[Arid_gardener] Slipper Plant (Pedilanthus macrocarpus) turning yellow

[Janet Howe]

Original Question:

Kit
85050
kittchu at cox.net

Our Slipper Plant (Pedilanthus macrocapus) has not been growing the last
9 months and is turning yellower and skinnier. We planted it with cactus
mix soil on a raised flower bed near the west block wall. The sun shines
on it most of the day. The  Slipper plant in the community is growing
vibrantly and strong. It was planted under an extended shade from the
window. Should we transplant ours to a shaded area such as in a
container under the patio? How much watering needed?

	Answer:

Kit, it sounds to me like your Pedilanthus is getting too much sun.
They will take a break from growing during the hot summer months, then
start growing again during the fall and spring time.  Altho I've seen
them doing well in (huge) pots getting full sun a the botanical garden,
the one I have at home in a pot requires some relief from the sun, so
I've moved mine to an area where it gets direct sun until about 11:00am,
after that it gets filtered light the rest of the day.  I would look for
an area that gets filtered light, too much shade would not be good for
it either.  If you put it in a pot, make sure the pot is very large - at
least 14" - and ensure it has good drainage.  I've found a mix of cactus
dirt and pumice (about 1:1 ratio) works very well for mine.  If you move
it to a pot, ensure water is able to drain fully from the pot - I do not
have a saucer under my pot at home.  In the middle of summer, I'll water
mine every 1-2 weeks, again making sure it drains well between watering.
Once the weather cools off, I'll only water it every 2-3 weeks,
depending on how it looks - remember that you don't want to over water
it.  Good luck!

Janet Howe
Master Gardner volunteer
Maricopa County Cooperative Extension