Marianne's Response

Best growing conditions for bat flower plants

I have three Bat Flower Plants that I purchased a month ago, and I have two planted in the ground, and one in a pot. I have them all in a good soil that I mixed with peat moss, black cow manure, and peralite. My problem is that they are drooping and not upright like I think they should be. I have them planted in the shade and keep them well-watered. I have fed them with the Osmocote Plus Outdoor, and indoor plant food as well.
Can you give me some suggestions for what to use?
The picture is of one planted in the ground. I was going to submit a picture of the other two but your website will only allow me to upload one photo.
Thanks in advance.

Posted by Robert Godwin on November 8, 2015

Marianne's Response

Don't worry, from the photo you sent it appears that the plants are adjusting to the transplant shock, and they should all perk up soon. My other guess is that if the soil is kept constantly moist, it may be too wet, as the roots need oxygen to breathe and wet soil does not breathe well. Sometimes adding peat moss and cow manure makes a soil too heavy. This is why most gardeners like to use potting soil that is lightweight and drains quickly. You can try adding more perlite to lighten up the soil, and let the soil dry a bit between watering. You should wait and water when the top two inches of the soil is dry to the touch. The best way to figure this out is to poke your finger into the soil. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

    Search the Ask the Gardening Expert library

    Looking for a quick resolution to your problem? Marianne has answered thousands of gardening questions. One may be similar to yours. Try searching our library to get the answer you need — fast!

    My Topics

    View questions you submitted to Marianne in the past

    VIEW MY QUESTIONS