Dear Plant Pimp

[wiffledaddy]

I probably know more about houseplants than anyone on the interwebs. I am very bored, stuck at home packing all my worldly shit into boxes.

You got houseplant questions? Hit me.

[zefflyn]

How do you get plants to grow in a whiffleball?

[wannabe]

Dear Plant Pimp,

I have 4 questions for you:

1. How can you tell when it's time to repot a houseplant?

2. What does it mean when the directions on the plant say to 'keep the soil moist?' Does this mean that I need to water it every other day?

3. Do those Miracle Grow sticks really work?

4. Is it normal for the leaves on my brand new ficus (sp?) to be falling off? There are new leaves growing on top, but others are falling off too.

[rsrider]

What's the average life span for a house plant? It seems that my older ones are looking a bit thin and frail(just like regular old folk). Also, they don't grow anymore even after being put into a bigger pot. Should I kill them immediately, or just not water them anymore and watch them die slowly?

[lizard]

What to do when a draecena hits the ceiling? Do you prune it?

[zefflyn]

Dear plant wiffledaddy,

For years, I've been attempting to cross poison ivy with clovers, particularly 4-leaf clovers. This year, I finally did it, and I got a rash of good luck. Is this normal?

Thanks,
-Mike

[Eisernkreuz]

Originally posted by zefflyn
Dear plant wiffledaddy,

For years, I've been attempting to cross poison ivy with clovers, particularly 4-leaf clovers. This year, I finally did it, and I got a rash of good luck. Is this normal?

Thanks,
-Mike

:laughing

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by zefflyn
How do you get plants to grow in a whiffleball?

what's a whiffleball?

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by wannabe
Dear Plant Pimp,

I have 4 questions for you:

1. How can you tell when it's time to repot a houseplant?

2. What does it mean when the directions on the plant say to 'keep the soil moist?' Does this mean that I need to water it every other day?

3. Do those Miracle Grow sticks really work?

4. Is it normal for the leaves on my brand new ficus (sp?) to be falling off? There are new leaves growing on top, but others are falling off too.

1 - different plants will give you different indications about when it's time to pot up a size. Generally, if a weekly watering isn't sufficient, and the root mass is growing out of the soil, the plant is ready to be repotted. A palm tree, as an example, will break the pot it's in when it's time to repot.

2 - keep soil moist usually means that you want the soil to feel like a wrung out sponge. Not wet, but holding water. If the plant is in a hot, bright spot and drying out, then you might need to water it every other day.

3 - yes, the sticks work. They are for people who can't remember to use the fertilizing solution, and do a decent job.

4 - leaf drop on a ficus is not a good sign, but very common. This can be caused by overwatering or underwatering, so you have to give me more information. Where is the plant. How bright a spot, how warm, how much water are you giving it. Are the leaves dropping yellow or green?

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by rsrider
What's the average life span for a house plant? It seems that my older ones are looking a bit thin and frail(just like regular old folk). Also, they don't grow anymore even after being put into a bigger pot. Should I kill them immediately, or just not water them anymore and watch them die slowly?

There's no average lifespan for a houseplant. The plants used for interior landscaping are indoor tropical plants. Some can last a few years, while others can outlive you if given proper care.

Use that blue water stuff like miracle grow. It's the elixir of youth. (Use it on the plant).

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by lizard
What to do when a draecena hits the ceiling? Do you prune it?

A dracaena won't grow from the cut, but will sprout alongside the areas where you made the cut. If you want to cut it back, you want to cut it low. So, if it's hitting the ceiling now, you would really want to cut it back several feet.

HOWEVER, since the dracaena is such a slow growing plant, it's not going to look very good for a long time after the trim -- if ever. Unless you have exceptional light and good growing conditions (warmth), I think you don't want to do this.

The dracaena, sadly, is a plant that just never looks as good as the day you got it. Unless the room it's in has the ambient temps and humidity of Florida or Hawaii, it's just going to very slowly dry up and get sad.

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by zefflyn
Dear plant wiffledaddy,

For years, I've been attempting to cross poison ivy with clovers, particularly 4-leaf clovers. This year, I finally did it, and I got a rash of good luck. Is this normal?

Thanks,
-Mike

Absolutely.

[zefflyn]

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
what's a whiffleball?

It's a ball with a breeze inside.

[didIdoit]

:thumbup on the thread!! Luv it!

now, since I have sooo many houseplants,,,I will have to find out what they are and what their problems are, then get back to ya!! Stay tuned!:laughing

[Shotline]

I often buy tropical plants which are attached to wooden branches (I hope you know the kind I am talking about).

They always die off fairly quickly because I cannot figure out how to water them. I have tried misting them, pouring water over them, not watering them but nothing works.

What is the proper way to care for these plants?

[westie]

I overwatered my cactus and now theres mushrooms growing out of the soil. Can I eat them and die or get high?

[wannabe]

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
4 - leaf drop on a ficus is not a good sign, but very common. This can be caused by overwatering or underwatering, so you have to give me more information. Where is the plant. How bright a spot, how warm, how much water are you giving it. Are the leaves dropping yellow or green?


I just bought it and repotted it immediately. It's about 2 feet tall, and it's a 'braided' ficus. I've only seen 2 green leaves fall so far, but I was wondering whether or not to be concerned. I live alone, and I don't have any pets. I put it in the corner of one of the landings on my stairs near a window, so light is not an issue.

There is quite a bit of new growth on the plant that wasn't there when I first repotted it.

What could it be?

Also, how often should I use that magic blue elixer that you recommended?

[wannabe]

Oh, as a visual aid....this is my ficus. His name is George. I just brought him home last weekend. I immediately repotted him and placed him in a bright and warm area in my place.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1647537-dsc00027.jpg

[wannabe]

There are still a lot of new leaves coming in, so I'm thinking that I have nothing to worry about, right?

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1647539-dsc00028.jpg

[wannabe]

Dear Plant Pimp,

I've got many more questions while I'm at it. This is another new addition to my plant collection. This was a house-warming present from a friend of mine.

1. What the heck is it? It looks like some tropical plant.

2. Are there any special care needs for this one?

I have not had very good luck in the past with tropical houseplants.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1647544-dsc00030.jpg

[wannabe]

Lastly, these three are called Frank and Beans. :teeth No questions here. I just wanted to show them off. You call yourself the plant pimp, I gotta show my bling. :teeth

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1647545-dsc00029.jpg

[brichter]

Originally posted by westie
I overwatered my cactus and now theres mushrooms growing out of the soil. Can I eat them and die or get high?

Only one way to find out!

To quote the great Clint Eastwood:
"You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya?"

[Psychochik]

All i can say is that this thread is great and should remain at the top. Wiffleplantgod, I have 2 so called christmas cacti and have had then for 2 years and they have yet to actually blossum a lil flower, what could I be doing wrong, I water the 2 times a week and they are in 50/50 light like the directions said, yet all they do is get bigger but no prettiness. HELP me O great one !!!!

[Bad Dad]

plant pimp.

I bought a lucky bamboo for my girlfriend. My question is......

Should the roots really be kept submerged in water? (the directions said this)

Also some leaves are turning yellow.

[ToxxicGirrl]

Dear PP,
I don't have a single house plant in my home. What would you recommend for a house in Oakland?
TG

[m_asim]

Originally posted by ToxxicGirrl
Dear PP,
I don't have a single house plant in my home. What would you recommend for a house in Oakland?
TG

I suggest a bigger padlock on the door for all houses in Oaktown. :D

[didIdoit]

Originally posted by ToxxicGirrl
Dear PP,
I don't have a single house plant in my home. What would you recommend for a house in Oakland?
TG

Well TG,,,,you know I was gonna suggest a Certain plant.......BUT.....I think your bunnies may eat those up too quickly:laughing (in reference to a pic I previously posted):teeth

[daventura]

My greenhouse is full of weeds,
what should I do?
:teeth

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1647922-nicegarden.jpeg

[Nastradamus]

[http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1647537-dsc00027.jpg

hey my mom has one of these... its been growing throughout the years.. its getting big..

[brichter]

Originally posted by daventura
My greenhouse is full of weeds,
what should I do?
:teeth

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1647922-nicegarden.jpeg

Hmm, looks like you should be getting ready for the harvest! :laughing

[badbad]

Dear plant pimp

Not a houseplant, but worth an ask:
So, I wanted to grow vanilla orchids, but lack a greenhouse and we're obviously not within 20 degrees of the equator. Is it possible to raise one in this climate? Would it work to make a mini green house for a single plant?

Thanks, mucho!

[brichter]

Originally posted by badbad
Dear plant pimp

Not a houseplant, but worth an ask:
So, I wanted to grow vanilla orchids, but lack a greenhouse and we're obviously not within 20 degrees of the equator. Is it possible to raise one in this climate? Would it work to make a mini green house for a single plant?

Thanks, mucho!

I'd contact daventura, he might be able to fit it in a corner...

:laughing:laughing:laughing:laughing:laughing

[wiffledaddy]

Shotline, my guess is that your plant is a tillandsia, which is an epiphytic plant like a bromeliad or an orchid. If your plant is attached to a branch, you can't water it most efficiently, which is to soak it in water for a few hours every week. I think your misting method is good, but there are 2 things to be conscious of.

First of all, is the plant in a bright or dark spot?

Second, is this spot warm or cold?

(I know, these are generally connected, as is your watering regimen.) If the spot is very bright and warm, mist it frequently. If it is cold, or gets cold overnight, you will want to be more sparing with the water. If the center of the plant is cold, the activity there, where new cells are produced, will slow down. Excess water will cause it to rot.

Your indications of what is going on is how the dead plant looks. If it is kind of splotchy and wet when it has died, it was overwatered. If it is dried out, it was underwatered.

If you can, find your plant a bright, warm spot -- not in the direct sunlight -- and it should thrive with the occasional misting; a few times a week should be fine.

Originally posted by Shotline
I often buy tropical plants which are attached to wooden branches (I hope you know the kind I am talking about).

They always die off fairly quickly because I cannot figure out how to water them. I have tried misting them, pouring water over them, not watering them but nothing works.

What is the proper way to care for these plants?

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by westie
I overwatered my cactus and now theres mushrooms growing out of the soil. Can I eat them and die or get high?

yes

[wiffledaddy]

One of the biggest mistakes most plant owners make is potting a plant unnecessarily. I guess you did it to use a more decorative container, right? Well, just make certain that there is still adequate drainage.

When you first repot your ficus, be certain to water the plant close to the trunk. the new soil you added is looser than the old soil, and water flows right through it. So, you can effectively water the plant with no, or very little, water getting to the roots.

The most basic ficus indications:

Green leaf drop = overwatering

yellow leaf drop = underwatering

ficus likes a bright, warm spot, but no direct sunlight. It can take the direct sun, but then you have to be very diligent in dusting it and misting the leaves, or it will get sick, and then it will get scale.

Oh, use the miracle grow 1X month, at first. After a year or so, when the plant is happy, use a very light solution at every warm season watering. No fertilizer during winter months, and reduce watering at the same time.

Originally posted by wannabe
I just bought it and repotted it immediately. It's about 2 feet tall, and it's a 'braided' ficus. I've only seen 2 green leaves fall so far, but I was wondering whether or not to be concerned. I live alone, and I don't have any pets. I put it in the corner of one of the landings on my stairs near a window, so light is not an issue.

There is quite a bit of new growth on the plant that wasn't there when I first repotted it.

What could it be?

Also, how often should I use that magic blue elixer that you recommended?

[wiffledaddy]

psycholady,

put the plant in a south or east facing window. Fertilize it in late summer. You'll have blooms next xmax.


Originally posted by Psychochik
All i can say is that this thread is great and should remain at the top. Wiffleplantgod, I have 2 so called christmas cacti and have had then for 2 years and they have yet to actually blossum a lil flower, what could I be doing wrong, I water the 2 times a week and they are in 50/50 light like the directions said, yet all they do is get bigger but no prettiness. HELP me O great one !!!!

[wiffledaddy]

malo papa,

ok, dunno where you are, but I'm going to guess you have some nasty tap water. Most municipalities are adding lots of chloramines to the water, and this will definitely cause the little dracaena to yellow.

Keep the roots submerged, but don't add too much above the roots. I know it sounds hokey, but if you have some extra remnants in water bottles lying around, use that. A brita is *ok*, but doesn't remove the chloramines.

Make sure that
A: the plant is not getting direct sunlight, ie, light hitting the leaves
B: the room it is in doesn't drop below 60 degrees at night

Use a very light african violet fertilizer once in a while, like once a month or every other month. Not a lot, just a wee bit



Originally posted by Bad Dad
plant pimp.

I bought a lucky bamboo for my girlfriend. My question is......

Should the roots really be kept submerged in water? (the directions said this)

Also some leaves are turning yellow.

[wiffledaddy]

Oakland is a great spot for just about everything. You can do low-light dracaenas to bright-light palms or even cacti.

Give me a specific spot by a window, and the direction the window faces, and I can give you a specific recommendation. Pictures are helpful.

Is it a living room, bedroom, etc.. what goes on, ambient temps, color of paint, whole shebangie




Originally posted by ToxxicGirrl
Dear PP,
I don't have a single house plant in my home. What would you recommend for a house in Oakland?
TG

[wiffledaddy]

You can quit your day job.

Originally posted by daventura
My greenhouse is full of weeds,
what should I do?
:teeth

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1647922-nicegarden.jpeg

[wiffledaddy]

Yeah, I can't remember the specific climate zones, but I think we are nearly 10 zones away from where you would want to be to grow this plant.

You would definitely need a greenhouse to grow this, and you could make a mini-house, but you would still need to rig up an exhaust system, a heat system, and a mist-irrigation system. Because of the expense involved, I think you would probably want to grow several plants.

If you are really interested in this, you could probably turn it into a lucrative little hobby. I'll bet you that if you could get those guys to the seed stage, and sold them then, you could make some $, at least enough to cover the expenses. There are so many foodie types around these days, that would be the shit. You roll into the SF flower mart with a couple flats of these, and everyone there would go nuts. Anything unusual is coveted here.



Originally posted by badbad
Dear plant pimp

Not a houseplant, but worth an ask:
So, I wanted to grow vanilla orchids, but lack a greenhouse and we're obviously not within 20 degrees of the equator. Is it possible to raise one in this climate? Would it work to make a mini green house for a single plant?

Thanks, mucho!

[CBRWITHTVS]

if you call a plant a stupid idiot every day 5 times a day does it have any effect on its self esteem?

Does cigg. smoke stunt the groth of a plant?

Do you sing to your plants?

Do your plants talk to you?

Are you a plant?
:twofinger :laughing

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by CBRWITHTVS
if you call a plant a stupid idiot every day 5 times a day does it have any effect on its self esteem?

Does cigg. smoke stunt the groth of a plant?

Do you sing to your plants?

Do your plants talk to you?

Are you a plant?
:twofinger :laughing

no

yes

no

no

no

[wannabe]

One more question. I have a water softener in my place. I'm using potassium chloride instead of the sodium chloride. Is the potassium chloride going to hurt my plants?

[ToxxicGirrl]

Originally posted by wiffledaddy Oakland is a great spot for just about everything. You can do low-light dracaenas to bright-light palms or even cacti. Give me a specific spot by a window, and the direction the window faces, and I can give you a specific recommendation. Pictures are helpful. Is it a living room, bedroom, etc.. what goes on, ambient temps, color of paint, whole shebangie
Mostly SE facing windows: Dining room (dark red) but lots of light; kitchen window (white/teal) probably on the window with full sunlight. I'll take some pics and send them if this means I don't have to watch another innocent house plant wilt away and die :(

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by wannabe
One more question. I have a water softener in my place. I'm using potassium chloride instead of the sodium chloride. Is the potassium chloride going to hurt my plants?

Is this a shill question? I can't figure out if you trying to sniff out if I'm faking the plant knowledge.

No, potassium is good for plants. Just don't let your plants sit in water.

One other thing that just struck me, make sure your new ficus is near a window. From the photos it looks like it might be far from windows.

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by ToxxicGirrl
Mostly SE facing windows: Dining room (dark red) but lots of light; kitchen window (white/teal) probably on the window with full sunlight. I'll take some pics and send them if this means I don't have to watch another innocent house plant wilt away and die :(

Southeast is good, probably the best light you can get for houseplants. All south is best, but SE is good for flowering plants.

My guess is that you just didn't have a good watering schedule. Pick a day to water and stick with is. Soil -- generally -- should go from wet to dry. If the soil on top of the pot is still wet, don't water, and water less on the next round.

With red paint, you will definitely want vivid green plants. Your best bet, if you have high ceilings, is the kentia palm.

Native of lord howe island

http://www.amherstgreenhouses.com/photo/tropical/kentiaPalm.jpg

[wannabe]

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
Is this a shill question? I can't figure out if you trying to sniff out if I'm faking the plant knowledge.

No, potassium is good for plants. Just don't let your plants sit in water.

One other thing that just struck me, make sure your new ficus is near a window. From the photos it looks like it might be far from windows.


Thanks for the input. I moved the ficus to a spot closer to the window. No, it wasn't a shill question. I honestly had no clue whether or not the potassium would be bad for my plants.

[hondagrl]

I picked up some tomato plants yesterday. Will it be a bad idea to plant them today? Or should I keep them indoors until the rain stops?

[Valgar]

Originally posted by hondagrl
I picked up some tomato plants yesterday. Will it be a bad idea to plant them today? Or should I keep them indoors until the rain stops?

I want a tomato when they finally start producing...

(I miss the veggies we used to grow back in Illinois)

[slowpoke]

Originally posted by hondagrl
I picked up some tomato plants yesterday. Will it be a bad idea to plant them today? Or should I keep them indoors until the rain stops?

Yeah, I want some of your "tomato" too:blush

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by wannabe
Thanks for the input. I moved the ficus to a spot closer to the window. No, it wasn't a shill question. I honestly had no clue whether or not the potassium would be bad for my plants.

sorry, moving is making me grumpy. Lately I'm fun-loving wiffledaddy by day, angry old surly drunk by night.

[JadedOne]

Dear Plant Pimp - I have an orchid and I don't know how to take care of it. What kinda food does it need? How long can it go without feeding or water. I also have another plant that can go without water for 2-3 weeks, how do I kill it?

TIA! :twofinger

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by hondagrl
I picked up some tomato plants yesterday. Will it be a bad idea to plant them today? Or should I keep them indoors until the rain stops?


I'd wait for the rain to stop

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by JadedOne
Dear Plant Pimp - I have an orchid and I don't know how to take care of it. What kinda food does it need? How long can it go without feeding or water. I also have another plant that can go without water for 2-3 weeks, how do I kill it?

TIA! :twofinger

??

are you kidding around? dunno what the 2 finger guy means.

What kind of orchid is it? If you don't know, describe it to me. Tall with narrow leave, short with broad leaves. A picture is good.

[ToxxicGirrl]

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
Southeast is good, probably the best light you can get for houseplants. All south is best, but SE is good for flowering plants.
My guess is that you just didn't have a good watering schedule. Pick a day to water and stick with is. Soil -- generally -- should go from wet to dry. If the soil on top of the pot is still wet, don't water, and water less on the next round.
With red paint, you will definitely want vivid green plants. Your best bet, if you have high ceilings, is the kentia palm.
Native of lord howe island
http://www.amherstgreenhouses.com/photo/tropical/kentiaPalm.jpg
Thank you, plant pimp. Do you know of a good nursery or house plant source? I really believe the plants at Home Depot or other big box stores have broken spirits and other plant "issues." Do you pimp yourself out for plant shopping?

[JadedOne]

I originally meant my post to be a joke but I actually do need the advice (except for the part about killing my other plant ;))

The orchid's got white flowers... hmm hold on.. lemme see if I can find a picture.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1648966-365_md.jpg

[wiffledaddy]

Non-toxic lady:

yes, a very keen observation on your part. I always tell people to *never* get a hardware store plant. These are generally of the lowest quality and come pre-loaded with pests.

Any good independently owned nursery should have a quality kentia palm. For this particular plant, the best ones come from Hawaii. For a 6 footer, You can expect to pay ~100 bucks (or more, yikes), but it will live forever.

The way to tell if the plant came from Hawaii is to check the potting medium. HI grown is in lava rock. CA or FL grown are in soil. Lava rock is a superior medium. And the HI kentias are the tops.


Originally posted by ToxxicGirrl
Thank you, plant pimp. Do you know of a good nursery or house plant source? I really believe the plants at Home Depot or other big box stores have broken spirits and other plant "issues." Do you pimp yourself out for plant shopping?

[wannabe]

Dear Plant Pimp, now that I moved my ficus to a more lighted location, I need to get another one to put in its place at the base of the stairs. Do you have any recommendations for any medium to low light housplants?

[wiffledaddy]

that's a phalaenopsis, and it's the easiest one to take care of. Put it in a window that faces east, if you can.

The way to water these is to put it under the sink and run warm water through the pot until all the roots get moist. Give it orchid food during warm months only, about once a month. Use a minimal amount in light solution.

2 things to keep in mind:

never let the orchid sit in water, ie, if you have it on a saucer, make sure no water collects there. Orchids don't like wet feet.

never repot your orchid into soil. This is an epiphyte, which means the roots are to remain in the air. The wood chip potting medium is designed to replicate the natural environment for orchids, which generally grow on trees.


Originally posted by JadedOne
I originally meant my post to be a joke but I actually do need the advice (except for the part about killing my other plant ;))

The orchid's got white flowers... hmm hold on.. lemme see if I can find a picture.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1648966-365_md.jpg

[wiffledaddy]

the beans plant in your frank n beans arrangement is called a spathophyllum, and it does okay in the low to medium light.

You can get another one of those, or if you want to go more upright, I'd recommend a plant in the dracaena family

Janet Craig is nice

http://www.botanicus.com/BotanicusWNY/products/live_plants/low/janet_craig_cane/l-d-jc-cane.JPG


Originally posted by wannabe
Dear Plant Pimp, now that I moved my ficus to a more lighted location, I need to get another one to put in its place at the base of the stairs. Do you have any recommendations for any medium to low light housplants?

[JadedOne]

OK thanks! But what kinda food should I use? Brands??

Orchid's are hard to take care of :mad

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
that's a phalaenopsis, and it's the easiest one to take care of. Put it in a window that faces east, if you can.

The way to water these is to put it under the sink and run warm water through the pot until all the roots get moist. Give it orchid food during warm months only, about once a month. Use a minimal amount in light solution.

2 things to keep in mind:

never let the orchid sit in water, ie, if you have it on a saucer, make sure no water collects there. Orchids don't like wet feet.

never repot your orchid into soil. This is an epiphyte, which means the roots are to remain in the air. The wood chip potting medium is designed to replicate the natural environment for orchids, which generally grow on trees.

[wiffledaddy]

They're not hard if you do exactly as I just told you. : )

Use the Schultz, it's just fine for your orchid

http://homeharvest.com/homeharvest2000pics/SchultzOrchidFood.jpg


Originally posted by JadedOne
OK thanks! But what kinda food should I use? Brands??

Orchid's are hard to take care of :mad

[JackTheTripper]

Dear wifflePlantGuru,

I have a Brassaia arboricola I've had for about 5 years. When I bought it it was about 5 to 6 inches tall, had about 6 or 8 leaf bunches off the only main stem and the widest leaf rounds were about 2 inches wide. Now it's about 12 inches tall and still has only the main stem but the upper leaf rounds are about 4 inches around. The lower ones are yellowing a bit but there is some new growth near the top. It is outside but is under an overhang so it doesn't get any direct light. It's never been repotted and is in a pot that's about 5 inches around. Now I've seen these things get pretty big and have many many stems. Nice and full. What's wrong with mine?

[wannabe]

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
the beans plant in your frank n beans arrangement is called a spathophyllum, and it does okay in the low to medium light.

You can get another one of those, or if you want to go more upright, I'd recommend a plant in the dracaena family

Janet Craig is nice

http://www.botanicus.com/BotanicusWNY/products/live_plants/low/janet_craig_cane/l-d-jc-cane.JPG


Sweet! I'll go pick one up this week. :thumbup

[JadedOne]

Is too, cuz now I have to get my lazy ass to the store to buy food for a plant. :(

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
They're not hard if you do exactly as I just told you. : )

Use the Schultz, it's just fine for your orchid

http://homeharvest.com/homeharvest2000pics/SchultzOrchidFood.jpg

[wiffledaddy]

Kind of hard to say, but generally speaking, a malnourished plant tends to be tall and sparsely foliated. My guess: underwater, undernutrion. The pot sounds like a very small pot, and likely the soil is depleted.

Pot it up a size, and gently unwind the roots when you pull it out of the old pot, which are probably going to be bound pretty tightly. You want to cover the roots with soil, but don't cover too much above the root crown, or the main stem can rot.

Water it when it gets dry. As mentioned earlier, initially after repotting, water close to the main stem.


Originally posted by JackTheTripper
Dear wifflePlantGuru,

I have a Brassaia arboricola I've had for about 5 years. When I bought it it was about 5 to 6 inches tall, had about 6 or 8 leaf bunches off the only main stem and the widest leaf rounds were about 2 inches wide. Now it's about 12 inches tall and still has only the main stem but the upper leaf rounds are about 4 inches around. The lower ones are yellowing a bit but there is some new growth near the top. It is outside but is under an overhang so it doesn't get any direct light. It's never been repotted and is in a pot that's about 5 inches around. Now I've seen these things get pretty big and have many many stems. Nice and full. What's wrong with mine?

[wannabe]

Dear Plant Pimp,

How did you learn so much about house plants?

[Psychochik]

Hey plant pimp

What do you suggest for someone like myself that still lives at home, but wants to grow a certain plant that most parents wont allow grown in their home ??

[wiffledaddy]

It's not worth the risk.


Originally posted by Psychochik
Hey plant pimp

What do you suggest for someone like myself that still lives at home, but wants to grow a certain plant that most parents wont allow grown in their home ??

[wiffledaddy]

I used to pimp plants for a living.

Not so much sell, as just allow people to have a quality time with my plants. I had a fine stable of foliage.

Originally posted by wannabe
Dear Plant Pimp,

How did you learn so much about house plants?

[wannabe]

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
I used to pimp plants for a living.

Not so much sell, as just allow people to have a quality time with my plants. I had a fine stable of foliage.




...and the money that these people gave you was strictly for the time that they got to spend with the plants. What happened between the plant and consenting adult was strictly their business, right? ;)

[JackTheTripper]

Dear Pland Pimp,

I just planted some wild flowers in my front yard area. There was a dead space between where the grass stops and our patio is. (condo complex) The soild was pretty hard so I broke it up a bit then mixed the seads with some potting soil and sprinkeled it over the area. Then mixed it all up a bit and watered. After doing some research the soil is probably loamy but may be clay. Will I have any luck with these seads or did I just waste $4?

[racercutie]

Dear plant pimp:

I have a large (6 foot) palm (Chamaedorea elegans I think) that I bought a 3 months ago. Since I bought it, the younger leaves toward the bottom are slowly dying. The stalks are yellowish instead of bright green like they used to be. It looks ill. The larger leaves look fine ok for now.
I water every week or two. It get's plenty of indirect sun/shade. I don't know what's wrong with it. In fact, I can't seem to maintain any palm and fern I bring home (my Bostom fern's dying too).
What does the bugger need?
:(

[wiffledaddy]

Your palm could be have a few different issues.

first of all, where did you get it? Sometimes, these guys come with spider mites, if they came from a substandard nursery, so you want to be watchful of that.

It sounds like your palm is having some difficulty adjusting to your water and to the new light conditions. Low-leaf drop is usually a sign of insufficient light. The yellowing is likely a reaction to the water.

that particular palm does well outdoors in a tropical environment, but they just don't seem hardy enough for our relatively frigid climate.

Tell me where it is: inside our outside; by a window? etc...

[Red6Rdr]

Originally posted by CBRWITHTVS
if you call a plant a stupid idiot every day 5 times a day does it have any effect on its self esteem?

Does cigg. smoke stunt the groth of a plant?

Do you sing to your plants?

Do your plants talk to you?

Are you a plant?
:twofinger :laughing



:laughing :laughing :laughing

[wiffledaddy]

Jacques,

I'm really answering houseplant questions here. I knew the tomato question was going to bring more outdoor questions.

It sounds like you did some good stuff, and I'll bet you get some results. If nothing else, it's a $4 experiment. So, nothing is wasted.

Originally posted by JackTheTripper
Dear Pland Pimp,

I just planted some wild flowers in my front yard area. There was a dead space between where the grass stops and our patio is. (condo complex) The soild was pretty hard so I broke it up a bit then mixed the seads with some potting soil and sprinkeled it over the area. Then mixed it all up a bit and watered. After doing some research the soil is probably loamy but may be clay. Will I have any luck with these seads or did I just waste $4?

[JackTheTripper]

Fine :x

[ToxxicGirrl]

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
I used to pimp plants for a living.
Not so much sell, as just allow people to have a quality time with my plants. I had a fine stable of foliage.
Almost sounds like Anti's "secret beer gardens" that she has yet to show us. What happened to your foilage?

[racercutie]

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
Your palm could be have a few different issues.

first of all, where did you get it? Sometimes, these guys come with spider mites, if they came from a substandard nursery, so you want to be watchful of that.

It sounds like your palm is having some difficulty adjusting to your water and to the new light conditions. Low-leaf drop is usually a sign of insufficient light. The yellowing is likely a reaction to the water.

that particular palm does well outdoors in a tropical environment, but they just don't seem hardy enough for our relatively frigid climate.

Tell me where it is: inside our outside; by a window? etc...


Thanks - I bought the plant at Costco. Didn't see mites or any other buggers. It was so green and healthy when I bought it too.

We have a skylight as well as a large window above our patio doors so there's definately plenty of light.

Ive been watering it with plain tap water.
Ive been considering that Miracle Grow stuff if that might help it or some other fertilizer.

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by ToxxicGirrl
What happened to your foilage?

There's only so many times you can do it before you burn out. You see that new and beautiful plant, just off the boat from Hawaii waiting for you to pick it out of the line up. You drive it downtown, and put it in someone's office, or someone's home. Before too long, that young, beautiful plant is starting to look run down. It's picking up trash along the way, it's losing its luster, it's being abused...


Ah, it was a dirty business; I had to get out.

[wiffledaddy]

Miracle grow in light solution is a good idea. Mix in the small measure per gallon of water, so you end up with a very, very light blue solution.

This plant can be tricky, because it gets fussy with dry or wet conditions. You can expect some loss of foliage initially, no matter what. Your house probably isn't as bright and warm as a greenhouse. If it begins losing a lot of fronds, or the color doesn't improve, determine if the soil seems too wet or too dry.

Best technique is to set a weekly watering schedule. In that week, the plant should go from moist soil to dry. If it dries up before a week, use more water. If it's still wet at the end of the week, use less.


Originally posted by racercutie
Thanks - I bought the plant at Costco. Didn't see mites or any other buggers. It was so green and healthy when I bought it too.

We have a skylight as well as a large window above our patio doors so there's definately plenty of light.

Ive been watering it with plain tap water.
Ive been considering that Miracle Grow stuff if that might help it or some other fertilizer.

[faz]

what a wonderful thread! :thumbup

(sorry but the title of the thread didn't indicate to me what it was about, so I have stayed out of it until now, when I just needed to know what the hell was keeping this thread going.... afterall, it was about a drug selling pimp or something!)

Very informative indeed.

Unfortunately, we have bought almost all of our plants from Home Depot or OSH. Some of the roses have those white dusty thingies on their leaves. What is the best way fo getting rid of them?


Also, how often does one water a plant, if one doesn't know the specifics?? can watering a plant (like a rose plant, a ficus, etc.) on a daily basis be harmful to them??

[ToxxicGirrl]

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
There's only so many times you can do it before you burn out. You see that new and beautiful plant, just off the boat from Hawaii waiting for you to pick it out of the line up. You drive it downtown, and put it in someone's office, or someone's home. Before too long, that young, beautiful plant is starting to look run down. It's picking up trash along the way, it's losing its luster, it's being abused...Ah, it was a dirty business; I had to get out.
Ah, now I see how you came about calling yourself the plant pimp. Culling the young and beautiful out of the lineup and placing them in seemingly good homes and offices for people to enjoy, only to find them abused, depressed, dying, dropping foilage, etc. only after a short period of time, cigarette butts in their little pots. :cry The tragedy of the common flora.

[racercutie]

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
Miracle grow in light solution is a good idea. Mix in the small measure per gallon of water, so you end up with a very, very light blue solution.

This plant can be tricky, because it gets fussy with dry or wet conditions. You can expect some loss of foliage initially, no matter what. Your house probably isn't as bright and warm as a greenhouse. If it begins losing a lot of fronds, or the color doesn't improve, determine if the soil seems too wet or too dry.

Best technique is to set a weekly watering schedule. In that week, the plant should go from moist soil to dry. If it dries up before a week, use more water. If it's still wet at the end of the week, use less.

Thanks again!

[JackTheTripper]

Originally posted by ToxxicGirrl
Ah, now I see how you came about calling yourself the plant pimp. Culling the young and beautiful out of the lineup and placing them in seemingly good homes and offices for people to enjoy, only to find them abused, depressed, dying, dropping foilage, etc. only after a short period of time, cigarette butts in their little pots. :cry The tragedy of the common flora. His pimp had was not strong.

http://photos1.flickr.com/16371_6b99a2e4be_m.jpg

[ToxxicGirrl]

Originally posted by JackTheTripper
[B]His pimp had was not strong.
As they say, "Pimpin ain't easy," even with plants. :shrug

[wiffledaddy]

The white powdery stuff is likely fungus spores. If only a few leaves are showing this, then cut them off. Wear gloves, and avoid contact with the healthy parts of the plant. If there is a lot of this stuff, you might be in trouble.

Generally speaking, most indoor plants can be put on a 1 week watering cycle. Outdoor plants might need to be watered more frequently depending on your local climate.

I'm not being a smartass -- for once -- but here is the rule: if it's dry, then water it; if it's not dry, then don't water it. The reason most houseplants get into trouble is simply because people don't check to see if the plant is wet or dry. Overwatering kills more houseplants than underwatering, but they both claim lots of plants.

Plant life is very tenacious. Given minimal attention, a plant will survive.



Originally posted by faz
what a wonderful thread! :thumbup

Unfortunately, we have bought almost all of our plants from Home Depot or OSH. Some of the roses have those white dusty thingies on their leaves. What is the best way fo getting rid of them?


Also, how often does one water a plant, if one doesn't know the specifics?? can watering a plant (like a rose plant, a ficus, etc.) on a daily basis be harmful to them??

[Sharky]

how long is a sufficient watering using a drip system? This is for exterior plants and a couple of small trees.

[wiffledaddy]

Dunno. Outdoor watering is complicated because there are so many variables: local climate, soil type, plant type, average wind direction and strength... you get the idea. Your best bet is to get the New Western Garden book, check to see what your zone is, then have a look at the individual plants you want to care for.

Sorry, can't help with that. If you have a houseplant question, though, then lay it on me!

Originally posted by Sharky
how long is a sufficient watering using a drip system? This is for exterior plants and a couple of small trees.

[JackTheTripper]

(Since most of us surf from here...) What's a good plant for us cubical dwellers?

[wannabe]

Originally posted by JackTheTripper
(Since most of us surf from here...) What's a good plant for us cubical dwellers?


I'm curious too. What's a good plant for a place that really only gets flourescent lighting?

[wiffledaddy]

You've probably seen these guys around most offices, but here are the easiest plants to deal with given minimal light, forced air heating/cooling/ and the standard amounts of neglect.

This is a pothos, a very cheap and easy plant

http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/houseplants/photos/pothos.jpg

Another easy one, an aglaonema. This variety is the silver queen

http://www.pittypatjunctionflorist.com/catimg/aglaonema.jpg

Another ag, the emerald beauty

http://www.actionindoorplants.com.au/images/Plants/AgEmeraldBeauty14x.jpg


the ubiquitous spathophyllum, or peace lilly. Its main appeal is the ability to flower in relatively low light.

http://image.localstreets.com/storebuilder/WZBVUFAB/lindskoogflorist/product/07/b_y000479340.jpg

There are more esoteric choices that can live in the boxicle environment, but these are the easiest and safest.

[wiffledaddy]

Man, the plants thread must have pissed some people off. I haven't had mojo since I posted it

: (

[weak_link]

Dear PlantPimp,

I have a cat the chews up all my houseplants. Are there plants that taste like poo to a cat but won't harm them? I miss having plants around inside but it's just a waste because as soon as we turn our backs, Desmo(the cat) starts chomping the leaves or whatever he can chew on.

[wiffledaddy]

Cats need to eat greens, but they shouldn't eat your houseplants. Some of these common houseplants are poisonous or toxic, and can do your cat harm.

Get some kitty grass, which is a mix of sprouted seeds that have nutrients most house cats lack in their diet. Encourage the snacking on this, and discourage the houseplant snacking with a spraygun or -- if you have a cat like mine that understands English -- by telling it to stay the hell away from the houseplants.

http://www.pestbouncer.com/Dsc02657.jpg

[ToxxicGirrl]

Plant Pimp,
If I may be so bold as to intrude on your thread....
Cats are like bunnies - they like to chew shit, particularly leafy green stuff. The key is to give them some aminal-friendly alternatives so they won't go after your belongings. If that doesn't work, a spray bottle full of water and a firm "BAD KITTY/BUNNY/FAT BASTARD!" will help deter them.
humbly,
fan of plant pimp

[AndyM]

Plant Pimp,
Someone gave my mother-in-law a baby tomato plant. She wants me to plant it in a pot so she can grow it on her balcony. How big a pot do I need?

[wiffledaddy]

Whodat: this is an outdoor plant question, but I can help. A tomato needs full sun, and a lot of water.

You should do the container planting in steps. A 1 gallon to 5 gallon to 15 gallon plastic nursery container is your best bet. Ask at a nursery for the containers, they should give them to you or sell very cheaply. If you buy some other stuff, the more likely they are to give the containers. You want to use a good soil mix that retains moisture. Tell them precisely what you are looking to do and ask for the best mix.


Tomatoes not planted in mother earth need to be fed regularly.

[Bad Dad]

plantpimp



I'm moving this week into a new home that will be all mine for the 1st time as an adult.


I love "fern" type plants/trees and the ex never let me get any.


What is there along those lines in which I could decorate my new home with that would be able to withstand Sacramento valley climate?

[wiffledaddy]

You know what would be helpful, is if you could send me pics of the location, and indicate which direction the windows face.

Also, some idea of the temperature range of the room. Sac is hot, I know, so will you use the AC, or is going to be ambient valley heat?

also, honestly, how diligently will you maintain, water, and dust the plants?

I'll give you good advice, but will probably recommend expensive-ish plants. However, they will last a lifetime if properly placed and maintained. If you are not really into the maintenance, we can probably get you set up with something inexpensive that you can replace from time to time.

[Bad Dad]

From memory.

House faces west. All windows would be on the eastside of the house with the possibility of only direct sunlight in the morning.


thermostat will be at 76-ish in the hot months.


What do you consider expensive? I don't have a problem spending a few bucks for what I would consider a piece of art.

[wiffledaddy]

a good palm is a couple hunnerd bux. My guess is this is what you want, given the 'fern' description.

Once you get settled in your new place, let me know. I can review some pics and make suggestions, or roll out for a look. I might be going that way for a Willie Nelson show in the next couple of months.

[Bad Dad]

you're talking a "fern" type of palm, right?


Because I have a certain disdain for palms being as the ex decorated that shit all over my house. Pictures, kitchen towels and dishware, bathrooms, bedroom, backyard, etc.. and this is MY HOUSE NOW dammit!

:laughing

You're welcome through my pad anytime bro!

[wannabe]

I thought that ferns required a lot of work. Don't those things need a lot of humidity? That's why I see people putting them in bathrooms all the time.

Hopefully, Mr. Plant Pimp can confirm or rebut this.

[wannabe]

Dear Plant Pimp,

I don't know if you're still checking this thread, but I need some help. The people in the office were going to throw away some plants, so I decided to take them and try to nurse them back to health.

They appear to be the 'cheap and easy' variety that you mentioned earlier in this thread.

This is the first one. The pot is beyond ugly, so just like all the others, this bad boy is getting a new pot.

My questions are:

1. The current pot is 5". How much larger of a pot do you recommend?
2. How deep can I bury the plant? (I'm asking because one of the stems is having an issue standing on its own.)
3. Any general repotting tutorials that you can give us?

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1674572-dsc00032.jpg

[wannabe]

These next ones look like the pothos plants that you posted above, but they aren't nearly as full as the one you posted.

You can't tell by the pic, but there is quite a bit of calcification on the bottom 1" of the pots. It appears that these things may have been sitting in water for a while. It also looks like they have been overwatered. Obviously, I'm going to repot them because these existing pots are somewhat disgusting.

Here are my questions for these bad boys:

1. Should I let the soil dry out more before repotting?

2. Any recommendations on how to trim these things? They kinda look like they need a hair cut.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1674579-dsc00033.jpg

[wannabe]

This is just a closer shot of the pot. I have absolutely no experience with these viney plants. When I repot them, how much of these things do I bury?

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1674582-dsc00035.jpg

[wannabe]

And, just to show you that your advice hasn't been wasted, here is the bad boy that I replaced the ficus with at the bottom of my stairs. :thumbup

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1674594-dsc00037.jpg

[wiffledaddy]

hey - my whole house is full of 'throw-aways'. I love to take plants out of the garbage. New plants cost a ton!

Anyway, yeah, there's plenty of good repotting advice I could give... but I'm tired and pretty deep in my cups, so now might not be the best time.

I'll address your specific plants.

First off, the aglaonema, or plant in the little container. Pot this one up into a 7" plastic pot. Just pull it out of the container it's in, try to unspool the roots at the base of the root mass, and put it into the container. Main BIG IMPORTANT THING: keep the soil level the same. Don't put the thing a the bottom of the pot and cover it with soil.

This plant likes to get NO direct sun. It likes to be moderately moist and dry out between waterings. If it stays wet, the leaves will have tip burn. If it flowers, it is getting too dry. Pull the flowers off as soon as they appear, as they will attract pests.

The pothos - long stringy plant, is the easiest plant on the planet. Give them both a SERIOUS haircut. Cut the vines at less than 8-10 inches - or so - from teh soil. You can put the ends of these cuts into water, and they will create roots. This is asexual propogation, and basically the way this plant is made. Once the roots form, post up and we'll go from there.

Pull these guys out of the pots they are in currently, pull off the crummy looking white stuff - salts, etc.. - and gently unwind the roots a little. Put some new soil in the base of the pot, and put them back in the same container.

The pothos does NOT like direct sun. Moderate light is good. Indirect sun near a window will cause crazy growth.

The pothos likes to be moderately moist - like a wrung out sponge. It does not like to get dry. It does not like to be wet wet.

For both plants, use general purpose potting soil. Just whatever you got, or whatever comes in the smallest container.

Give them a couple of weeks to adjust to their new soil, and then start watering them with a mild fertilizer solution as mentioned above. Weak miracle grow mix is great.

The janet craig on the stairway looks great. 4 canes, very nice! Love those banded, emerald leaves.

[wannabe]

Thanks for the detailed advice! :thumbup I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one bringing home unwanted plants. I was afraid that you were going to be a plant snob and tell me to throw these away and pick up a hundred dollar palm or something. :teeth

I'll repot the aglaonema and give the pothos a haircut tomorrow. I'll even give that asexual reproduction a try. :teeth

Why do you recommend putting the pothos back in the same pots?

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by wannabe

Why do you recommend putting the pothos back in the same pots?


You don't have to use the same pot, but you also don't need to significantly increase the pot size. A pothos will do well in a small pot for years. If you do pot up, don't go larger than 10". The change of soil will do it a world of good.

[wannabe]

Dear Plant Pimp,

It's official. I am the office plant foster parent. Here's another one that I saved from our trash bin. I got the powers that be over here to agree to let me take this guy home instead.

Sorry for the bad picture, but all I had right now is my camera phone. Anyway, it's hard to make out, but the upper leaves are turning yellow. There used to be three 'stalks' (I think that's what they're called), but I was told that the leaves on one of them died, so they pulled it out of the pot. :wtf

So, now there are two stalks left, and the leaves on one of them are dying. I know you typically don't recommend repotting, but there's still a big hole in the middle where the third stalk used to be.

Any specific recommendations on the proper care of this bad boy? What do you think is causing the upper leaves to yellow? Too much water? Not enough water? Not enough food? Can these yellow leaves even be saved?

Should I start with a diluted miracle grow solution?

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1693188-04-18-05_1247.jpg

[wiffledaddy]

Wannabe:

this plant looks like a Dracaena fragrans, or specifically the massangeana. It's too bad they pulled that one cane out of the pot, because it was probably not dead.

First off, the yellow/brown leaves are goners, as is the stalk they are on. This plant looks like it was a victim of low light and overwatering. What you want to do is trim that stalk with the dying leaves back to the healthy part. If it looks brown or rotten where you cut it, cut a little lower down. I'd start at or below the height where the thriving foliage is on the healthy cane. but, to be clear, you don't need to any trimming on the healthy one.

First of all, before you bring this into your house, make certain there are no bad bugs on it. Do you notice any scaly or bumpy things on the leaves? Or anything that looks like little puffs of cotton? Look at the underside of the leaves, too. If you don't see any signs of insects, wipe all the dirt and dust of the leaves, gently, with some damp paper towels.

Also, I'm assuming this is potted in lava rock. Is that correct? Is this soil medium still wet, or is it dry?

[wannabe]

The soil is dry now. I think that you're right about the low light. It was off in a corner of our office that isn't very well lit.

Lava rock? So, potting soil won't work? Thanks for letting me know the name of the plant. Off to Google I go.

[wiffledaddy]

Potting soil will work. I was asking you what the medium is. You have to approach it differently depending on the medium.

If it's in lava, it's going to be easier to rejuvenate.

Basically, put the plant in a medium light environment and give it about a drinking glass of water *directly* at the base of the canes once a week. Don't let it sit in water.

If you go back to water it next week, stick your finger in the soil at the base of the canes. If it is still wet, don't water it.

No direct sunlight.

Check for bugs. If bugs, then don't bring it into your house.

[wannabe]

I just went back to the store room and did a deeper exam of the poor plant. I can't tell if it's in soil or lava, but either way, it's bone freaking dry right now.

thanks for the advice as usual.

What's your definition of 'medium light?' Is that spot where my Janet Craig is considered 'medium light?'

I'll make sure to water it per your directions. I feel so bad for this bad boy.


edit: I forgot to mention...yes, it's bug free. Nothing on or under the leaves.

[wannabe]

I just spoke to the guy who supplies the plants to our company. The plant that I brought home is a 'corn plant cane.'

http://www.realplants.net/images/lowlight/corn_plant_cane.jpg

He was really cool. He eventually agreed to sell me some of the plants and charge me the same as what he charges the office.

Here's what I'm getting:

Some smaller Peace Lilies ($6 each)

http://www.realplants.net/images/lowlight/peace_lily.jpg

Diffenbachia ($6 each)

http://www.realplants.net/images/lowlight/dieffenbachia.jpg

Chinese Evergreen Maria ($6 each)

http://www.realplants.net/images/lowlight/chinese_evergreen_maria.jpg

As for the size, he said that these would be delivered in 6" pots. That's a pretty good size for $6 each. :thumbup

I'm finally going to be able to populate my whole place with plants in one giant swoop instead of just picking one up every month. :thumbup

[wannabe]

By the way, one of the ladies here at work recognized this one and called it a Chinese Money Tree. That was kinda cool.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1647544-dsc00030.jpg

[brichter]

Dear Plant Pimp,

My roses are looking pretty sad this year. They have black discoloration on the leaves that seems to follow the veins.
This is the first time in 8 years they have looked like this, what are they sick and tired of (whoops, that's me that's sick and tired of stuff!)?

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1699576-p1010001.jpg

[brichter]

.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1699577-p1010002.jpg

[SunTzu]

My rose bush is doing the same thing, except the blossoms are dying as well.
I think in my case it is the mere act of me thinking about trying to aid a plant, any plant, that begins its eventual demise.
Please help.
Please?

[wiffledaddy]

Hi there, sorry for the delay, missed the post.

Yeah, your rose looks tired. I think what you've got there is a fungal infection. By looking at the picture, however, it looks like this is a systemic issue. All those dead parts of the plant visible toward the base of the plant makes me think there is a lot of only semi-viable plant matter. Basically, I'd give this plant a serious trim. Cut off all the dead stuff, and then trim down all the green. Leave nothing thicker than a pencil all the way around.

Best bet, though, really, is to dig it up, and plant a new rose.

Disclaimer: I'm not the most knowledgeable rose guy.



Originally posted by brichter
Dear Plant Pimp,

My roses are looking pretty sad this year. They have black discoloration on the leaves that seems to follow the veins.
This is the first time in 8 years they have looked like this, what are they sick and tired of (whoops, that's me that's sick and tired of stuff!)?

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1699576-p1010001.jpg

[wiffledaddy]

Might be the same fungal issue. It's been kind of a long wet season. The rain, then warm, then rain can be hell on a neglected plant.

Pics are very helpful. Post up a pic.

Originally posted by SunTzu
My rose bush is doing the same thing, except the blossoms are dying as well.
I think in my case it is the mere act of me thinking about trying to aid a plant, any plant, that begins its eventual demise.
Please help.
Please?

[brichter]

Cool. Roses get a haircut this weekend.

[wannabe]

Dear Plant Pimp,

OK, so I got the corn plant home and repotted. Here's a picture of the guy in his new home.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1704404-dsc00042.jpg

[wannabe]

My questions are in regards to your trimming recommendations:

What you want to do is trim that stalk with the dying leaves back to the healthy part. If it looks brown or rotten where you cut it, cut a little lower down. I'd start at or below the height where the thriving foliage is on the healthy cane. but, to be clear, you don't need to any trimming on the healthy one.


Here's a closer shot from the other side of the plant. It appears that the unhealthy stalk was trimmed before. The top circle shows the spot where it looks like someone 'topped' the cane them put on some red material to keep the bugs out. The bottom circle shows where there is another side growth coming out of the bad cane.

Should I trim this cane all the way down to where that little side growth is? Or, should I just go ahead and trim down to that red cap? Basically, just lop off the two little stalks? Where specifically do you suggest that I trim this stalk?

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1704426-dsc00046.jpg

[wannabe]

Here's a closer shot of the little side sprout. It doesn't look to me like he's long for this world either.

After you answer the above questions, I'll show you my newest acquisitions. :teeth

Thanks in advance for your help. :thumbup

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1704433-dsc00048.jpg

[wiffledaddy]

I don't think you have anything to lose by trimming this one all the way down to the cane. It looks like it really wants to keep living, based on the new shoot.

Give it kind attention and it will be fine. I see you repotted it. Be careful to water it close to the base of the canes.

ps: this dracaena massangeana is commonly called a 'corn plant' but it's not a corn plant. You take good care of it for a thousand years and it will never produce a single ear of corn.

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/senior/vegetabl/images/large/cornfield5.jpg

[wannabe]

Thanks for the advice as usual. I think I'm offically addicted.

Check out my new acquisitions. (I promised myself that I wouldn't bring any more home after these.)

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1705279-dsc00038.jpg

[wannabe]

Dear Plant Pimp,

OK, it appears that the asexual reproduction of my pothos was successful. Thed ones that I soaked in water are now sprouting some long roots.

What do I do with them now?

[wiffledaddy]

Wow, I thought this thread was dead, yet it lives on.

Put an inch or so of potting soil in the container you want to plant the pothos in. Place the newly rooted vine cuttings on top of this and gently cover them with more loose soil. Only press down on the soil enough to keep the vines in place. Space your cuttings evenly around the container. Water well and then let the soil go dry on top before watering again. No fertilizer for a month or 2.

[JadedOne]

Dear Plant Pimp,

My orchid lost all of it's flowers. I didn't feed it the food you recommended. Can I still save it?

:love,

JadedOne

[wiffledaddy]

Dear Jade:

more than likely, the plant is just fine. Orchids can only hold on to the flowers for a while, but the plant usually survives to flower again.

I can't remember what kind of orchid you have. Does it look like the one pictured below? If so, how many leaves are left?

If there are 3+ leaves, then cut the flower stalk back about halfway down. If there are only 2, then cut it all the way to the base.

An orchid gets a nice warm watering in the sink, and the water is to run through the potting medium. Don't let your orchid sit in water. It doesn't like wet feet!

If this isn't what your orchid looks like let me know. The important thing is the way the leaves look, not necessarily the flowers.

http://www.orchidcare.com/PhalwithInsert.jpg

[JadedOne]

Yes, that's what it looks like. Oh, I also forgot to mention that the leaves are no longer vibrant green. They are yellow and sickly looking. :cry

[wiffledaddy]

Well, if the leaves aren't looking good, then you want to trim that stalk back to the base of the plant.

It can be a couple of things causing the yellowing. It may not be getting enough water, it may be getting too much water, or the light may be wrong.

This type of orchid is hybridized from one which grows beneath a forest canopy, so it does not tolerate direct sunlight well. It likes morning sun, ie, eastern exposure, or indirect light. Bright, indirect light is best.

The roots, which are visible, should be growing and green. If they are black and wet, you are overwatering. If they are brown and crispy, underwatering. The plant should be watered approx. once a week.

I've attached a picture of healthy orchid roots. The material coating the growing root is called velamen, and it should be a little bit shiny, and the growth past there should be green. This is your goal as an orchid owner.

Sorry for the phallic nature of these images, but nature does tend to repeat itself.

http://www.jbrj.gov.br/saibamais/orquideas/imagens/Velames.jpg

[JadedOne]

That's hot. Thanks WD.. I'll check on the orchid's roots tonight ;)

[lizard]

Originally posted by JadedOne
Dear Plant Pimp,

My orchid lost all of it's flowers. I didn't feed it the food you recommended. Can I still save it?

:love,

JadedOne

That is a cryptic message if I've ever seen one!!!

Jaded, we all know you've been deflowered. There's no such thing as a born-again virgin.




Meanwhile......

Dear Plant Pimp,

Why are some of the stalks on my brother's Peruvian Lily flopping to the ground. Is a cat sleeping in there at night, not enough water, or are the flowers too heavy?

TIA

[cardinal03]

here's an easy one, what's a good starter plant?

[JadedOne]

:laughing Just because you've been devirginized in both your orifices doesn't mean I have. I'm still 1/3s virgin :x

WD - I need help weeding my patio so I can start my herb garden. Will you help me? Thanks.

Originally posted by lizard
That is a cryptic message if I've ever seen one!!!

Jaded, we all know you've been deflowered. There's no such thing as a born-again virgin.

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by lizard
Dear Plant Pimp,

Why are some of the stalks on my brother's Peruvian Lily flopping to the ground. Is a cat sleeping in there at night, not enough water, or are the flowers too heavy?

TIA

Dr. Lizardo:

The Alstroemeria can be a little droopy, depending on which variety it is. As far as the water issues, the leaves tend to droop first, so if this is the case, and you notice the leaves dropping a day or two before the flowers begin to sink, then underwatering is likely the problem.

The cat, however, does add some degree of uncertainty. Most cats are heavier than air, so can have some gravitational effect on flowering plants. Unless you have the particular Andean Cat Lilly variety, I'd think the cat sleeping on the plant will cause it to flatten out somewhat.

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by cardinal03
here's an easy one, what's a good starter plant?

Indoor or outdoor?

One very easy indoor plant is a spathophylum, or peace lily.

http://www.ftdfuneralflowers.com/images/Peace_Lilly.jpg

outdoor plants get a little complicated, because specific climates and light conditions are considerations.

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by JadedOne
:laughing Just because you've been devirginized in both your orifices doesn't mean I have. I'm still 1/3s virgin :x

WD - I need help weeding my patio so I can start my herb garden. Will you help me? Thanks.

suddenly it's very hot in here

http://www.sixsquare.com/blog/images/1004/dangerfield.jpg

[wannabe]

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
Indoor or outdoor?

One very easy indoor plant is a spathophylum, or peace lily.

http://www.ftdfuneralflowers.com/images/Peace_Lilly.jpg

outdoor plants get a little complicated, because specific climates and light conditions are considerations.




First of all, thanks for answering my question about my pothos. Now about the peace lilies....I have a few. Is there any way to keep them from spooging their spores all over the place, or is this just something I have to live with?

Also, after spooging their spores, the white leaves eventually turn brown and die. Do I cut them off as they're dying, or do I wait until they're fully brown and ready to fall off the plant?

[wiffledaddy]

When the flower opens, you can tap on it to get it to drop its seed.

Tap, tap, tap, tap, TAP TAP TAP. Then just wipe that up. Or, tap it into your cupped hand and just rinse it off.

When the flower begins to wither or turn brown, cut it off.

[lizard]

Dear Plant Pimp,

Thanks for answering the question on the Peruvian Lily, here's another, why does the Calla Lily stalks flop? I've heard it's now dormant season for them.

TIA

[b.rock]

Yeah mine are doing that too. I was curious myself.

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by lizard
Dear Plant Pimp,

Thanks for answering the question on the Peruvian Lily, here's another, why does the Calla Lily stalks flop? I've heard it's now dormant season for them.

TIA

For your climate, which is now beginning to warm up considerably, the calla lilly is going to need a lot of water.

More than likely, the plant is in too much sun, geared toward early spring blooms, rather than surviving the summer. If you are inclined, you can dig up the bulbs and move them to a more shady spot.

Trim off the flower after it is done, and the resources of the plant will go to support the leaves, so they won't lose their turgor.

[Bad Dad]

Help. My girlfriend bought this plant for me. We potted it in a nice plant out in front of my house. It's on the north/west side of the house. It gets only the latest sunshine of the day before dusk.

It has been "wilted" looking since planting. I watered the heck out of it for a couple days. Then I tried leaving it waterless for a few days. It's been 2-3 weeks, and it still looks the same..

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1806360-grad_017.jpg

[Bad Dad]

shot of the whole plant...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1806361-grad_018.jpg

[Bad Dad]

bump WD, where are you!?!?!??!

[sohijiro]

what kind of plant is that? look like a freak mix between a maple tree , grapevine, and pumpkin blossoms

[Melissa]

Chinese Lantern.

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by Bad Dad
bump WD, where are you!?!?!??!

sorry, I was busy recovering from a big fall. Not quite sure why, but I was very impatient getting off a ferry, ran through some landscaping and tried to scale a fence. Fell 20 feet and crunched my whole right side.

Ouch. I think this is a vitamin V kind of day.

Anyway, I have some suspicions about what happened when you repotted this plant. I don't like the look of that container, for one thing. It tapers at the bottom, which is good for a small plant, but not a big one. It should have a saucer under the container, so it can take up the water that drains out.

I think you've got 2 problems: the roots might have been damaged in the repotting; the water is flowing to the sides of the pot and the roots are staying dry.

I'm not 100% about proper exposure for this plant. I will look into it and get back to you. In the meantime, water *slowly* at the very center of the soil.

[Melissa]

whoops. I picked out the container and re potted the poor thing during which as I tried to break up the root ball I might have been a little too rough.
Sorry Marco-I giveth and I taketh away!

[Bad Dad]

you shall be punished accordingly melissa. :devil


so wd, keep it how it is? Water more?

[wiffledaddy]

for the time beans, until the root system heals, I'd put it on the east side, if you can. The west is too hot. Morning sun is cooler.

Water it, man, water it! Right at the base of the plant. Make sure the water isn't running around the root system.

When it perks up, I think it can go back to your spot.

[Bad Dad]

ok. moving now..

[Melissa]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bad Dad
[B]you shall be punished accordingly melissa. :devil

Just tell me when and where....
:teeth :teeth

[wiffledaddy]

So, I looked a little bit more into the Abutilon hybridum, which is the variety you have. Apparently, my instinctive advice was correct. Afternoon sun should be avoided. If you can keep this guy in the east, south east, that would be best. If it goes southeast, a little shade is good, too.

Keep the soil moist while it is flowering, so water maybe 2-3 times a week, depending on water use.

Get a saucer for the pot, and when you water it, make sure there is water in the saucer when you leave it. If it doesn't soak up the water within a day, then leave less water in the saucer the next time.

That is a very nice gift. I never give people cut flowers, instead I give flowering plants. Life is fantastic.

[brichter]

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
sorry, I was busy recovering from a big fall. Not quite sure why, but I was very impatient getting off a ferry, ran through some landscaping and tried to scale a fence. Fell 20 feet and crunched my whole right side.


Stunt pimp?

[wannabe]

Dear Plant Pimp,

It appears that I have a bug problem. When I water some of my plants, these little bugs fly around. They look like they are living in the soil of my plants. They're a little smaller than a fruit fly. They're all over the place. How do I get rid of them?

[wiffledaddy]

You are likely overwatering if you've attracted fungus gnats. First of all, let the top of the soil dry out between waterings.

Now, for the existing gnats, you want to lure them out of the soil. You can use a partial can of beer, a bottle of grape juice or wine for this. The fun part, drink the beverage until the container is about 1/4 full. Then leave the remainder somewhere near the most infected plants. The gnats will be drawn into the bottle or can and drown. If you haven't resolved the issue inside of 2 weeks, send me a PM and we'll troubleshoot this further.

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by Bad Dad
ok. moving now..

How is this plant doing now?

[wannabe]

Thanks, WD. I'll try the beer/wine trick. I hope that works.

[Bad Dad]

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
How is this plant doing now?


little better. for sure not worse.

He was moved to the back of the house under my covered patio that only gets a.m. sun. I also got a tray for him to try and soak up water when he needs it.

I'll let you know in a week or two.


Btw, I just bought a braided ficus to go in my house. This is going to be interesting.

[wiffledaddy]

ficus is easier than you think. The key is a bright spot, but not too hot. An occasional misting is a good idea. Dust the plant a couple times a month. A hot, dry, dusty ficus will get spider mites and scale.

I recommend against repotting until the plant is acclimated. If you bought a decorative container, just put it in that in the nursery pot it came in. If you have already repotted, be certain to water at the center of the roots. Ficus death in the first couple of weeks in a new home is almost always due to improper watering.

Be sure and give it a weak fertilizer mix at each watering.

Post up a pic of the chinese lantern plant if you want, and I'll see if there are any really obvious things you can do to make it happier.

[Max Smiley]

yay, the plant thread! :banana

dear plant pimp:

here's my fledgling herb garden consisting of rosemary, thai basil and chive. all plants are doing well after repotting to this planter box but...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1832147-garden__1_.jpg

[westie]

Q-I have one of those long viney things where the vines are like 10 ft. long. Anyway, a lot of the leaves are yellowing and falling off? I water her bout once a month so I don't feel I'm overwatering but, when I watered the other day, the next day about 5 leaves started to yellow and yesterday I pulled their brown carcasses off???

[Max Smiley]

...periodically the basil plant has leaves like this. wth is it? are these snail trails? the plant yields many good sized, tasty leaves but these kind of leaves I pinch off the plant and grind up for the soil.

also, what do you do with chives other than decoration. they don't taste like much even chewing on the bare stalks.

thanks P.P.!

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1832164-garden__3_.jpg

[JadedOne]

Dear Max Smiley - I can help you out with your chives question. They go very well in an egg omelet. Just chop them up finely and throw them into beaten eggs. There's tons of recipes out there that call for chives other than for the use of garnish. Hope this helps ;)

Love,

Gourmet Pimp

Originally posted by Max Smiley
...periodically the basil plant has leaves like this. wth is it? are these snail trails? the plant yields many good sized, tasty leaves but these kind of leaves I pinch off the plant and grind up for the soil.

also, what do you do with chives other than decoration. they don't taste like much even chewing on the bare stalks.

thanks P.P.!

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1832164-garden__3_.jpg

[wiffledaddy]

You are about to be double-teamed.

What you've got on your basil is a leaf miner. It's a small critter that is living, and eating, in the inside of the leaf. So, if you eat this leaf, you will be eating the miner. The best control is to go through the plant and remove all affected leaves. These guys probably came from the nursery where you bought the basil. Where did you get the plant? You might want to consider avoiding this nursery. Selling plants with pests on/in them is bad mojo.

At the end of the summer, you will probably want to separate the basil and the rosemary, as they will want to grow independent of each other.

You have now been double-teamed by the Gourmet and Plant pimps.

Regards,

Plant Pimp

[Max Smiley]

:banana I'm lovin' it :laughing

thanks you! the plants are from home depot! should I go back and show them infected leaves? the state is very touchy about pests, plant or otherwise, as foreign species have a long history of screwing things up here. either way I will being destroying infected leaves if they show up again. will repot the plants when they get too big, probably foresaking the chive for more basil and/or cilantro instead.


:welcome to the gourmet plant pimptress :)

[wiffledaddy]

I don't know as it is even worth the experience of hassling with the parking lot at Home Depot to get a refund or a new plant.

#1 plant advice I can give anyone is DON'T BUY HARDWARE STORE PLANTS.

There really is a huge difference in the quality of the plant, and it is very common to get something infected with one pest or another. If you continue to have problems with the leaf miners, throw the plant out, and get a new one from a real nursery.

For now, look at every leaf individually and pull off the ones that even remotely appear to have a pest on/in them. The basil will grow the leaves back in no time.

[EXCESSS]

Dear Plant Pimp,
Not sure if you adressed hydrangias in the thread yet? (I also know you were focusing on houseplants) However, I bought a beautiful one at a nursery and within a week, the leaves have curled and they are browning. It is plenty moist. The tag says partial sun, but I'm wondering...seems like too much and it is only in the sun in the morning. What am I doing wrong?

[wiffledaddy]

Hi excess,

I'm going to need some more information from you:

what town/region are you in, ie, what's the climate?

did you repot?

did you plant it in the ground?

Did it get rained on?

It's facing east? Can we confirm this?

Got a picture?

(Outdoor plants always have so many more variables than indoor plants. Just like life, maaaaan, there's just more going on out there)

[wiffledaddy]

Mr. Crusher:

This is a little vague. I'm going to guess you have a pothos and it is in low light. First thing you want to do is trim the runners, because 10' is way too long.

Likely, the plant is generating little energy in the low light, and it's getting too much water, causing root damage and leaf drop.

Does this look like your plant? There are different varieties, so we want to focus on the shape of the leaf.

http://www.always-online.com/owens/plant/pics/pothos.jpg


Originally posted by westie
Q-I have one of those long viney things where the vines are like 10 ft. long. Anyway, a lot of the leaves are yellowing and falling off? I water her bout once a month so I don't feel I'm overwatering but, when I watered the other day, the next day about 5 leaves started to yellow and yesterday I pulled their brown carcasses off???

[EXCESSS]

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
Hi excess,

I'm going to need some more information from you:

what town/region are you in, ie, what's the climate?

did you repot?

did you plant it in the ground?

Did it get rained on?

It's facing east? Can we confirm this?

Got a picture?

(Outdoor plants always have so many more variables than indoor plants. Just like life, maaaaan, there's just more going on out there)

1. Vacaville-Hot! (but I see a lot of beautiful one's in the area)
2. Yes-from plastic nursery pot to a large clay pot.
3. It is under the eaves, so no rain.
4. It is facing East.
5. I could get a picture.

Thanks!
:teeth

[wiffledaddy]

hokay, we've got a few possible things going on then.

First of all, the facing east is good, it's the right spot, and eliminates the hot afternoon sun as our culprit.

Hydrangeas like to be in the ground, you know. They like to build a decent sized root system, and might exhibit this behavior in a container.

If:

A) there is a saucer under the container and the plant is sitting in water, ie, there is water in the dish, it's got to come off that saucer.

2) if no saucer, then ask yourself if it perks up right after watering, but then looks kind of crappy by the next day. In that case, the roots are not getting enough water.

C) if none of these apply, it might just be that the root system needs a little time to adjust to the repotting, and it should be looking fine in another week or so.

Send or post a picture if you want. It's always a lot easier to figure out what's going on when you can see the plant (this is just one reason there are so few blind gardeners).

[Bad Dad]

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
Post up a pic of the chinese lantern plant if you want, and I'll see if there are any really obvious things you can do to make it happier.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1833408-bike-plants_008.jpg

[Bad Dad]

here's a close-up

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1833409-bike-plants_009.jpg

[Bad Dad]

and here's a shot of the new ficus. I'm not repotting it for at least 6 months.

Let me know if it looks "light" enough in there. This is a pic of afternoon light. windows face east, with a covered porch about 12 feet outside the window so no "direct" sun through the window.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1833416-bike-plants_007.jpg

[Bad Dad]

bumping for the pimp to notice..

[wiffledaddy]

The ficus looks good. This is a very nice plant. Things to keep in mind is that no matter how good the light is in your house, it's going to be less light than in a shadehouse, so expect to lose some leaves from the center of the plant. It's normal for a recently moved ficus.

When trimming this plant, be careful not to let the white sap (latex) drip onto your skin or furniture. It is staining, and a major skin irritant. If it gets in your eyes, you'll wish you had some pepper spray to wash it out.

Loose rule of thumb: yellow leaf drop means underwatering, green leaf drop means overwatering. This is a loose rule, as you are going to have some green leaf drop soon, no matter what you do.

Try to trim it to keep it 'lollipop' shaped. If it goes in all directions, it will lose all the foliage in the center and look kind of bleh. Also, a ficus likes to be turned. Rotate it 90 deg or so every week or two.


(cut that tag off the nice braid!)

[Bad Dad]

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
(cut that tag off the nice braid!)


I was going for the modern hiphop style of leaving the tag on??

[wiffledaddy]

Originally posted by Bad Dad
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/113/064/1833408-bike-plants_008.jpg

Right after you water this, does it perk up for a little bit?

The plant doesn't look bad, just a little wilty. I think it's either not getting enough water, or the roots haven't had a chance to really establish yet.

If this continues to be a problem, this plant should probably be moved into a wider pot, with a nice, large, saucer beneath it.

How's the Sac water? Is it hard or soft?

[Bad Dad]

hard water. notoriously.

[wiffledaddy]

You din't answer if it perks up right after you water, or it it's always wilty looking.

Since the water is hard, you are going to want to flush out the soil every once in a while. At least every other month. Take the saucer out from under the pot and let the water run through the plant for 5 or 10 minutes. As the plant takes the water back up from the saucer, it also takes up the salts, which collect in the soil. So, you want to wash those out from time to time.

[Bad Dad]

Originally posted by wiffledaddy
You din't answer if it perks up right after you water, or it it's always wilty looking.




I don't usually wait around to notice.:( I'm kinda oblivious to little details. I'll strive to pay better attention.... But everytime I"ve looked at it, it's been wilty.


I've also tried talking to it. THings like

"Hey buddy, it's ok, drink the water up. you'll be fine"

"awww, how cute your are little plantieplant!"

and

"Listen cocksucker, you're pissing me off, either get better or get replaced with plastic."

[westie]

Can you recommend a good fertilizer for my ummm, tomatoes. Ah fuck it, my weed, I want my weed to be huge!

[myap]

Dear Plant Pimp,

The wife and I would like to grow some jasmine along a 6'x6' trellis on the concrete balcony of our apt. to create some shade for our living room. We would eventually like full coverage of the trellis. :teeth

I'm curious as to how large a planter you might suggest I install so that the jasmine will have enough soil to flourish.

At first I was going to place 1 gallon nursery pots every foot or so at the base of the trellis. Now I am debating placing two 1'x1'x3' planters side by side.

Lastly, can you suggest a better flowering, fast growing vine that might be better suited for our purpose?

Looking forward to your thoughts!

Thanks in advance!

Michael

[wiffledaddy]

MAYP:

I need to know what direction your balcony faces. I'm going to guess West, based on the need for shade. But West or South makes a difference.

Depending on exposure, the growth rate will determine what size container and alternatives to jasmine.

Also, are you or your wife allergic to bees?

[myap]

In the late afternoon, we get blasted by the sun so I'd say West.

No allergies to bees, but my wife is terrified of spiders.

Thanks in advance!

[wiffledaddy]

For just about anything you want to trellis, I'd say the box is a better bet. And, get whatever size box pleases the eye. The smaller the box, the more frequent watering it will need, and the growth will be less vigorous.

Jasmine is a good plant.

Some other plants you might consider:

a bougainvillea will give you cover, and flower, but it can be kind of messy and is pokey/thorny

If you want decorative cover for the summer only, you can plant grape vines. As a bonus, you get grapes!

You might also consider planting any variety of peas or peppers - or mix it up. With that exposure, you'll get good, quick growth, and a nice edible product as well.

If drainage is going to be a problem, ie, water dripping on neighbors pisses them off, then you might want to go terra cotta pots on big saucers. Otherwise, the planter boxes are a better bet.

Lemme know if this is helpful.

[myap]

:wow

That is all good info--thank you!

Couple of follow up questions...

Do you know of any types of planters that have a catch system for water? Although, I like the idea of terra cotta pots--very attractive.

If the balcony is ~10 long--what size and how many terra cotta pots and would you place along the base of the trellis (assuming the trellis is ~10' long also)?

[Bad Dad]

plant pimp..

I've got a dwarf orange tree.

We found "scales" on the branches.

Help!

[weak_link]

Dear Plant Pimp,

I'm not sure if this counts as an 'indoor' plant or not but if you know what this is or how to bring it back from the path of the dead, please advise.

I had a round of snail problems and some of the chemicles took their toll on the plant. Also, it was getting huge and was above the water line so I hacked it in half which was probbly not the right thing to do. It used to get nice white blooms underwater but it was blooming right up against the light and was getting really cluttered looking.

The root structure was started by me shoving it in a hole in the rock and it really took off.

Now that the chems have damaged the plant is there any way to stop it from kicking the bucket? How about ammount of time with the light on? Is more better or should I stick to a schedule...any tips?

thx!