Too much water

[Goggles]

Do any of you have any tips on how to keep too much water from going into my large schefflera. The problem is there are 4 stalks coming out of the pot so I can't use a pie tin with a slot or anything like that. Was thinking of trying saran wrap but don't want my cham to eat it! The roots are definately getting water logged and I already have the stones in the bottom to help with drainage. The plant is almost four feet tall and I don't want to loose it.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

There is a picture of the plant in this thread https://www.chameleonforums.com/drainage-system-reptibreeze-xl-44572/

 

[carol5208]

are there holes in the pot to drain so the water drains out of the pot? I have a sheffelera also, and I realized that it was getting water logged. So I punctured tiny holes in the bottom and sides of the pot and then put a large plate underneath to catch the water. Also, I don't know if you have a dripper, but I would make sure the dripper does not drip directly or indirectly into the pot. Put is somewhere where the plant will not get so much water.

 

[tdotcham]

just noticed this today with mine. gonna have to dig my guy out of his tree and put some drainage holes on the sides and I moved my dripper.

 

[ghettomike]

haha I've killed 2 schleffera's that way. My problem was that the dripper was dripping on leaves and the water would just follow the stem into the dirt. I solved the problem by adjusting the dripper so it would hit leaves and fall, I aimed my misting nozzles so not as much water would go down the stem and made sure that I planted in good draining soil with lots of holes in the bottom of the pot. I tried to think of other ways but none of my ideas were very practical (or would work very good lol)

 

[Goggles]

Thanks for the replys.

I don't have a dripper and already have 4 holes in the pot and a sand organic soil mixture to help with drainage. I have tried a bunch of different angles with the misting nozzle and think I am at the spot where the plant is getting the least amount of water possible...but still too much!
I might have to try to partially cover the top of the pot. Maybe some more holes in the bottom of the pot.
The old root rot STINKS!!!

 

[sandrachameleon]

More holes in the pot. Elevate the pot so the water drains out fast. Aim the water away as much as possible.

failing that try this: First, use rocks to build up on top of the soil such that they are as high or higher than the edges of the plant pot, and especially high in the middle. There's a type of plastic wrap that will "seal" to almost anything. I think its actually called press and seal. With this, you can stick the plastic wrap to the edges of the pot, and the stalks of the plant. You may need to use a couple pieces to get inbetween the plant stalks - which you can press together to "seal". The rocks elevating the centre will help ensure the water doesnt puddle on the plastic wrap too much.

 

[Goggles]

More holes in the pot. Elevate the pot so the water drains out fast. Aim the water away as much as possible.

failing that try this: First, use rocks to build up on top of the soil such that they are as high or higher than the edges of the plant pot, and especially high in the middle. There's a type of plastic wrap that will "seal" to almost anything. I think its actually called press and seal. With this, you can stick the plastic wrap to the edges of the pot, and the stalks of the plant. You may need to use a couple pieces to get inbetween the plant stalks - which you can press together to "seal". The rocks elevating the centre will help ensure the water doesnt puddle on the plastic wrap too much.

Thanks Sandra.
I can't elevate the pot without cutting the top off the plant, but the rocks with the saran sounds like one I will try. I tried an upside down pie plate but had to cut too many slots to fit around the stalks.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

Nice tips I think we've all battled this prob in a cage or two.

 

[Goggles]

I can't count how many hibiscus I've killed!! It seems I've got them down now and can't drain the water out of the Schef. Can't win for losin!