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Dividing A Flamingo Flower (Anthurium)

April 6, 2009 by 4 Comments
Flamingo Flower

Flamingo Flower

Ask the Expert: How do I split My flamingo plant
It is very large & has been repotted several times – is it possible to split it without causing to much damage. Elaine

Reply:

Anthurium (Flamingo Flower) can be propagated by division.  You will need to remove the plant from its pot.  Check for any off-shoots or ariel roots.  These will be plant that are attached to the main stem but can easily be remove and still have a complete root foliage system.  Some people refer to these as “babies”.  You will remove them from the main stem and pot them in the same kind of soil as the parent plant.  Care for them the same as the parent plant.  I would not recommend splitting this plant in half.

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Lucky Bamboo Height Requirements

April 1, 2009 by

Ask the Expert: height and re-potting?
My lucky bamboo has grown to about four feet tall, and I have two stalks in one vase/pot. Is there a size or height that makes it necessary to move the plant to a larger pot? KV

Reply:

The only height or size requirement for lucky bamboo is more of a stability requirement. If the lucky bamboo is causing a top heavy toppling problem, then you need a taller pot or you can to cut the top off your lucky bamboo. You can root these tops and create new plants. The only other consideration is root growth. If the roots have completely filled the container, you need to either trim the roots or get a bigger container.

My rule of thumb is happy and healthy lucky bamboo should be left alone.

If you want to trim the top out of your lucky bamboo read these posts:
Topping Lucky Bamboo
We are not always lucky with lucky bamboo – it has photos showing where to make the cut.

Good luck and keep me posted.

Filed Under: Lucky Bamboo, Plant Care Questions Tagged With: , , , ,

Repotting A Divided Peace Lily

March 30, 2009 by Leave a Comment

Ask the Expert: how to repot a peace lilly? i have a peace lilly about 11 years old. tryed to repot it and it stop growing. i tried seperating it into two. i think i made a bad mistate. i need help

thanks Thelma

Reply:

The nice thing about peace lilies is that they are pretty tough. First, anytime you separate a peace lily it goes through a little shock. This shock will keep the plant from growing temporarily. So, if it has only been a week give it time. If it has been longer then we need to look at a few other factors. When you repot a plant it is important to keep the top of the root ball at the same depth as it was originally. If you planted it deep (add soil to the top of the rootball not just at the sides), it will cause problems. In this case you will need to lift the plant up — you will need to take the plant out of the container and shake the extra dirt off the top and place it back in the container filling to close the gap between the plant and the container. At this point the plant needs to be watered in and kept moist but not soggy. If you have been watering because it looks droopy – stop! Water is not the problem transplant shock is and the plant needs rest not more water.

If you are still not sure what is going on, send me a picture of the peace lily and I will try to help.

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How To Propagate Sansevieria

March 30, 2009 by 2 Comments

Ask the Expert: how can i start another sansevieria from one that i I want to start another plant off of the one I already have. How can I do that? joni

Reply:

There are two methods by which you can propagate sansevieria.

1) Separate a sucker from the main plant or divide the rhizome. I do this by removing the plant from the container. If I see a sucker (a piece that looks like it is slightly separate from the main plant), I cut it away from the main plant. I then take the sucker and pot it. Be sure to pot it the same level it was originally. You can also simply divide the plant by taking a knife and from the bottom cut upwards towards the foliage until a piece separates from the main plant. Then you can pot this piece.

2) Leaf cuttings are another way to propagate sansevieria. However, leaf cutting will take longer and are not always successful. For leave propagation you will need a piece about three inches in length. Start at the tip of the leaf and go three inches down. Now cut the leaf horizontally and take the three inch piece cut side down and dip into rotting hormone. Then place the piece in moist soil. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy until the roots form.

Good luck and keep me posted.

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Split Your Old Peace Lily Into Two New Plants

March 23, 2009 by 20 Comments

Ask the Expert: Peace Lilly out growing pot
I have a peace lilly and have had it for about 11 years (one of the few I haven’t killed) and I have it in a huge pot but it seems to be growing close in I want to know how can I separate the plant, it has a huge root ball and replant to give it more room to grow to it’s full potential? Sandy

Reply:
Although peace lilies like to be a little root-bound, you should re-pot or split them when the roots overflow the container. It seems your peace lily is definitely overgrowing its container. In your case, I would split the plant rather re-pot it. You will need:

  • Pot (around the same size as the one it is now)
  • Potting Soil (a good houseplant potting soil)
  • Large Serrated Knife

Begin By removing your plant from the container. Don’t worry about tearing the roots or losing a few leaves. Lay the plant on its side. This will give you a view of the root system as well as the foliage attached to the rootball. Now you are going to cut the plant into two pieces.

To do this, take the knife starting at the bottom of the rootball and work it back and forth until you have made a cut all the way to the foliage. Now you should have two separate peace lilies. Each one will have foliage attached to a portion of the rootball.

Now place one of the peace lilies in the center of the original container. Be sure the rootball is at the same depth it was before the plant was split. Then add soil to close the vacant space in the container. Be sure to water it when done. This will get rid of any air pockets that have formed around the roots.

Now pot the other peace lilies in the new container. Once again, make sure the rootball is planted at the same depth as it was in the original pot. Fill in the vacant space and water.

These plants will go through a little transplant shock and may wilt. Resist the urge to pamper them. Instead, place them in the same environment as before and water accordingly. In a couple of weeks, you will have two thriving peace lilies.

Good Luck and keep me posted.

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Topping Lucky Bamboo

February 27, 2009 by

Ask the Expert: Lucky Bamboo — Can the plants be trimmed?  Mine is growing too tall for the window it sits in… If it can be “topped” where is the best spot on each “branch” to trim it shorter?

Thanks,  K Redford

Reply:

K,

You can top Dracaena sanderiana (lucky bamboo).  Make sure you have the following before you start: a sharp knife, a misting bottle, rooting hormone, clean container for topped piece and distilled water.

Where you top it will depend on the height you want the plant to be.  You will find a node (raised ring on stem) at the height you want the plant to be after you top it.  You will make you cut about an inch above this node.  If you want to start a new stem of lucky bamboo dip the cut end into the rooting hormone.  Let this dry overnight and then place in the new container filled with distilled water.  You need only a few inches of water in the new container.

Red Line Indicates Node - Yellow line indicates where to Make Cut

Red Line Indicates Node - Yellow line indicates where to Make Cut

As for the old stem leave it alone for a few days, then start misting it daily.  This will encourage new growth on the side of the cut.  Care for the old stem and the new stem the same way you always have except for fertilizing.  Wait a couple months before you fertilize the new stem.

Good luck and keep me posted on your progress.

Filed Under: Lucky Bamboo, Plant Care Questions Tagged With: , , , ,

Caring For An Avocado Tree

February 26, 2009 by

Ask the Expert: Soil for Avocado Tree
I have been growing an avocado tree from a pit and its doing very well. The leaves and root system are quite large now, and I want to pot it before the roots start to deteriorate. The only problem is, every website i go to for help gives me a different answer on the right soil to pot it in! I would really appreciate it if someone could tell me the best soil for it. Thank you!!!  Ains

Reply:

Ains,

If the avocado is planted in a container use a general purpose potting that is sand, bark and perlite based rather than an a heavy peat based potting soil.  This type of soil will give the plant what it needs along with the drainage it needs. It is imperative that your container drains well.  Be sure to place it in a container that has drain holes. Ceramic or natural (breathable) containers are preferred over plastic containers.  Keep it sheltered from strong winds but exposed to full sun if possible.  Water lightly during the winter months and heaver during the growing season.  It is important that the plant isn’t exposed to temperatures under 55 degrees for any length of time.

I have always wanted to start an avocado from the pit, so please keep me posted.  It might help me get the courage to try growing my own.

Filed Under: Plant Care Questions Tagged With: , , ,

Can You Trim A Dracaena?

January 2, 2009 by

Ask the Expert: Trimming Dracaena
I have a small Dracaena plant that I have had for over a year.  It is growing too tall and spindly.  How do I trim it, so it doesn’t grow so tall?  BTW, it is planted in dirt.  A

Reply:

A,

Trimming Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana):  You can trim lucky bamboo, whether planted in [Read more…]

Filed Under: Lucky Bamboo, Plant Care Questions Tagged With: , , , ,

Giving Lucky Bamboo A Fresh Start

October 2, 2008 by 3 Comments

Ask The Expert: Lucky Bamboo.  My bamboo plants are too tall.  Can I cut the roots off and put them back in the water and let them grow new roots? Sharon

Filed Under: Lucky Bamboo, Plant Care Questions Tagged With: , , , ,

Moving Bamboo: How To Make Transplanting Successful

June 23, 2008 by

Ask the Expert: Can I move and re-plant a bamboo plant

My friend is getting rid of her bamboo plant and I said I’d love to have it but I’m unsure if its safe to dig up and move the bamboo plant and re-plant it somewhere else.  Do you have any tips to ensure it survives?  The soil I will be planting it in is hard and has shade in places and sun in others.  I look forward to your response.

Filed Under: Plant Care Questions Tagged With: , , , ,
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