Starward Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 (edited) Early spring I purchase a Calea zacatechichi, seedling, amongst other plants. While others have gone from strength to strength my Calea zacatechichi, has struggled. A few things I have learned is that it does not like its roots wet, which causes die back. Letting it dry out between watering seems to be advised. However after nearly 6 months it has barely doubled in length. I have moved it a few times to try different sun locations and times. The soil is a 50/50 mix of potting mix and perlite. The leaves look green and bright, but it constantly has die back further down the stem. Has anyone got any experience with this plant? Edited March 28 by Starward Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fyzygy Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 I think mine could be a different variety. They like water, and food, and some shade. It's normal for the leaves to desiccate and brown on the bush. Once a year I'll prune it back, hard. Otherwise it gets pretty lanky. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starward Posted March 28 Author Share Posted March 28 @fyzygy Yes its getting very lanky maybe I should top it and propagate it. Might fertilize it more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fyzygy Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 Mine is old enough to have woody stems, which is what I cut. I don't know that fertiliser is strictly necessary, just noticed that mine responded well to an application of liquid fertiliser. And that it dislikes the hot afternoon sun. I grow mine in large containers, but these still dry out in summer, and the foliage wilts. So I'll be moving mine back to an afternoon-shaded position. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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