My Potentilla is Wilting in the Pot
Potentilla fruticosa, commonly called shrubby cinquefoil, grows 2 to 4 feet tall. This cold-hardy shrub grows well in patio planters and containers. Even healthy potted plants can suddenly show signs of wilting. Wilting is a sign that the plant is distressed. Identify the problem early to save your potted potentilla. Does this Spark an idea?
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Container Culture
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Growing plants in containers poses a whole set of difficulties not commonly encountered in garden plants. As the roots develop, they can get overcrowded, causing stress to the plant. Using the wrong potting soil creates an environment around the roots that either holds too much water or not enough. Oversaturation of the soil arises when the pot does not provide sufficient drainage. Watering causes salt deposits to build up in the soil, creating a hostile environment for the roots.
Lack of Water
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Lack of water causes a potted potentilla to wilt. Stick your finger into the top 3 inches of the soil. If it is dry at the bottom, soak the pot with water until the soil is thoroughly saturated and water begins to seep out of the drainage hole in the bottom. Just watering more often does not always solve the problem. If water runs off the top of the soil rather than seeping in, it may be time to repot your potentilla.
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Repotting
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Repot a wilting potentilla when the soil stops absorbing moisture. Use quality potting soil. Heavy garden soil turns to clay in the pot. It hardens and cracks. Instead of the water seeping around the roots, it runs through the cracks, leaving the plant underwatered. Move the plant to a pot 2 inches larger than the old pot if the roots start growing at the soil surface or pushing through the drainage holes in the bottom. Using a pot that is too large leads to overwatering as the soil becomes saturated.
Overwatering
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Overwatering leads to root rot. When the top 3 inches of soil feels wet and saturated, your potted potentilla may be getting too much water. Remove the plant from the container and inspect the roots. Trim off any that are mushy or rotten. Repot either in the same pot or a slightly larger pot with fresh potting soil. Excess salt causes problems. Look for white crusty buildup on top of the soil. Repot using fresh potting soil.
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