|
Page 24
Hi Greg - I have to admit I am a garden buff and once I learned you were on WHUD, I purposely drive longer routes to listen! Thanks for all your terrific advice and hopefully you can help me out. Two years ago I purchased a 6-inch Christmas cactus that had buds about to bloom. Unfortunately the buds fell off before they bloomed and I have been blessed with a beautiful green cactus ever since. I water it when the soil is extremely dry and the plant is growing beautifully, but alas, no flowers or buds. The plant is in my kitchen where it receives afternoon sun and I have it about 6 feet off the ground because it is safe from my children there. Any suggestions as to what I can do to make my cactus bloom? Thanks -- Teresa
HI Teresa, Thanks so much for the compliments. You didn't mention feeding your Cactus. Use a high middle number, water soluble fertilizer such as a 15-30-15. The trick with these Cacti is that they need cold nights to set their flowering mechanism. 40 degrees is perfect if you have a cold porch or a real cold window away from the heat. Don't let it freeze. They are known to bloom from fall to spring so there still may be hope for this year.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a 4 to 8 foot corn plant. Four plants together of different heights in the same pot. I purchased the plant around 6 months ago. Shortly after bringing it home the tips of some of the leaves turned brown and others turned completely brown. About 20 to 30 percent of the leaves are affected. The plant gets full sun from morning through midday. I water it 16 to 32 ounces every one to two weeks. Too much sun, too much water, temp, humidity, help?
Probably not enough humidity which is different from water. Try draping it in a clear dry-cleaner bag away from direct sun for a few weeks. The leaves lost won't come back but it should push new foliage on the top. In time, if it gets too long of a trunk, you can cut it into logs and each one will become a new plant. Good luck!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Greg, My name is Lori and my question is: ( When there is grass in my yard) I have several areas in the lawn where mushrooms grow and grow. The problem is my dogs, they 'go' and play in the same area as the mushrooms and I have always been very concerned that they might eat these stubborn mushrooms. When anyone in the family notices them, we immediately scrape them up and dispose of them, which we do on a very regular basis. Last spring, summer, and fall we got rid of them. Moving the dogs area is not an option however. Will they hurt my dogs? If so, what can I do (safely) to get rid of them permanently? Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my question. I appreciate it very much. Lori
Hi Lori,
For the most part, animals are much smarter than we are when it comes to eating poisonous plants. I won't say never but I've never heard of a dog or cat for that matter, getting sick from eating mushrooms in the yard and there are a lot of yards with a lot of dogs and cats and a lot of mushrooms. Most dogs and cats really don't like them. I have a dog and don't worry about it and you shouldn't either.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a very tiny catcus and I don't know when to water it. I received this back in August and I've watered it twice since then. Please help. Thank you. Andi Rowan
Hi Andi, As you've guessed, they don't need much water but I would guess a bit more than you've been giving it. I water mine about every three to four weeks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Greg, Can you tell me when is the best time of year to prune apple trees? Also, how much should be taken off of the trees? Will pruning increase the growth of the apples? Thanks for your help, Joe Macaluso
Hi Joe, I prune my apples in Jan/Feb. Pick up one of those "Pruning How-to Guides" such as the Ortho one with good pictures. Prune off all of the suckers. Good pruning will result in full size fruit and more of it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Greg, I love African violets, but I have poor luck with them. I water from the bottom, making sure the leaves don't get wet. I water them when they are almost completely dried out, and I don't think I over-fertilize/feed. Also, I put them in a spot with diffused light. So WHAT am I doing wrong? HELP! Thanks in advance for your answer- Anne Wagner
Hi Anne, I give my A. Violets real good light. They will bloom in relationship to the quantity and quality of light they get. Sounds like that might be your problem.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Greg: When is a good time to split peonise? Love your program. Sue Ponte/Mahopac
Thanks Sue, I love to hear that! The best time is in the fall but you can do it early spring if you need to.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We tried the 7-Up in the water for our Christmas tree and it worked really well - so well, in fact, that there is new growth all over the tree - over an inch at the top, and most of the branches show at least a little. It's a pretty, light green, and at this point we're all amazed, and, hence, haven't taken the tree down yet. Is there a chance that the tree will grow roots, or should we just take it to be mulched? Thanks - we really enjoy listening to you, and getting your great advice. Sincerely, Patricia Valentin
Thanks for the kind words, Patricia, Wow! sounds like the 7-up is exceeding even my expectations. No, unfortunately it won't root again but glad to hear you've been able to enjoy it for so long.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, I am not one to complain however, I took your advise about our Christmas tree. My husband shaved off some of the side bark, we poured the seven up portionately w/water. Sounded great, did it all right. The tree (which had moist and soft brances at the time) Never Took a Sip! The water level never changed (and the floor was dry). However, the tree lasted the season nicely so I am not upset at all, in fact, I think your great and totally enjoy your spot on the Mike and KC show. Sylvia D. Scalzo
Hi Sylvia, Thanks for the compliments. I really enjoy doing the show. The tree didn't drink for one or both of two reasons. It was pretty old when you bought it (some are) or it was allowed to "sap over" (which can happen in one day) between cutting/shaving and it's first taste of water. Any way, all's well that ends well. Take a look at the previous Question.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Greg,
I have recently take my amaryllis plants out form their rest period and they are putting leaves and flower buds, but have not yet bloomed. When should I start to fertilize them again since they are heavy feeders. Thanks very much, Motherwell
Hi Motherwell,
I begin feeding my Amaryllis when I first wake it up with warm water soluble 15-30-15 so you can begin right away according to label directions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've had a small Christmas Cactus for several years. Each year it has buds, and this year it had approximately 7. However, only several came to full bloom. The others seemed to dry or shrink and then fall off before they were full buds and opening. I've had it in a spot with fairly bright light, but not really direct sunlight. I tend to under-water reather than over-water. What can you advise? I recently acquired a somewhat larger Christmas Cactus and hope that I don't have the same problem. Thank you. Eileen Santucci Newburgh
Hi Eileen, Generally, the buds drop off because it is too hot. It likes real cool nights and full sun during the day to mature. Your watering sound OK but be sure not to let go too long in between waterings when it is in bud. after bloom, feed it for the next 10 months with 15-30-15 water soluble fertilizer according to label directions.
|
