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What Should I Do About Yellow Leaves On Peace Lily?

October 5, 2009 by 4 Comments

Ask the Expert: Peace Lily care
I purchased a peace lily about 4 weeks ago for my office. It is not in direct sunlight, I have been watering it regularly to keep the soil moist, and spray the leaves. However, the leaves are CONSTANTLY turning yellow. Everyday there are new yellow leaves appearing. Any suggestions? How often should I be watering the plant. Lisa

Plant Expert Reply:

I believe your plant is receiving too much water.  Peace lilies generally get by with once a week watering.  If they are in a climate that is cooler or has low light levels, the peace lily (Spathiphyllum) can go even longer between watering.  The first thing to check is drainage.  Make sure your container allows the plant to drain off excess water. Once the water issue is corrected it will take a couple of weeks for the plant to fully recover.  The first sign of recovery will be new green leaves.    Good luck and keep me posted.

This plant problem diagnosis was brought to you by Flower Shop Network.

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What Causes Black Leaves On A Peace Lily?

October 5, 2009 by 21 Comments

Ask The Expert:
I have a Peace Lily and I am noticing that some of the leaves (at the tips) are turning black. What is causing that?  I have been cutting off the black parts, is that OK?
Thank you for your time.  bfh

Plant Expert Reply:

There are 3 things that can cause peace lilies to turn black.

The first is a water issue – too much or too little.  With water the leaves turn brown first then black.

The second is exposure to an extreme temperature change.  Exposure to extreme cold will turn the peace lily leaves black.  Exposure to extreme heat or sunlight usually causes a yellow/brownish discoloration before it becomes black.

The third is a fungus called Phytophthora (aerial blight).  With this  fungus you need to keep water off the foliage – that is how the fungus spreads.  You may need to treat both the soil and the foliage with a fungicide.  Check with your local nursery & garden center for the appropriate fungcide.

This plant disease discussion was brought to you by Flower Shop Network.

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Caring For China Doll Aralia

September 16, 2009 by

Ask the Expert: please give me tips on china doll aralia plants
every year i buy one of these but with no luck. is there a secret i am missing? i can grow almost anything inside and out.please help thank you Rosemary


Plant Expert Reply:
Here are a few plant care guidelines for China Doll Aralia (Radermachera sinica):

  • Keep it away from temperatures below 65 degrees and away from heaters or radiators.
  • Place in full bright light but avoid light sources that shine directly on the plant.
  • Check the need for water frequently. You will need to let the soil dry  to the point of almost wilting but not beyond.
  • Fertilize the plant once a month with a water soluble during the growing season (spring & summer) and bi-monthly the rest of the time.
  • All growth comes from top. Prune occasionally. After pruning you might need to cut back on watering for a while.
  • Watch for signs of  Aphids, Mealy Bugs and Spidermites.

These plants tend to go through severe transplant shock. It is important to place them in the optimum location as soon as you bring it home.  The first few weeks will be the most difficult for the plant.  Don’t fertilize and watch your watering very closely.  Good luck. Keep me posted.

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Peace Lily’s Bad Haircut

September 8, 2009 by

Ask the Expert: Will leaves grow back on Peace Lily?
I have a peace lily and I cut the flower and leaf down to the soil by accident.  I guess I should have only cut the flower down to the leaf.  Are the leaves going to grow back or am I going to have a bare spot where I cut the leaves?  Please help.  Thanks.  Marlene

Plant Expert Reply:

Luckily peace lily leaves are like hair.  They will eventually grow back and fill in the bad trim.

Did you cut back several of leaves? If so you might want to fertilize the peace lily with a light solution of a water soluble fertilizer.  This will give the peace lily the nutrients it needs to produc the leaves.  Also, during this growth stage be careful not to over water your plant.

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Questions About Lucky Bamboo

August 28, 2009 by

Lucky Bamboo With Pebbles

Lucky Bamboo With Pebbles

Ask the Expert: A Few Questions About My Lucky Bamboo
and i been searching on the net to see just how to care for them, and i have been getting ALOT of different things pointed at me..

* I understand that they are hardy plants which dont like to be fussed with to much..
* I know they like destilled water over tap or spring
* I also know that you have clean/change the water and rocks in order for it to stay free of bacteria

My Questions Are However :

1. How often should you give it water? (once a week, 2 times a month?) – im totally confused!!

2. How often should you change/clean the rocks?

3. How much food should you give it, and when?

please let me know! like i said i have been reading alot of things online.. and im not sure what one to follow, please help  Janelle

Plant Expert Reply:

I understand your stress.   So I will try to give quick and uncomplicated answers.

Lucky Bamboo water requirement:  Give it enough water to maintain a consistent water level.  For me that means once a week for you it may be longer or shorter.  Tip: make a mark where you optimum water level should be – if the water drops 1/4″ below this mark add water.  For you I would make the mark right at the lip edge of your pot.

Keeping Lucky Bamboo clean:  If you keep all decaying plant material out of your container, you will only need to replace the water every couple of months.  The only time I would change or clean the rocks would be if a bacteria or algae conditions was occurring.

Feeding Lucky Bamboo:  I personally feed my lucky bamboo twice a year.  Lucky bamboo is slow growing and do not respond well to over-fertilization. If you feel that it needs more fertilizer, schedule fertilization once a quarter.

I hope this information helps to remove any confusion you might have about lucky bamboo.  Please keep me posted and let me know if you have other questions.

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Is This Plant A Pumpkin?

August 27, 2009 by

Ask the Expert: Pumpkin?

Young Pumpkin Plant

Young Pumpkin Plant

Last year I threw old pumpkins that were not cut open in my back yard.  I think they were just the small kind you use to cook with and they are hard to cut.  Anyways now this year there is a big mysterious plant growing close to where the old pumpkins were.  In the background you cant see it very well but the pumpkin is still there and has seed there still too.

Pumpkin With Bloom Pods

Pumpkin With Bloom Pods

Also on the other picture it looks like more leaves or maybe those yellow flowers are growing that grow on pumpkin plants.  I was just wondering if this is a pumpkin plant and if so what can i do to keep it growing to grow pumpkins for this year? Amanda

Plant Expert Reply:

Yes, it seems to be a pumpkin plant.  However, your pumpkins may be slightly different than the orginal plant depending on the cross pollination that occurred last year.

Your plant looks healthy and should produce pumpkins without any problems.  Basically water and fertilizer it the plant.  When you water try not to wet the foliage.  Instead apply water at the ground level.  You can use a water soluble fertilize or a granular fertilizer.  On pumpkins I like to use a granular slow-release fertilizer.  I have been using milogranite on my squash, cucumbers and the like.  So you might try it.

You should see pumpkins start to form as soon as the blooms open up.

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Changing Lucky Bamboo Containers

August 23, 2009 by 2 Comments
Lucky Bamboo Pot Option

Lucky Bamboo Pot Option

Ask the Expert: Re-plant my Lucky Bamboo
As you can see from the pictures my lucky bamboo plant has (I think) all but outgrown its original glass planter.
I would like to re-plant it in the new planter (see picture).
Will it look okay in this new planter?
Can I use rocks to fill it (along with the small pebbles it came with) and if so what kind of rocks I should use?
Clean and wash them?
What else do I need to be aware of?
Thanks
JD

Plant Expert Reply:

I think the lucky bamboo will look fine in the crytal shoe.  You have two options: 1) You can place river rock pebbles in the container.  You will need to wash the rock first with warm soapy water and then rinse them before placing them in the shoe. 2) Don’t place any pebbles in the container – I have had lucky bamboo in a vase without pebbles.

When you transfer the lucky bamboo use distilled water.  You might lightly prine the roots at this time. The lucky bamboo may go into transplant shock for a couple of weeks. Don’t panic just let it be and it will come out of it.

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Phalaeopsis Orchid Care

August 23, 2009 by 5 Comments

Ask the Expert: When will my Phalaenopsis Orchid Bloom? I bought a (indoor) Phalaenopsis Orchid plant that looked rather sad with its’ droopy leaves and no flowers on a Lowe’s discount table for a $1. Took it home and with some TLC it has perked up quite a bit. It has a long brown stem (like a skinny branch) growing out of the plant base. No blooms whatsoever, so do I cut the stem off and would another one grow in its’ place? When would I expect some flowers? Also, does this plant get root bound? I can see through the clear plastic (small) pot all these green thick “roots” seem crowded.

Never owned a Orchid before as I have heard they are hard plants to take care of. Thank you in advance for your help. Would a photo help? If so I can send one to you. Thanks – JD

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: Phalaeopsis orchids are not too difficult to grow.  In fact at the nursery, we basically ignore them.

Blooming Plant OrchidHowever there are a few things you will want to do:

Proper Light: Phalaeopsis need bright indirect light.  Directly across from a south facing window is the best.  You can also exposed it to 12 hours of fluorescent light if natural light isn’t available. Your orchid will have bright green leaves if it is getting adequate light.

Adequate Water & Nutrients: As for water, you will need to let it dry almost completely before you water it.  You will need to fertilize it once a month with a fertilizer specially blended for orchids.

Proper Orchid Maintainence: Bloom stalks are normally pruned.  If the plant has healthy thick green leaves that are not wrinkled or drooping, you cut the bloom stalk just below the lowest bloom.  The plant should then send out a new flowering branch.  If you stalk is not healthy, cut the stalk all the way down and be sure to water and fertilize properly as the plant recovers. When an orchid is this damaged, it can take up to a year before it will bloom again.

Oh as for the roots – it is perfectly acceptable for the roots to show.

Hopefully this information will help you bring your Phalaeopsis orchid back to it’s glory.

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Gelatin Like Substance On Lucky Bamboo Roots

August 18, 2009 by 1 Comment

Ask the Expert: Lucky Jello?

Lucky Bamboo Roots

Lucky Bamboo Roots

My Lucky Bamboo was a birthday present from my mother almost 3 years ago. I guess I never really looked at the plant, but today I noticed a gelatinous substance in the roots. Also my plant has stopped absorbing water as often. . .

Lucky Bamboo With Gelatinous Substance

Lucky Bamboo With Gelatinous Substance

I don’t know what to do.   I’ve attached pictures of the mysterious gelatin-like substance that’s permeating the roots of my plant. And a picture of the roots just in case that would be helpful. Dee

Plant Expert Reply:

Your plant may have come with water crystals ( a polyacrylamide substance that helps retain water).  These crystals absorb water so that later they can release water when the plant needs it.  I don’t know why some lucky bamboo sellers do this – it is unnecessary.  After all the lucky bamboo is in water.  The crystals shouldn’t cause a problem.

However if the substance seems more organic or has a bad odor, decaying material may be the problem.  The rooting plant material may have caused a fungus which will cause problems with the lucky bamboo stalks.

Either way you can get rid of the gelatin-like substance by washing the roots.  It may also be a good time to prune the roots or move the stalks into a larger containers. Before you place the stalks back in the container, test all the stalks making sure that they are all firm.  Remove any stalk that feels soft. This way if any disease has occurred, you will be removing it.

If your plant looks healthy, I wouldn’t worry to much about the water intake.  It could be related to a humidity factor in the environment.


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Moving Duranta Erecta Indoors For Winter

August 17, 2009 by Leave a Comment

Ask the Expert: I live in the mountains of Western North Carolina
How can I winter-over/indoors my duranta erecta–little tree in a big pot/about 3-4 feet tall.

It’s beautiful & I’d like to be able to bring it in (should it be in the house/sunny room?) or just in the garage over the winter? Gloria

Plant Expert Reply:

Hopefully the pot isn’t so big that you can’t move the plant and all into the house. I would not recommend trying to put the plant in a smaller pot just to get it in the house.

The optimum place for your duranta would be a sunroom that stays above freezing.  It doesn’t necessarily have to be heated but it can’t drop below 30 degrees.  A garage will work but only if it stays above freezing and has many windows that will contribute good light.  Any room in your house will work as long as it has a good light source.

When you bring the duranta indoors for the winter reduce your watering.  The plant will not need as much water as it did outside.  You can also cut back on the fertilizer.  Watch for spidemites, mealybugs and whiteflies when you take it indoors. If these pests due occur, you can spray it with a houseplant spray that controls those insects.

Good Luck and Keep Me Posted.

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