. Also are there any signs if new growth? Should be about this time of year. 

peteski2011

HI yes dry and crisp to the bottom of the leaves affected, the rest of the leaves feel and look limp and sickly. They seem to be dropping off as well very easily. At first the yellowing weak leaves were just at the bottom but it’s steadily creeping up the plant and the new growth is also going the same way. I’ve kept the watering regime the same over it’s life so far so I am at a loss to really explain it. 

Borderline

Where are you growing this? Can you not put this plant in a greenhouse? The plant also needs cutting down to create more branches. The leaves cannot always look pristine. If grown outdoors against a warm wall, they still lose their leaves. Also, no need to tie them so tight against the frame, you can allow them to find their way or use the figure of eight tie to guide them.

peteski2011

Hi it’s in our study because we don’t have a greenhouse to try to keep it warm but out of direct sun. It’s been doing extremely well until about mid to late last year (sept time) and since then has just started to look ill. 

peteski2011

Actually on closer inspection there seems to be a little bit of black spotting to the branch all the way up. Not a great pic but is this a disease? Thanks in advance!! 

Borderline

Peteski2011, I think the study might be too warm and not enough passing air. If you don't have a greenhouse, do you have any outside space? The black dots on the stalks could be the beginning of a fungal disease. This is caused by warm humid conditions, and possibly over watering. I suggest you prune down some of the growth and leave them against a warm wall. These plants are not suitable to grow indoors all year round. 

Bijdezee

Now you mention the leaves being limp it makes me wonder if its been overwatered. Borderline is right, they like it much better outside in full sun with good drainage. Also i agree that cutting it back might be good to make it fork out and produce some fresh stems. 

peteski2011

Hi everyone thanks very much for your advice I think the best thing will be to cut it back a little, check the roots and repot it into a slightly smaller pot. I’ll also try moving it to a more airy spot. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated