Dear Plant Doctor,

They used to be one large plant until February or so, when a friend who works in Austria helped split them into three. Since then, they have reacted differently, most recently drying out quite a bit, and losing new gowth rather rapidly. I realized in the smallest one that a fungus seemed to be gathering in the soil (rusty colored, salt like deposits) which seemed to clear up and aid in new growth in all three plants when treated with a little milk and water. There do seem to be some occasional bugs near the stalks that look like fruit flies. We've tried wiping down the leaves with a sponge and water, and are hoping for some further recommendations or a potential house call. The photos show the dried out leaves in particular, and some of the new growth. They aren't, unfortunately, completely representational...
Thanks,

Peter

Dear Peter,

The plant in questions seems to be some type of Philodendron .
The drying leaves are sometimes indicative of root injury... maybe from the re-potting or could be from too low humidity.
The crust on the soil is possible salt build up from fertilizers. That should be removed.
The flies are probably fungus gnats- a problem when soil is kept too moist.
I suggest that the soil be allowed to dry out a bit ,but humidity increased by placing them all on trays with pebbles that are kept barley moist.
They may recover.
If not... they are readily available in the market place.
Best,

Plant Doctor