we got a bonsai plant that looks to be a pittosporum variety. the leaves are healthy and green but are curled downward. any idea if this is a problem or normal? I don't think they were curled downward when we received the plant. Thanks
Actually, I think what you are seeing is normal. The leathery leaves are glossy on the top with undersides that are lighter and have a dull surface. These very ornamental leaves reach a length of from The leathery leaves are glossy on the top with undersides that are lighter and have a dull surface. These very ornamental leaves reach a length of from 1-5 in and up to 1 in wide with edges that recurve (curl down and inward). They are arranged alternately in a whorl around the stem, an arrangement that provides dense foliage which I think enhances the plant's interest and attractiveness. As long as your pittosporum is putting out new growth, it's probably healthy and happy. The recurving leaves are normal for pittosporum.
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My Arbor Vitae the leaves are turning brown. I fear that is caused by some kind of mites. What is the remedy?
It's difficult to diagnose a problem without being able to inspect the plants. If the browning is on the outside growth as well as the inside foliage, I'd suspect a water stress issue. Droughty conditions can cause foliage browning, but overwatering or poorly draining soils can actually suffocate the roots and the foliage will turn brown as a result. Be sure the soil drains quickly and don't forget to water them deeply once each week.
Spidermites can attack arborvitaes but they typically feed in the center of the plants and cause browning there before they move to the outer foliage. You can check for spidermites by looking for webbing where the foliage meets the stems or by holding a sheet of white paper in the center of the plant and sharply tapping a branch. Debris will fall onto the paper. If little specks begin to move, you'll know your plant has spidermites. Simply hosing the arborvitaes off with a strong stream of water is an efficient way of discouraging spidermites. Spray periodically during the dry months of the year, directing the water towards the inner parts of the plant.
Good luck with your arborvitaes.
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When I buy a carnivorous plant, I use distilled water and try to catch bugs. The problem is when I transplant it to a terrium and soak the soil putting a grow light over the plants, there is not enough condensation on the glass I think. The plants turn black in the middle and die. How can I transplant them to a bigger display and keep them alive?
Carnivorous plants such as Venus Fly Traps actually need only 40-70 percent humidity and if yours are turning black, it means the humidity is too high and air circulation is poor. There's a happy medium between the closed environment in your terrarium and the natural growing conditions of a Venus Fly Trap. You'll need to keep the lid slightly ajar in order to allow fresh air in. Here's a website with tons of information on Venus Fly Traps. I hope you find it helpful:
http://www.botany.org/bsa/misc/carn.html
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Why are some of my oleanders turning brown and dying?
Root rot from poorly draining soils is the number one cause of oleander death but there is a disease called oleander leaf scorch disease that can kill oleanders. It is a bacteria spread by the smoke tree sharpshooter, a 1/4-inch gray insect common in Arizona. The bacterium penetrates the plant's vascular system, crippling the plant's ability to transport water to its outer branches. There's no treatment for the disease. You may want to take samples of both the dead and the healthy parts of the plant to your local cooperative extension service for a positive diagnosis. Contact University of Arizona Extension Service, 927 Hancock Rd, Bullhead City - (928) 704-4105
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I tried to grow roses in a container and they always die after the first year bloom. What's up?
If your roses are healthy going into winter but fail to sprout in the spring, the plants need some winter protection. Plants in containers should be insulated so the roots do not freeze solid. You can sink the containers into a garden bed or you can wrap insulation around the pots and set them in a protected area (porch, patio, deck, etc.). Next spring they should sprout right on time. Hope so!
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What is the best time of year to dig up the rose bush that I planted 2 yrs ago & plant somewhere else? From what I've read in Q & A the answer might be the same as
You can dig and replant rose bushes at any time of year but it will be less stressful if you wait until it is dormant. Any time between your first hard frost and next March is fine. When roses are dormant they won't react adversely to severed roots or pruned canes. By the time they wake up in the spring, they'll barely know they've been moved. Best wishes with your rose bush!
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I AM SPREADING LIME ON THE GARDEN AND SPREAD SOME ON TOP OF MY ASPARAGUS THAT IS CUT DOWN FOR WINTER.IS THAT OK
Lime mellows acidic soil and it won't hurt your asparagus plants. Just don't over apply and your plants will be fine. Hope you have a great harvest!
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I want to protect and prepare my hostra and other shrubs over the winter. What do you suggest? Peat moss,mulch/other?
Hostas will lose their leaves after the first hard frost. When this happens, rake away the dead foliage and cover over the crown of the plant with several inches of compost, pine needles, shredded leaves or other organic matter to help protect them. Likewise with shrubs. Simply rake away the fallen leaves and pile up some organic matter beneath the plants to help protect the roots. Best wishes with your landscape!
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Thank you for your reply conerning the Areca plant.
On the same occasion that I purchased this plant, I also purchased a
False Aralia is Schefflera elegantissima, sometimes known as Dizygotheca elegantissima. This is a low light plant and it needs lots of moisture. Brown edges on an Aralia usually develop from lack of humidity. Try increasing the humidity by misting and placing the plant on a tray of pebbles that are kept wet. Brown edges can also be caused by using a fertilizer that is too strong or by exposing the plant to a constant draft. If the leaves of all your houseplants are drying out, they may be too close to heater vents or are receiving fireplace/wood stove radiated heat. Overwatering can also cause the leaves to turn crispy.
Try placing your houseplants in an area away from heater vents (or doors that are frequently opened). Set them on a tray in which you add a layer of gravel and keep a half inch of water. When the water evaporates it will increase humidity around the plants. Make sure the containers are not sitting in the water - overly soggy soils can cause root rot. Water thoroughly when you water, allowing the top half inch of potting soil to dry out between waterings.
Hope this information helps you save your houseplants!
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I planted an Alberta Spruce in mid October. It has new growth on some of the tips. Should I spray with something to prevent losing this new growth over the winter?
You can protect your Alberta Spruce with a product like Wilt-Pruf. Follow label directions for application and it should protect against dessication this winter. It is derived from pine tree resin (just in case you're curious!). Best wishes with your new spruce.
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