why oh why do they die???

[orange-gnome]

I am always killing my poor house plants, so I went and got myself a rubber plant and a dragon tree which are supposedly hard to kill!!! Pah!! My rubber plant is not looking so hot these days, it was doing fine but I moved it to a slightly, very slightly sunnier position and watered it. This was a couple of days ago now and the leaves are drooping and the very bottom leaf went all yellow, so I took it off!
I have obviously moved it back but I am at a loss to know what did it?? Was it the change in the position or did I water it too much??? The soil doesnt seem drenched on top or at least an inch or so down.
How much and how often should I be watering my little guys?

[coyn]

My wife has killed every plant we have ever had because she waters them too much, unless you are growing rice, plants are not supposed to be immersed in water.

Are you sure this is not what you are doing wrong?

[PhilBy]

If you can conceal a jug behind the pot then place a 'wick' like a piece of rope or a twisted piece of material into the jug, the other end you bury into the pot.... Fill up the jug with water and the plant will only take what it needs when it needs it, all you need do is check the pot and top up when required.

I only do the above when away on holiday but could be useful for those who over-water.

Oh yes, nearly forgot but also keep the leaves dust free by giving them a quick once over with a damp cloth.

[logman]

I think its a good tip to get the watering right for your plants, but its also important not to forget to give the leaves a good spray,under and on top, this will mimick what they get in their natural environment and also keep the dreaded red spider mite at bay.

[shaneystar2]

Overwatering by the sound of it. Houseplants need less water in the winter months. I have a couple of rubber plants and only water them when they are practically dry.Lift the pot..if it feels light give him a drink but don't overdo it.In the spring feed with a drop of Baby Bio in the water. Also I find that if you group houseplants together they flourish because they provide humidity for each other.Some don't like to moved about.
Also winter temperatures should not be lower than 4C as the leaves will drop.Although in a warm room they will need to watered more often.The leaves need sponging regularly with water.

[funnywebsite]

Buy plants like mother-in-laws tongue and cacti, they hardly need any water and can be almost forgotten about. Cacti can cope in a sunny place but mother-in-laws tongue do not like bright sunlight but like to be close to it. I found a spider plant is hard to kill, they can be nearly forgotten about and watered now and again.

A rubber plant does best in a north facing room not too sunny. Mini roses are easy to keep on a nice sunny windowsill.

[orange-gnome]

Thanks everyone, I think you might all be right, I might well be over watering. I love the jug idea Philby, its brilliant! I have been wiping and spraying the leaves, I am just so desperate to get them to thrive that I am drowning them!! What an idiot!!
Thanks again everyone for the great advice : )