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Some Great Tips for Your Garden
Click here for Quick Tips on Water Conservation
Houseplants in winter
Growing tropicals indoors can be challenging because
we are experiencing lower light levels, shorter day lengths, different night
temperatures and lower humidity. All these factors influence how often to
water so we must adjust. A common problem with houseplants during the fall
and winter months is a tiny flying insect called the fungus gnat. These
gnats lay eggs in soils that are warm and wet, this intern causes fungus
growth in the soil and the gnat larva will thrive. Make sure to allow the
top 1/3rd of the soil to dry down before thoroughly saturating the soil
(moisture meters work well). Don't let the plant sit in the water for more
than a couple of hours. Also set a small dish of soapy water near the problem
plant at night to attract and deplete the number of Gnats that are flying
around. Check to see how much sun the plant requires this is found in books
or on the internet, most houseplants require 2 to 4 hours of direct sunlight.
If the plant is in a low light environment the plant will take twice as
long to dry out than in a high light area.
Dee Beckman, Horticulturist
Tagawa Garden Center & Florist
Ornamental Grasses
Patti Pfeifer of Center Greenhouse, Inc
Ornamental Grasses are sweeping the North American landscape as gardeners across the country are realizing the beauty they add by “softening the garden and giving it a more natural look”. (Wolfgang Oehme) It is best to plant grasses in early spring when the selection is greatest, and they have a chance to establish strong roots before the heat of summer. Most grasses require little or no soil preparation. Ornamental grasses require relatively low levels of fertility. By keeping the level of nitrogen low, flopping over can be kept to a minimum. Leaf color and vigor are good guides to nitrogen requirements. Apply fertilizer just as growth resumes in the spring. Plants should be well watered the first season while they establish a good root system. After that, many species do not need regular watering, except during drought periods. The amount of water will depend on the grass species, the site, and on the quality, size and growth rate desired. In dry climates, water can literally be used as a growth regulator.
The single most important maintenance rule for growing healthy, attractive grasses is to cut back the foliage at least once a year. It is best to cut them back 4-6 inches in late February or early March before they begin growing. This timing allows you to enjoy the beauty of winter foliage, along with protecting and insulating the crown from the elements while cutting back early enough to allow new growth to emerge uninhibited by dry, older stems. Older clumps of grass may need to be divided if they grow too large or die back in the center. This practice rejuvenates and thins grasses to keep them looking their best. As a group grasses are remarkably free of pests and diseases, incredibly undemanding and easy to grow, while adding tremendous texture and interest to your garden.
Orchids Tip for Success
The following is a list of things that have been proven successful over the years to help promote good growth and flower production. Do not change anything you are doing that is working, only consider a change if you are not happy with the results. Most orchids grow and flower no matter what you do so remember these ideas are only for those plants that prove stubborn to grow or flower.
Lift the pot to see if the media is dry before watering. Use a balanced fertilizer such as a 20-20-20. Water and fertilize less often in the winter or periods of cloudy weather. At least once per month use pure water with nothing added to rinse out any salts. Many growers use a high nitrogen fertilizer such as a 30-10-10 in the early spring to promote growth. About once per month try using a bloom booster fertilizer such as 6-30-30 to promote flowering. This can be done throughout most of the year. During the winter months when plants are not in active growth withhold fertilizer completely or at least cut back on the amount. Plants do not need as much at this time of year and you may burn roots.
If a plant is not blooming as it should the first thing to try is giving the plant more light. Give most orchids as much light as possible just short of burning the leaves. Yellow coloring or spots of sunburn indicate too much or possibly too intense a light. Give your plants good quality and quantity of light all day long not just in the morning or afternoon for an hour or two. Remember leaves should always feel cool to the touch. If this doesn’t help the plant to bloom try using a bloom booster fertilizer along with magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) at 2 tablespoons per gallon.
Most orchids can develop several types of bacteria
and fungal problems. Air movement is the best solution. Place a small fan
near your plants, this should prevent any of these problems. If you do notice
what appears as a soft area on the leaves try using neem oil to reduce the
spread of an infection. For bug problems first try an Insecticidal Soap
or Ultrafine Horticultural Oil. Follow the instructions carefully. Any bug
problem will take at least four applications over a one month period to
do any good.
Common Orchids
Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid)
TEMPERATURE - Phalaenopsis enjoy a fairly warm climate. The ideal night temperature being above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and daytime temperature 75 degrees Fahrenheit and over. Since this temperature range is similar to that of many houses, it makes an ideal house plant.
LIGHT-Bright light requiring little if any shade except when the sun is especially bright and the temperature is high. The atmosphere should be buoyant meaning these plants need good air circulation at all times.
WATER-Dendrobiums should never be overwatered. Allow the plants to become almost dry before watering. Humidity levels should be between 50% to 70%. Dendrobiums will benefit from a drying off period prior to setting buds or the plant may continue to grow without producing flowers. Never allow the plant to sit in water as this will rot the roots. Roots require air as well as water to remain healthy. Water temperature should feel tepid to the touch.
TEMPERATUE-Dendrobium phalaenopsis and its hybrids require warm days and night temperatures above 60 degrees. The deciduous type shed most or all leaves each year and prefer cooler temperatures down to around 55 degrees at night.
FERTILIZER-Evergreen dendrobiums are heavy feeders. When buds appear, or if it is necessary to stimulate a plant that seems reluctant to set flower buds, a fertilizer high in phosphorous should be used such as 10-20-20. During the growing season a balanced 20-20-20 is best. Try foliar feeding by mixing fertilizer and spraying it onto the leaves rather than pouring fertilizer into the pot.
POTTING-The smallest pot that will hold a dendrobium is the best size to use. Dendrobiums should never be overpotted. They prefer to be pot bound in order to flower well. As many dendrobiums grow fairly tall they have a tendency to become top heavy and you may wish to place the entire plant pot and all in a larger pot to prevent the plant from tipping over.
Copyright Garden Centers of Colorado 2010
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