First, check my soil moisture. My large, soft leaves lose water quickly, and I am notoriously thirsty. If my soil is dry and cracked, I am severely dehydrated. Please water me deeply and immediately, ensuring the water reaches my roots. However, if my soil is constantly soggy and waterlogged, you may have loved me too much. Soggy soil suffocates my roots, leading to root rot. In this case, stop watering. Let the soil dry out slightly. If the problem is severe, you might need to repot me or improve the garden bed's drainage by adding organic matter like compost or perlite to create a moist but well-draining environment I crave.
Look at where I am planted. While I need bright, indirect light to fuel my growth, the intense, direct afternoon sun is my enemy. It scorches my beautiful leaves, causing them to wilt, turn brown, and develop crispy edges. If I am baking in the sun, I need to be moved to a shadier location immediately. A spot with morning sun and dappled afternoon shade is ideal. Also, consider the heat. I thrive in cooler conditions and may go dormant or suffer greatly during a intense heatwave. Provide extra water and consider temporary shading during the hottest part of the day.
Inspect my leaves, especially the undersides. I am a favorite target for slugs and snails. They chew unsightly holes in my foliage, weakening me. If you see slime trails or the culprits themselves, you must act. Hand-pick them off at night or use pet-safe slug bait. Also, look for signs of aphids or spider mites, which suck my sap. A strong spray of water can dislodge them, or you can use insecticidal soap.
If my basic needs are met but I still look lackluster, I might be hungry. A lack of nutrients can cause poor growth and pale leaves. Feed me with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during my growing season (spring and summer) to give me a boost. Furthermore, if I am in a container, I may be pot-bound. My roots have no room to grow, which stunts my entire being. Gently remove me from the pot. If you see a tight circle of roots, it's time to repot me into a larger home with fresh, nutrient-rich soil.
Do not be afraid to remove my damaged parts. Using clean, sharp shears, cut away any dead, yellowing, or severely wilted leaves at their base. This does not hurt me; it helps me in two crucial ways. First, it redirects my energy towards producing new, healthy growth. Second, it removes material that can attract diseases and pests. This is a vital step in helping me recover and look my best again.
