Madagascar Dragon Tree
The Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata) is characterized by long, narrow leaves that are extremely spiked. The foliage is generally dark green with edges that are adorned with a reddish purple and can grow up to 16 inches in length. As the tree grows it will naturally lose it’s lowest leaves leaving tufts of leaves atop a bare woody cane. Although species vary, this variety can grow as tall as 20 feet in height. But, when kept as a houseplant, it generally only reaches around 6 to 8 feet. The size can be controlled by cutting the tops off. The cane can be cut at any height and within weeks you will begin to see a new tuft of leaves growing at the cut area. It’s better on the plants health to cut the cane during spring or early summer. One of the fun things about this plant is that you can control how it looks. You can either just let it grow naturally, or you can twist several stalks together. They can even be trained to grow in spirals and can easily be bent to grow in various ways. It’s sort of the alternative to a small bonsai tree! This houseplant does best in areas where there is low or moderate lighting. Like many other varieties of Dracaena, the Dragon Tree will give you a hint when it’s not getting enough light! If you notice that the accenting colors on the leaves are fading, you need to move it to an area where it will get a little more light. The Dragon Tree will do much better with moderate levels of water. The soil should be allowed to dry out about one third the depth of the pot between watering. While the Dragon Tree will tolerate most average home conditions, you can provide it with a little extra humidity through regular misting. Misting the tree regularly will also help prevent insect infestations. The leaves will give you a good idea whether you are providing too little or too much water. If you have a lot of leaves that are turning yellow and falling off, you’re probably not giving the plant enough water. If the leaves are starting to turn yellow at the tips, it could be a sign of too much water. This houseplant can tolerate a variety of temperatures, humidity levels and conditions. But, water can be it’s worst enemy. Make sure that you provide good drainage and don’t water it too much to prevent root rot. It can be planted in any good quality potting soil and fertilize it every two weeks through the spring and summer. The cane can be cut and rooted to produce new plants. Dragon Tree Fun Facts While many people think that the Dragon Tree is a member of the palm family, it’s actually closely related to lilies! The name “Dracaena” comes from a Greek word meaning female dragon. The name was derived from a red gum that comes from the cut stem of the tree. When the gum is thickened, it is said that it closely resembles dragon blood. In ancient Roman and Medieval times the gum was used in alchemy and magic. Today, it is used in photo engraving and as a varnish. Written by Connie Corder, Copyright 2010...
How To Choose Healthy Garden Plants
Your garden will be more successful and your harvest will be much bigger if you start with healthy plants. Healthy plants will even produce sweeter tasting fruits and vegetables. There are several places where you can purchase plants. You can go to your local garden center or nursery, and often even find them at a neighborhood grocery stores. One of the main ways to determine the health of a plant is by the way it looks. Firm stems and leaves are a good sign that the plant has been well cared for. Always avoid plants that are drooping and wilted. This generally means that the plant hasn’t received enough water and the roots could be severely damaged. You should also avoid plants that have holey leaves. This usually points to an insect or pest infestation. Never purchase a plant that has already started producing small fruits or vegetables. It might seem like a good way to get a quicker harvest, but that’s not the case at all. In fact, there’s a much higher risk that the plant won’t survive. Transplanting and relocating results in a lot of trauma for a plant. If it’s already blooming, it might not survive the stress and you could end up with a dead plant. Before you purchase a plant check the roots carefully. Generally if the plant looks good and healthy, the roots will be healthy as well. But, this isn’t always the case. If the roots are brown, soft or show any signs of rotting, choose a different plant. Healthy roots should be firm and they should almost fill the small commercial pot. A few small roots in a pot full of soil is a bad sign. Some plants can be nursed back to health, but it’s usually not worth the risk. You could end up with a very poor harvest, or no harvest at all. You can reduce the amount of stress from relocating and transplanting the plant. Simply allow the plant to set in the area where you plan to plant it for a few days. This way the plant can adjust to the new light and weather conditions before you replant it. Written by Connie Corder for HouseplantsForYou.com, Copyright 2010 All Rights...
Successful Container Gardening
At one time, almost everyone had a large garden. Raising a garden full of fresh vegetables and fruits was the only way most people had to feed their family. With a constantly growing population and progress taking over much of the land, container gardening is becoming a viable option. Almost everyone loves the taste of fresh vegetables, but many people just don’t have the room or space for a garden. If you live in an apartment, or have a small yard, you can still have delicious fresh vegetables with container gardening. A container garden can be set up on a patio, deck, balcony, or a nice sunny window. Just like any type of gardening, container gardening does take a little planning. You need to choose the types of plants you want to grow based on the amount of light the area has. If you have an open deck, choose plants that can withstand full sun all day. If you have a deck with a roof, be sure you choose plants that can flourish in the shade. Vegetable plants are generally fairly inexpensive at your local garden center. But, you can start your plants from seed several weeks before the last frost. When the seedlings do get large enough to take outside you might still need to protect them for awhile. Strong winds and rains can quickly destroy tender seedlings. You can virtually grow any vegetable plant in a container. All you need to do is make sure that you create the right growing conditions. Your plants will need the right amount of water, fertilizer, sun and room to grow. With the growing demand to grow plants in limited space, there are a lot of dwarf varieties that are ideal for a container garden. You can use almost any type of container for growing vegetables. However, the container should have at least one hole in the bottom for proper drainage. You can even add some small gravels to the bottom of the pot to help keep the roots from sitting in water. Drainage holes are crucial if your container garden will be exposed to rain. Besides fresh fruits and vegetables, container gardens offer another great advantage, no weeding! Because you will be using a high quality potting soil to grow your plants, you won’t have to worry about weeds taking over your garden. And, because your garden is in a protected area, there’s a much lower risk of pest and insect infestations. At the end of the growing season you can re-use the pots to plant frost resistant plants. Mexican feather grass, Lavender, Jasmine, Cornflowers and many other plants can fill your container garden in the fall. Container growing can be really rewarding and fun. Not only can you have delicious fresh vegetables, you can save money on your grocery bill. Written by Connie Corder for HouseplantsForYou.com, Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved Container Garden photo courtesy of Shirley’s Wellness Cafe...
Grow Healthy Vegetables And Increase Harvest
Growing your own vegetables provides a lot of wonderful benefits. You can lower your grocery bill substantially. Home grown vegetables are healthier and have a much better taste than store bought vegetables. And, you get to glow with pride when everyone is commenting on how beautiful your garden is and how much they love the taste of your harvest. One of the best ways to have healthy garden plants is to know what each plant needs. Some plants require more light, more water and more fertilizer than others. Do your research and learn what type of conditions are best for each plant you want to grow. Most vegetable plants have to have at least 6 hours of sun each day. However, there are plants that need a full 8 hours of sun. If you have long periods without rain, make sure that you water your garden. Most vegetables need at least an inch of water each week to thrive. If the vegetables are bearing fruit, they can require even more water. In really hot temperatures, you might need to water your garden several times a week. Your plants will literally tell you if they need more water. Check them everyday and if you notice any wilting on the leaves, water them. Insects and pests can quickly destroy even the healthiest plants. Take the time to look at your plants on a regular basis. Check the leaves and stems carefully for any signs of insects. Most pests will eat the plant, so look for any holes in the leaves. The sooner you discover a problem, the better chance you have of saving the plant. If the fruits and vegetables are close to being ready to harvest, avoid using harmful pesticides. If you are going to take the time to grow fresh vegetables, it’s much better to take the time to use organic methods to get rid of pests. Using dangerous pesticides sort of defeats the advantages of growing healthy vegetables! Written by Connie Corder for HouseplantsForYou.com, Copyright 2010 All Rights...
How To Make Your Own Organic Pesticide For Aphids
Aphids rank number one on the list of most hated plant pests for most gardeners. The pesky little insects love almost any kind of plant or vegetable which makes them really hard to avoid. Aphids are very small and can be either a milky white or light green color. They can quickly destroy a healthy plant, but fortunately they are easy to control. It’s always a good idea to carefully inspect your plants from time to time. As with any other pest, the quicker you start treating your plants for aphids, the better you chances are of saving the plant. Aphids can spread really fast and if one plant is infected they can end up on all of your other plants as well. Aphids literally suck all of the nutrients out of the plant, but they also spread plant viruses that are deadly to the plant. There are some simple natural ways to get rid of aphids. Spray the entire plant with a water hose to wash away as many as possible. Let the plant dry completely and then start treatment. One very effective treatment for aphids is a simple soap and water mixture. Combine about 3 tablespoons of dish washing liquid in a gallon of water. Spray the plant thoroughly making sure that you spray the both sides of the leaves and the stem. Generally within about an hour of treatment with soap spray, the aphids will all be dead. It’s fairly safe to leave the soap spray on most plants. However, some plants such as melons, African violets and cucumbers will suffer from leaf burn if the soap is left on the plant. To be safe, you can rinse the plant with water after the aphids are dead. The soap spray won’t last long, so you’ll need to repeat the process often. If you are growing hot peppers in your garden you can use them to get rid of aphids. Sprays made with hot peppers are very effective in controlling aphids. Garlic is another excellent source of pest control. You can make a spray solution by combining 4 hot peppers, a few garlic cloves and a quart of water. Mix all of the ingredients thoroughly in a blender and spray the mixture on your plants. Aphids hate the smell of basil which makes it a really good plant to add to your garden to deter aphids. You can plant basil all around your garden to prevent an aphid infestation. Not only will your plants be aphid free, you can also use the basil in your favorite dish. Fresh basil adds a flavor that you just can’t get from store bought spices. Ladybugs love to dine on a gourmet meal of aphids. You can attract these natural predators to your garden by planting some of their favorite plants. Morning glories and Angelica’s are both great plants to bring ladybugs into you garden. Some garden centers even sell ladybugs specifically for pest control. It’s recommended that you have around 100 ladybugs for each 1,000 square feet of space. The best defense against aphids is to spend some time in your garden and pay close attention to your plants. Aphids secrete a honeydew substance that ants love to eat. Often, you will see the ants begin to multiply in your garden before you see the aphids. Inspect your plants regularly and if you see ants, you might want to double check your garden. Written by Connie Corder for HouseplantsForYou.com, Copyright 2010 All Rights...
How To Grow And Cultivate Rosemary
Rosemary, or “rosmarinus officinalis” (dew of the sea) is a perennial herb which grows throughout the year. Its distinct flavor is good on many dishes, and is especially used in Mediterranean cooking. It thrives in dry, sunny climates with well-draining, sandy soil and needs watering only when the soil is about ready to dry out once it is established. Patience is required, as it takes around two years for rosemary bush to mature completely. When planting rosemary, it saves a lot of time if you start with cuttings rather than seeds. The seeds have an extremely low germination rate, and while the plant will grow from a seed effectively… it is very time consuming. Plant the seeds in April if you are going that route and plan on being very patient. If you choose to use cuttings, make sure that it is from a new growth and cut to around eight centimeters. Fill a pot with compost and place the cuttings on top, then place the pot in standing water. When the compost has drawn enough water to moisten itself, put a clear glass or plastic top over it for maximum warmth. After about two months, your rosemary plant should be ready for replanting to its permanent home. Rosemary is extremely resilient, however you will still want to make sure that it is protected during the winter months, especially severe frosts. Planting it near protective trees or shrubs will help keep the bush safe from severe winter weather, as well as avoiding areas too close to frost exposure. If you plan on bringing your rosemary plant indoors for the winter, one suggestion would be to keep it in the original, well-draining pot and plant it outdoors during the warmer weather. When the colder weather comes, uproot the pot from the garden and bring it indoors. Make sure it is in a room with southern light exposure and lots of good air circulation. If you are transplanting from indoors to outdoors without a pot, make sure it is being planted in an area with a lot of sunlight and that there is a deep enough hole to give the roots plenty of room to grow. The soil itself should be damp and loose with compost mixed in for mulching. Plan the position you want your plant in and carefully move it into the soil, moving the roots a bit to encourage growth. This particular plant responds very well to mulching… so keep compost on hand as well as chips of bark or small rocks and place the mulch at the base of the plant. This will keep the water from evaporating too quickly. A high nutrient liquid fertilizer (equal parts fertilizer and water) should be used sparingly if at all. Don’t worry about fertilizing them in the winter months, as this particular plant tends to be dormant throughout this time. Pruning the rosemary bush once a year will keep the leaves from spreading too much. It is best done just after the first flowering of the year, or around the first month of summer. The trimmings can be spread about your garden as a deterrent for bugs. Once your rosemary plant begins producing, you can start snipping the stems and leaves for use in cooking. Rosemary goes very well with lamb, chicken or pasta dishes, and can be used directly from the garden… just put the rosemary in stem and all and let the food simmer. Or you can crush the rosemary upon cutting thus immediately releasing its aroma and flavor. The leaves can also be dried and crushed to store for seasoning. However you cook with it… rosemary is a versatile herb that will add an extra kick to many dishes. Written by Angela Sangster, Copyright 2010...
How to Grow Your Own White Sage
White sage is a perennial, with plants living well past two years if properly cared for. This article will be a walk through as to growing this precious herb and how you can have your own on hand. Starting Your White Sage Plants White sage seeds themselves are edible, and can be found in pods on a sage plant. They have a very low germination rate, so it is important to start a white sage plant indoors and keep the seeds close to the surface (no deeper than an eighth to a quarter of an inch) and place in an area where there is a lot of light. You will want your plant to get at least eight hours of direct sunlight. Florescent lights can be used, although sunlight is preferred. White Sage Soil Needs The soil should be of a dry, sandy texture that drains water easily (cactus potting soil is a good choice) and put in a container with holes in the bottom. Since sage plants don’t do well in cold temperatures, they should either be replanted to grow indoors in a pot or covered during the winter months. Ideally, they should not be exposed to temperatures less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Initially in caring for your sage plant, it is important to make sure once the seedlings sprout to four inches that the plants are kept at least two feet apart to avoid overlapping. If you plan on transferring your plants outdoors, be sure to wait until all chances for frost have passed… and continue using dry, sandy soil that will easily drain water. Watering White Sage Watering is done a bit more often in the early stages of growth, without overdoing it. When the very top soil feels dry upon touch, water until it starts running through the drainage holes and the soil is completely dampened. Once the sage is growing well, it is only necessary to water when the top soil has completely dried. White Sage and Sunlight Needs Make sure the plant is exposed to the maximum amount of sunlight possible. While sunlight is essential for sage to grow well, keep a close watch over the plants for extreme heat or wind damage. White Sage and Fertilizer During the spring and summer months of growing white sage outdoors, it is good to use a regular liquid fertilizer. Mix equal amounts of water and fertilizer, and treat the plants monthly as the package directs. The white sage plant can grow up to five feet tall, and has stems (often called “sage wands”) that can grow up to six feet. The leaves flower along the stems and have a white tinge to them that comes from the fine hairs that grow on the leaves themselves. Flowers from the sage plant are generally white or a light lavender in color. Harvesting Your White Sage In harvesting the sage leaves, it is important to remember that if you snip in the lower part of the stem, no more leaves will grow… so cut the stem close to the top to get the maximum growth from your sage plant. Written by Angela Sangster, Copyright 2010 HousePlantsForYou.com Also see – Preparing White Sage For Smudging...
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