It’s the end of September in eastern Nebraska, which signals the very near end of patio plantings and container plants in the out of doors. There are several reasons for this:
Tag: Houseplants
Patio Planter Care in Mid-Summer
In mid-summer, especially when a hot, dry week is predicted, (like this upcoming week), patio planters and houseplants need a little TLC. Four actions are involved:
Plants & Indoor Air Quality
In the current wave of “houseplant mania”, it’s important to remember that houseplants provide numerous benefits in addition to adding amenity to the indoor landscape. Scott Evans, Horticulture Program Coordinator for Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties reports that water vapor given off via transpiration is a big plus for the indoors, as well as their capacity to absorb potentially harmful gasses such as formaldehyde, ammonia, bioeffluents and volatile organic compounds.
COVID-19 – Extend Poinsettia Life With Proper Care
The December glory of a poinsettia can fade to January/February paleness in a matter of weeks. Those bright red, white or pink leaves (bracts) can turn limp, curl up and drop, creating a desire to toss it out with the rest of the Christmas leftovers.
Norfolk Island Pine – A Great Option for Christmas
If you lack the space for an 8 foot Christmas tree, or detest the 3 foot plastic types, here’s a great option for you – a Norfolk Island Pine.
National Poinsettia Day
Today, December 12th, is National Poinsettia Day in the United States. Today we celebrate this durable and highly attractive plant for the indoor landscape. Some quick tidbits about poinsettias: *Contrary to popular belief, they are not poisonous. Oh sure, if you ate a whole plant, it’s likely that it would result in a stomachache,…
When Salt Attack
As a gardener I am sure you have experienced first hand the accumulation of salts on when using clay pots. Clay pots or a staple in the garden industry and to the home gardener. They are inexpensive and easy to use. In my family we have terracotta pots that have been passed down from our…
Is That Your Natural Color?
A first it may look fun. Who wouldn’t be attracted to brilliant hues of green, blue, yellows? Glitter? You can never not have enough glitter during the holidays! But what happens once the season is over? What do you do with that poor hot pink cactus? How do you keep the lime-green poinsettia alive? You…
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is an obligate parasite. Huh? In short, powdery mildew doesn’t want to kill your plants – but it sometimes happens, by accident of course. We most often see this disease on plants outdoors where there is poor air circulation. You probably have seen peony bushes around town or even your own that ended…
Streptocarpus
If you have ever grown an African violet you are may want to try your hand at growing Cape Primrose AKA Streptocarpus (strep-to-car’pus). Streptocarpus are in the Gesneriaceae family which includes the florist gloxinia, lipstick plant, guppy plant, flame violet, African violet, and many more. Recent genetic studies have determined that both the African violet…