Grower Today

Author: Eunice

  • Maharani Alocasia Care Guide And Propagation

    Maharani Alocasia Care Guide And Propagation

    Maharani Alocasia is an exotic plant that is very rare to find, but when you see one, you will get captivated by its unique features. This plant, which is also known as Alocasia “Grey Dragon” or “Elephant ear” is a unique houseplant like no other that should be on a plant collector’s list.

    Its foliage is bold and compact, which makes it ideal for the home. The office space is not left out too. It’s that perfect million-dollar buck’s office décor addition to the collection on your desk.

    Caring for this Alocasia variety is much easier than the other Alocasia. Watering this plant when the soil dries out is important. And when this plant has started growing, fertilizer can be applied occasionally while enough indirect light should be made available.

    When repotting the Alocasia Maharani, make sure the soil you use is a well-draining soil. This article will be narrating how to care for your exotic Alocasia variety.

    About Alocasia Maharani

    This particular variety of Alocasia is a hybrid plant whose leaves are plastic stiff. The origination of this plant is from Asia in the Southeast. It usually grows up to a foot in size only. The leaves usually grow up to 15cm in length.

    You can keep this plant in a greenhouse, vivarium, or terrarium. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors in containers. This makes it possible to enjoy the view of this plant in whichever way you want.

    The ideal temperatures to grow your Maharani in are between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The soil mix must be the type that drains well. You should only water the plant whenever the top 2 inches of the soil have dried out.

    Apply fertilizer once every month during spring and summer only. As time goes on, the leaves begin to look dark green and have a thick texture with a bright green and reddish underside and have thin stems.

    All these features make this plant look like an artificial plant. The texture of the leaves is rough and they are usually veiny.

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    Maharani Alocasia Care Guide

    When it comes to caring for and propagating Maharani, the system is the same as the other plants in the same family Maharani belongs to. This Alocasia variety is unlike no other with its leaves that are thick and leathery in texture.

    The type of flowers this monocot plant produces is called a spadix. These flowers are produced on a stem. This plant is mostly grown for its unique foliage while the one that produces flowers, which are white in color, does so in early spring. However, the flowering type can’t be relied on.

    Let’s take a look at a few tips on how to take care of your Maharani.

    1.    Watering Requirement – Maharani Alocasia 

    The soil of your plant must not be dry or soggy but moist. This will help the Elephant ear grow well and be healthy. Too much dryness in the soil can lead to root rot. Well, the best solution when it comes to watering this houseplant is to water it often. Don’t water at once; let it be little by little.

    Maharani Alocasia Care Guide

    2.    Ideal Potting Mix

    During the growing season, the Elephant ear should be given enough attention from time to time as it’s a heavy feeder. This is why the need for a well-draining soil can’t be overemphasized.

    The soil must be porous and as well as contain some soil, perlite/coarse, peat, and sand. Hence, endeavor you make sure the soil mix drains well till moist and also aerated.

    3.    Temperature And Humidity – Maharani Alocasia 

    The best temperature for the grey dragon is between 54 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. And when the temperature outside drops below this, then it’s better you bring your plant in.

    Humidity is also not an exception. Humidity should be around 80 degrees. The best location, in the house, is to keep your plant in the kitchen or where there’s so much steam in the bathroom.

    Your Elephant ear can get infected with fungal diseases if moisture is left remaining in crevices or on the leaves. So it’s advisable to keep close attention to your plant.

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    4.    Ideal Light Requirement

    In order for your Elephant ear to survive, the same type of the plant’s habitat in the rainforest must be created. A brightly-lit window, but not direct sunlight, is perfect to place your plant in.

    So it is best you keep your plant in a spot that has soft lighting, just like a terrarium for the best result.

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    5.    Fertilizer Application – Maharani Alocasia 

    Due to the fact that the grey dragon is a heavy feeder, it must be fertilized consistently during its growing period. You can make available all the plant’s needed nutrients together with a general house feed.

    This helps to keep your plants healthy all the time and by keeping the soil nourished.

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    Propagation Of Maharani Alocasia

    The propagation of the grey dragon can be carried out from the pups or flower seed of the Alocasia Maharani once it stops being dormant. The best time for propagation is at the beginning of spring or midsummer.

    Use healthy plants alone when repotting if you’re using the division or pup method. You can remove the soil at the top if you’re removing only the pups. This will help you get a firm hold on them. When separating them from the main plant, the size and overall health of each pup will vary.

    However, it’s possible for you to still get 5 pups from the mother plant. Endeavor that the potting soil you will be placing each of the roots in is moist. If you’ve chosen the propagation method from seed, the plant must have produced flowers which means it will take a long time.

    The pod needs to be mature enough and then let become dry. This way, the seeds in the pod can be removed easily. Once you’ve got the seeds, soak them in water for a while. Then proceed to plant them in your growing medium and not forget to get the soil covering moist. Seedlings sprout usually take time to appear, say up to three months.

    Propagation Of Maharani Alocasia

    Conclusion On Maharani Alocasia 

    Maharani Alocasia being a bold and compact plant makes them great for a houseplant. Propagating and caring for this plant is pretty similar to other plants that are underMaharani family.

    FAQ’s

    Is Alocasia Maharani rare?

    Alocasia Maharani is a type of rare tropical houseplant and this bold and compact plant is a good choice to add to your collection of plants.

    How big can Alocasia Maharani get?

    The plant of Alocasia Maharani can grow up to 14 inches high but they don’t grow so big. But their round leaves can be around 5 to 8 inches in size.

    Are Alocasia Maharani and Melo the same?

    Alocasia Maharani technically looks similar to Melo because of their dark grey hue and deep ridging. However, these two plants differ because and Melo plant looks different because of the light venation inherited from the Black velvet.

    Do Alocasia Maharani like to be root bound?

    Indeed, the plant of Alocasia Maharani prefers to be a bit root bound so it does not require repotting every year because yearly.

  • Proper Care For Dusty Miller Plant

    Proper Care For Dusty Miller Plant

    Dusty miller plant, which is also known as Senecio cineraria, can be grown as a beautiful landscape addition in the garden. Little wonder it is grown for its foliage that is silvery gray.

    Dusty miller plant tends to complement many blooms in the garden because of its attractive lacy leaves. Once the dusty miller has been planted, it won’t be needing much maintenance.

    The dusty miller is a garden that is likely to never go out of style. You’ll definitely find this plant looking good all through its growing season. This plant stays beautiful for a long time. Even if it’s being used as a center of attraction piece grown in a container or as a background color for flowers that are bold and bright.

    This plant usually set small flowers that are yellow if they are left to grow on their own free will. These yellow flowers sort of look like a daisy’s bloom. However, the lovely foliage of Dusty miller is what makes it known and not its flowers.

    How To Care For Dusty Miller

    In order to grow this plant successfully, the maintenance and attention it gets matters also. Below are the major things that need to be put into consideration when you want to plant and get the best of it.

    How To Care For Dusty Miller

    1.    Required Temperature

    The ideal temperature to grow dusty miller in is around 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The plants will thrive well in this range of temperatures.

    Due to this reason, take extra precautions, during spring, if you will be planting Dusty miller. But in order to be on a safer side in regards to planting your Dusty miller outside during spring, it is advisable you start planting after Mother’s Day.

    In the United States, many of the states in the southwest which are under the growing zones between 8 to 10, are where Dusty miller will grow well. The plants will be able to survive the winter because the temperatures there are quite favorable for the plant.

    However, Dusty Miller is being grown as annuals even more in the northern part. Their main growing season is mid-spring through late summer.

    Read more about Major Reasons For Prayer Plant Leaves Turning Yellow

    2.    Sunlight

    Your Dusty Miller plant will grow well if exposed to full to partial sunlight. The ideal sunlight requirement for Dusty Miller is 4 hours daily. Another thing about this plant is that it can survive drought. This is because the nature of plant biology makes it possible for the plant to tolerate and thrive during a whole day of sun and a hot atmosphere.

    Soil type: The soil type that is best for growing Dusty Miller is well-drained soil. Also, the pH level of the soil must be between 5.5 to 6.0. Be rest assured that these plants will do very well be it if you’re using potting soil for container planting or in flower bed soil.

    How To Care For Dusty Miller - Sunlight

    3.    Height And Spacing Requirement

    The Dusty Miller plant can grow as tall as 3 feet. This plant will grow branches that are lovely and silver in color, with leaves that are very attractive. Because of their unique color, they are considered a beautiful addition to flower beds or flower pots.

    The plant starts to mature, even when it has not reached its full height when it is 6 to 18 tall. It is possible for Dusty Miller’s branches to spread out as far as 9” to 12”. Endeavor to give lots of space between your plants when planting.

    The thing is that the look of your seedling might be so small and it doesn’t seem as it actually is. Giving plenty of space and room to breathe between plants will help in preventing diseases.

    Check Out Peace Lily Yellow Leaves: Reasons And How To Fix It

    4.    Fertilizer

    Fertilizer requirement for your plants solely depends on where they are being planted like what type of soil and what region. Nutrient-rich soil could be the one rich in organic matter like compost, old manure, or molding leaves.

    Whichever type of nutrient-rich soil it is, your plants will grow well if you plant them in it. Although, these plants don’t require much nutrients like other plants, but starting by planting them in good soil will be great.

    On the other hand, planting them in a type of soil that doesn’t contain organic matter or even potting soil won’t require consistent application of fertilizer.

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    How To Prune Dusty Miller

    Depending on the variety grown, the dusty miller can attain a height of about 15 inches once they are matured. Dusty miller plants can grow bushy or leggy so it is ideal you cut them back.  Also, pruning can help achieve a bushy growth that is healthier.

    You can trim this plant using two methods which are pinching or trimming with a pruner.

    • Pinching

    Pinching your dusty miller simply requires the use of your finger. So, with your fingertip, pinch off half or 1 inch from each tip of the plant that is growing. Doing this will encourage new stems to grow from each spot you’ve pinched.

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    • Trim With Pruner

    The use of pruner is usually required if you’ve not trimmed your dusty miller for a long time and this has been piled up. The plant can get so big and leggy and you can’t just pinch them off with your fingertips. Note that trimming is best done in summer.

    So, trim off one-third of the whole plant and watch your dusty miller come back stronger and healthier.

    Then regarding the flower of dusty miller, it’s best you remove the bloom because the flower tends to divert and suck most of the plants’ energy to itself. Dusty miller plant is mostly grown for its lovely foliage rather than its flowers.

    Dusty Miller Plant: Conclusion

    Caring for the stunning dusty miller plant has been discussed in this article. We have also looked into how you can prune this plant so you can always have a healthy plant.

    FAQ’s

    Does dusty miller grow back every year?

    Technically speaking, the dusty miller plant can indeed grow back every year. Although the plant is usually grown as an annual and then discarded once the first season is over, it may still return the following year.

    Does dusty miller like sun or shade?

    The plant of dusty miller prefers full sun and if grown in shade, it can become leggy. The plant can tolerate heat and drought.

    Does dusty miller spread?

    The plant of the dusty miller is inclined to grow upright and in a spreading manner. dusty miller can spread up to 2 feet.

    Can you cut back dusty miller?

    Yes, you can cut back dusty miller plant and it will definitely survive trimming. Trimming usually helps the plant grow healthier.

  • Major Reasons For Prayer Plant Leaves Turning Yellow

    Major Reasons For Prayer Plant Leaves Turning Yellow

    Having prayer plants around the house is an excellent idea as they are very beautiful. However, some issues such as the leaves turning yellow may arise with this plant. Prayer plant leaves turning yellow can be discouraging to anyone.

    Growing this plant is very easy as they grow very quickly and can be propagated easily. During the day, you will see them moving up and down; the reason why they are called “the prayer plant.”

    Most notable member plants under the Maranta genus are referred to as prayer plants. And these interesting plants are called prayer plants because of the way the leaves always stay flat during the day and then at night, then they begin to fold up. The folding up is like that of hands being folded while praying.

    However, the unpleasant thing here is prayer plant leaves turn yellow. The leaf turning yellow is not usually attractive to the eyes. It can be a result of a problem the plant might be facing. So, you really need to check to find out what might be the problem.

    The Prayer Plant

    Most of the known member plants under Maranta genus are regarded as prayer plants. Sometimes, some plants under the Marantaceae family, also known as arrowroot, are referred to as prayer plants. Under this category, we have varieties of Ctenanthe, Calathea genus (Geoppertia), and stromanthe.

    There are varieties, like the fishbone prayer plant, that form windows that are attractive in their leaves. The coloration of the neon prayer plant makes it well sought after. All prayer plants usually have the same issues and the same solution.

    Be it Ctenanthe Burle-Marxii, Calathea ornata, or Maranta leuconeura, they usually have similar issues. However, the bone of contention in this article is the issue of yellow leaves.

    Read more about Peace Lily Yellow Leaves: Reasons And How To Fix It

    Prayer Plants Turning Yellow: The Major Causes And Solutions

    Prayer plants turning yellow are caused by various reasons so let’s take a look at the reasons that are more common;

    1.    Too Much Watering

    Sometimes, gardeners with no harm intended would over-water their house plants. This is despite using the best potting medium and pots with the right drainage holes. So, overwatering tends to make the soil become water-logged. Hence, this will cause the roots to start rotting thereby making the prayer plant leaves become sickly yellow.

    Getting the watering schedule for prayer plants can be kind of tricky. Unlike the other houseplants, they require to be watered more but not be waterlogged in the process.

    You can adopt the idea of checking your plants for moisture at least twice a week. However, if you check and the upper part of the potting medium is still so moist and these pots are still quite heavy, then you should stop watering.

    2.    Poor Draining Of The Soil – Prayer Plant Leaves Turning Yellow

    Marantaceae houseplants are regarded as moisture-lovers because their origination is from tropical regions that are wet. Even as much as they are moisture-lovers, good drainage is very important to them also.

    Keeping your prayer plant in soil that is waterlogged is very bad for the plant. This will lead to your prayer plant leaves turning yellow and then dying. It is because the waterlogged condition of the soil will lead to a lack of oxygen around the root of the prayer plant.

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    Another cause of waterlogged soil is leaving your pot sitting in a saucer while watering. Even if the planting medium is well-draining, water will drain out into the saucer and stay while the remaining water from the pot that needs to come out completely won’t be able to.

    The water sitting in the saucer will instead get sucked up back into the soil. This then leads to water-logging of the soil and root rot which is very bad for your houseplant. You can prevent water-logging your houseplant soil by removing your house plant from its saucer when you want to water it.

    When watering, allow the liquid to drain out totally from the pot through the holes in the bottom before returning the plant back to its saucer.

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    3.    Being Exposed To Cold Temperatures – Prayer Plant Leaves Turning Yellow

    If temperatures drop below freezing, prayer plants won’t survive. This is because they are not cold-hardy. Prayer plants cannot also stand cool temperatures. This is why they might not even survive the cold weather let alone when temperatures drop to freezing cold. The best temperature to keep these tropical natives is 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Maintain a temperature around this range because any temperature lesser than this will make the leaves begin to turn yellow. Even at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, some species may begin to turn yellow.

    Another thing is that, during winter, when you go out to buy your prayer plant from a garden center in person, make sure you’re going back home immediately. You shouldn’t run errands while leaving them in your cold car. To help your prayer plant maintain healthy green foliage and also thrive well, the best temperature to maintain once you get home with your new prayer plants is 65-80 degrees.

    The Prayer Plant

    4.    The Problem Of Pests And Diseases

    Well, apart from the other aforementioned causes of prayer plant leaves turning yellow, pests and diseases can also be the cause. For example, the cucumber mosaic virus is the cause of the yellow mosaic pattern on the leaves while yellow stippling on the foliage is caused by spider mites. Tan spots with yellow halos are caused by helminthosporium leaf spots.

    Conclusion – Prayer Plant Leaves Turning Yellow

    With the explanation of the causes of why prayer plant leaves always end up turning yellow, you will be kind of certain that these plants might be crying for help sometimes.

    However, you will be able to keep your prayer plants healthy if you can always remember to always check the growing conditions of your pants. Do this by checking for the signs that have been talked about in this article.

    FAQ’s

    Should I remove yellow leaves from prayer plant?

    Unfortunately, because the leaves of prayer plant can’t turn back to green, you can just remove the yellow leaves using a sharp tool.

    Does a prayer plant close its leaves at night?

    Yes, prayer plant tends to fold or close their leaves at night. Matter of fact, if they are put in any dark spot, their leaves will close in about 15 minutes.

    Why are the leaves on my prayer plant curling?

    The reason why you may notice curling of prayer plant leaves is usually because of cold or when the plant is excessively dry.

    Do prayer plants need to be staked?

    It may be okay to stake prayer plants when they begin to grow sideways but you should know that it may not help your plant that is growing sideways. The best thing to do is to find out the cause of sideways growth and fix the issue.

  • Peace Lily Yellow Leaves: Reasons And How To Fix It

    Peace Lily Yellow Leaves: Reasons And How To Fix It

    How do you feel when you step into your living room to see your most beautiful flowering green plant leaves turning yellow? Peace lily yellow leaves can have any gardener worried. So, what are the reasons why the beautiful green leaves of your peace lily turn bright yellow all of a sudden?

    We will be examining the reasons for the peace lily change in color and ways to prevent and eradicate them in this post.

    If you’re a lover of flowers, especially the peace lily, you can be rest assured that your love for greenery isn’t just thanks to the latest interior trend but a huge investment in your health and physical wellbeing.

    Not only is this plant beautiful and makes a stunning sight for pictures and all, but they are also very beneficial for our health.

    The peace lily can make a very gorgeous floral addition to your space with low maintenance nature. It is renowned for getting rid of harmful toxins such as ammonia, trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, and benzene amongst others. It’s also known for its ability to keep dry environments moist which is perfect for accelerating humidity levels.

    Peace lily yellow leaves are what we are looking into in this post so let’s delve in.

    Brief Overview Of Peace Lily – Peace Lily Yellow Leaves

    The Peace lily is the most common specie of the Spathiphyllum Wallisii (botanical name). Peace Lily is a monocotyledonous flowering plant from the Araceae family with over 47 species which grow between 31cm-1m in height which produces a pale white flower with a long-lasting pleasant fragrance.

    This lovely plant help absorbs harmful acetone from household products such as acetone, varnishes, nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, and paints among others. Promoting restful sleep is another health benefit of the peace lily plant as it brings calmness to the body and alleviates stress and insomnia.

    Brief Overview Of Peace Lily

    Unfortunately, the peace lily easy-going nature doesn’t mean there won’t be issues and struggles. Keep reading to learn more about what causes peace lily leaves to turn yellow and how to deal with it.

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    Peace Lily Yellow Leaves: Some Of The Most Common Reasons For This

    Normally, the peace lily leaves are oval-shaped and dark green that sprouts from the soil directly. They are strong and tough and the major issue they encounter is that they collect dust which needs constant wiping but there are some other issues that can cause its leave to take up a yellow hue and if not attended to cause its death. Some of these reasons are stated below but are not limited to the following:

    1.    Lighting System

    Peace lily doesn’t do well under direct sunlight. Too much direct sunlight scorch the leaves making them dry and take on a yellow color. However, not sufficient sunlight can also be a factor in the yellow leaves’ turnout. When your plant leaves aren’t getting enough sunlight needed, photosynthesis will be hard to achieve which will lead to them turning yellow.

    Solution: To get the lighting right, place your peace lily by the window facing east or in a bright corner that gets indirect sunlight during the day.

    2.    Watering Issues – Peace Lily Yellow Leaves

    The peace lily is tropical plants so they like water and a little bit of humidity but that doesn’t mean you log the plant with water. Otherwise, you will wake up to a yellow plant and before you know it, your plant will turn brown and die.

    When choosing your plant pot, be conscious to use a pot with good drainage so that the plant won’t have to sit in a pot flooded with water thereby promoting root rot which prevents the plant root from taking in the necessary nutrients, fungi, and bacteria. Also, a yellowish leaf can be a sign of dehydrated peace lily. They can obviously manage a few days without water but a prolonged period without a drink or insufficient water can pose problems to this beautiful plant.

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    Solution: The fix isn’t as complex as you think. Once you discover the top layer of your lily soil is dried, give it a drink and deep watering can be done every week or twice to achieve a perfect and healthy plant.

    3.    Water Quality

    At times, the amount of water used in watering your plant isn’t the problem but the quality of the water used. Peace lilies aren’t that choosy when it comes to water but tap water (which is what most home gardeners use in watering their plants and flowers) is filled with chlorine, fluorides, and other minerals which can cause the leaves of your lily plant to turn yellow.

    Solution: To avoid this, gardeners are advised to use purified water, rainwater, or de-chlorinated water (in case you don’t have access to other sources of water) to achieve the best results.

    Read more about 5 Ways On How To Propagate Rosemary

    4.    Aging Leaves – Peace Lily Yellow Leaves

    Just like every human who grow old and begin to wrinkle before we finally heed the ultimate call (death), the same applies to plats and scrubs. When the leaves of the peace lily age, it begins to turn yellow then droop before it begins to fall off. In this case, there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.

    Once you’ve confirmed that all other possible reasons have been looked into and everything seem fine, then allow nature to take its course and certainly, new leaves will sprout out to replace the fallen ones.

    5.    Poor Nutrition

    As much as choosing the right soil is a very important factor to consider when planting your peace lily, fertilization of your plant soil is very important though not so much in quantity.

    When you take too much time to feed it with the needed nutrients, it begins to show signs of malnutrition same way a child suffering from malnutrition would show signs.

    Solution: provide proper nutrients to the plant of peace lily.

    Conclusion

    Peace lily yellow leaves are caused by different reasons that we have stated here. So, just examine and identify the reason to why your peace lily is turning yellow and find the appropriate solution to it.

    FAQ’s

    Should I remove yellow leaves from peace lily?

    You can take off the yellow leaves on your peace lily because they will still end up drying out and fall off. So, you can simply cut the yellow leaves off the base of the stem.

    Will yellow peace lily leaves turn green again?

    Unfortunately, it’s rare for yellowed leaves peace lily to change to green again so you can either prune the yellow leaves off or allow them fall off naturally.

    How often should I water my peace lily?

    Ideally, you can schedule watering your peace lily once every week. The plant likes to be moist but avoid over-watering the plant.

    Should I wipe my peace lily leaves?

    Yes, you can wipe your peace lily leaves in a situation where you notice any dust on the leaves. Use a damp cloth and wipe down the leaves.

  • The Different Methods Of Umbrella Plant Propagation

    The Different Methods Of Umbrella Plant Propagation

    The umbrella plant is a nice houseplant to have and they are easy to maintain and care for. If you want to have more of this plant or you wish to share them with your loved ones, you can simply propagate them. Umbrella plant propagation is quite easy to achieve.

    The Umbrella plant which is also known as Schefflera may not be so popular compared to other houseplants, but it can add graceful foliage to your room.

    There are various ways you can propagate umbrella plants, but stem cutting has been one good way of going about this and you can get a better chance using stem propagation.

    So, if you have an interest in learning how to propagate this plant, then you can get some good knowledge about this here. Umbrella plant propagation as well as tips for caring for the propagated umbrella plant will be discussed here so let’s begin.

    Umbrella Plant Propagation

    Umbrella plant propagation can be done by stem cutting, seed propagation, or air layering. However, stem cutting has been shown to be a good method that can offer you a better chance of successful propagation. But naturally, the umbrella plant reproduces through seeds.

    When you are propagating this plant, you need to provide it with the ideal conditions such as temperature, humidity, light, and soil moisture.

    Umbrella Plant Propagation

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    Different Methods Of Umbrella Plant Propagation

    When propagating umbrella plant, be sure to select a healthy plant that is pests and diseases free.

    1.    Stem Cutting

    Ideally, if you want to propagate umbrella plants, it’s best you take your stem cuttings during early summer or spring. This is mainly because warm weather helps your cutting root properly. So, to propagate umbrella plants, follow this process

    • Get a good soil mix and moisten the soil evenly.
    • Use a sharp and sterile cutting tool to cut 4 to 6 inches of the umbrella stem just above the leaf node. Ensure the size of the stem is at least the diameter of a pencil. Make sure the cutting does not dry out.
    • The bottom of the leaves should be pruned off and leave at least a complete set of leaf.
    • Then stimulate the root on your cutting by dipping the cutting into the soil mix and cover and secure the cutting. (You may dip rooting hormone at the end of the cutting just to stimulate root growth).
    • Then slightly water the soil and make sure the soil mix remains moist but not waterlogged.
    • Supply the cutting with indirect light. Then provide the cutting with high humidity.
    • You should begin to notice sprouting in about a month. Then you can transplant once new growth on top is seen.

    2.    Propagation By Air-layering – Umbrella Plant Propagation

    Look for an open spot on the stem of umbrella plant that has leaves both above and below. Then about one inch wide around the stem, take out the outer layer of the plant. This part should then be covered or wrapped with damp sphagnum moss and this should form a clump around the size of a baseball that covers the wound totally.

    The moss should be covered with plastic wrap that secures each end using tape to make the sound airtight.

    Then in about one or two months, you should begin to notice roots showing inside the plastic. So, you can now clip this stem below the moss wrapping and go ahead and plant the newly rooted part inside its container.

    3.    Propagation By Seed

    Although it may take a longer time to grow a full-sized umbrella plant from seed, it can still be achieved. To further improve or give you a better chance at this, it is important you go for fresh and healthy seeds that come from quality stock.

    Now, to commence the process of propagating umbrella plant using seed, prepare your germination tray and make use of light potting soil.

    To further enhance the germination rate, before you sow the seeds, we recommend you soak the seeds in hot water at a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 hours.

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    Each seed should be sown to a depth that is two times its size. Then water the set up sparingly and ensure the soil remains moist but not too wet.

    The temperature should be maintained between 75 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The set up should be positioned in a bright but indirect sunlight.

    You should begin to notice germination from two to three months. So, you can go ahead and transplant them into individual containers once the seedlings attain a height of one to two inches.

    Read more about Some Interesting List Of Plant With Purple And Green Leaves

    Tips On Caring For Umbrella Plant After Propagation

    Once you’re successful with propagating umbrella plant and the plant has rooted, you need to care for them properly. Here are some tips to help you care for them:

    • So, once you’ve transplanted the rooted cuttings into their individual pots, the tap shoots should be trimmed just to encourage branching.
    • Provide the rooted plant with bright indirect sun. Then you can gradually introduce them to more light as they mature.
    • The plant is a heavy feeder so the soil needs to be rich in nutrients, particularly for the young plant.
    • The pot should have good drainage holes and you should make a drainage layer in the new pot before you add the potting soil.
    • Provide the soil with moist conditions and avoid water-logging the soil.
    Tips On Caring For Umbrella Plant After Propagation

    Umbrella Plant Propagation Conclusion

    Umbrella plant propagation may not be so easy but you can still achieve successful results if you can follow the right way. We have listed the 3 main ways you can propagate umbrella plants and we’ve also given some plant care tips.

    FAQ’s

    Can umbrella plant grow in water?

    The plant of umbrella can thrive in a damp boggy soil, so they can withstand water of up to 6 inches.

    How long does it take for a cutting to root in water?

    Ideally, it may take about 3 to 4 weeks for a cutting to root in water, and ensure you always resupply fresh water until the cuttings have rooted fully.

    Where do you cut an umbrella plant?

    The right place to cut the umbrella plant is right above the growth node. So, this implies that you should cut just above the spot where the leaf has germinated.

    What are umbrella plants good for?

    The Umbrella plant is an excellent plant that you can use to decorate your homes or offices. The plant doesn’t require too much maintenance and it can help purify the air in your home by assisting in filtering out pollutants such as toluene, benzene, and formaldehyde from the air.

  • Snake Plant Problems And Ways Of Fixing Them

    Snake Plant Problems And Ways Of Fixing Them

    Snake plant is an easy-to-grow plant and the plant requires minimal care. Snake plant problems may arise when growing or taking care of this plant but if you can quickly and accurately identify the problems, then there may be solutions to the issue you’re facing with the plant.

    But why does it seem like one of the toughest and most durable plants to nurture also comes with some issues? We will find out soon.

    Another name for snake plant is mother-in-law’s tongue and this plant is one of the most popular house plants on the market. Snake plant is a common houseplant that their leaves tend to grow upright and their leaves appear like sword-like shaped leaves.

    This snake plant may appear easy to grow and even require little attention when taking care of them; but there may still be some issues that can affect the growth and development of this plant. Snake plant problems are what we will be discussing in this post and we will be discussing how you can solve these issues.

    Characteristics Description Of Snake Plant

    Here are some characteristics of the snake plant for you to identify the plant:

    • The leaves of the snake plant are inclined to grow upwards and the leaves are stiff and broad.
    • Their upright leaves can range from around 6 to 8 feet high.
    • The color of the snake plant may vary. But the majority of these plants are characterized by green-banded leaves that feature a yellow border.
    • Snake plants are pretty easy to grow and care for and they are almost indestructible.
    • They are great for houseplants.
    • Snake plants have been known to survive in most unsuitable growing conditions.
    Characteristics Description Of Snake Plant

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    Snake Plant Problems And Fixing The Them

    Because this plant is known to be extremely carefree in nature, it may surprise you that snake plants can still face some issues. The plant is known to handle plenty of neglect, so it’s difficult to imagine that anything can go wrong with the plant.

    Snake plant problems can indeed arise, but the good part is that most of these issues can be solved easily and your plant should return to its normal conditions.

    So, here are some problems that may arise with snake plants and some solutions to resolving the issues:

    1.    Drooping Of Leaves Or Bending Of Leaves – Snake Plant Problems 

    The leaves of the snake plant are known to be firm and upright in shape and this is what we most love about this plant. Now, once these firm and upright leaves begin to bend or fall over, they begin to lose their striking look and we begin to wonder what might have gone wrong.

    The common cause of drooping or bending leaves is usually over-watering. The leaves of the snake plant tend to be succulent and the leaves can store up water for weeks which is why it is easy to neglect this plant, especially in terms of watering.

    2.    Potting System – Snake Plant Problems 

    An inappropriate potting system can cause damage to the leaves of the snake plant and cause it to fall off.

    Therefore, the pot size has to be just right because a huge pot gives room for fungi and bacteria breeding while a small-sized pot causes root-bound (a situation where the plant roots are bounded together thereby affecting the nutrient and water intake).

    3.    Overwatering

    The snake plants’ leaves are thick and succulent so they can store a lot of water. This is why they can withstand a little bit of nonchalance and go a while without a drink.

    But waterlogging conditions affect and reduce the chances of the snake plant’s root from absorbing the needed nutrients for proper growth and development. It’s the same rule that applies to humans who suffer from a lack of balance between water and sodium in the blood due to overhydration.

    This can also lead to root rot and fungal infection and to avoid this, don’t allow the plant to sit in water especially during winter because, during this season, the plant enters its dormant state where it needs little water. They can stay up to a month without requiring water during this time.

    It should also be known that overwatering of the snake plant can lead to droopy or bent leaves and stunted growth among others.

    4.    Poor Drainage System – Snake Plant Problems 

    Since it’s been known that the snake plant gets overwatered quickly, an inadequate drainage system for the plant pot can cause it to be waterlogged thereby depriving it of the nutrients needed for proper growth.

    Also, using the common garden soil to replant the snake plant can reduce the soil drainage pattern thereby causing damage to the plant.

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    5.    Temperature Sensitivity

    The snake plant’s most preferred temperature shouldn’t be colder or lower than 550F. . Although they can withstand harsh weather conditions, they are still liable to sudden climatic and lighting changes.

    If they fall below this temperature range, their leaves can turn scarred. And this condition is mostly permanent. Hence, it is best to prevent this condition in the first place.

    Therefore, ensure you provide the snake plant with the ideal temperature which should be above 55 degrees.

    Final Say On Snake Plant Problems 

    Even though this snake plant is quite notorious for being an indestructible plant, the plant may still face some issues once in a while.

    So, When you notice your snake plant isn’t growing properly as it should, investigate closely what could be the most likely cause of the problem and rectify it one after the other until all the possible symptoms are eliminated and you have a healthy snake plant again.

    FAQ’s

    How can I tell if my snake plant is dying?

    There are some signs your snake plant will give to tell you they might be dying. One common symptom you may notice may be on the root that shows or turn brown and mushy and this is a typical sign of root rot. Then when the root rot progresses, the leaves turn yellow, wilt, and droop and these problems may be not rectifiable.

    How do I fix my snake plant drooping?

    To fix your drooping snake plant, you can repot or simply move your snake plant. drooping of leaves is often as a result of excessive water that drowns the plant.

    How do I keep my snake plant healthy?

    You can maintain a healthy snake plant by not over-watering, always water the bottom of the pot and if possible avoid splashing water on the leaves, and during winter periods you should water less because the plant is not so active.

    Should I cut brown tips off snake plant?

    Yes, you can cut off brown tips you notice on your snake plant. These brown tips you notice are as a result of stress exposure to the plant.

  • When Are Tomatillos Ripe?

    When Are Tomatillos Ripe?

    You might be wondering about this; When are tomatillos ripe? Tomatillo is a small round green fruit that has a similar appearance to green tomatoes. But take note that tomatoes and tomatillos are two entirely different fruits.

    Their fruits of tomatillos usually have husks around them. From inside the husk, the fruits are usually formed on plants.

    You can harvest so much on a tomatillo plant which gives you the advantage of preparing lots of salsa verde. When you know the right time to pick tomatillos, you get to pick the fruits only when it’s in their full flavor.

    Physalis philadephica and Physalis ixocarpa are the two types of tomatillos and these two types of tomatillos have many varieties. These several varieties of tomatillos are native to Central America and Mexico.

    When tomatillos are ripe is what we would like to know but before we look into this, let’s briefly discuss growing tomatillos.

    Growing Tomatillos – When Are Tomatillos Ripe?

    Discussing about knowing when tomatillos get becomes ripen may not be complete without going into little details about how they are being grown.

    You can either plant tomatillos in warmer climates if you’re planting from seed or plant them indoors first. This should be before the last expected frost, like six weeks before then. It usually takes like 75 to 100 days, from planting to harvesting tomatillos.

    Growing Tomatillos

    Remember a tomatillo plant can yield a lot of fruits. But two or more tomatillo plants, at least, are needed in order for them to yield fruits. This is because tomatillo plants are not self-pollinating.

    A lot of yellow flowers are then produced, which later begin to transform into round husks that are empty (from the calyx). It is inside the husks the tomatillos will begin to form gradually and then totally occupy the husks. You need lots of patience when growing tomatillos.

    Read more about The Ultimate Care Guide To Growing Philodendron Thai Sunrise

    Step By Step 

    Choose a spot with full sun and with soil that drains well. Even moisture is important for the plant to be healthy and grow to its full potential. This is even more important after the setting of fruits.

    Well, you can say tomatillos and tomatoes share some similarities in how they are being cultivated. And as it is also called Mexican husk tomatoes and Mexican ground cherries, tomatillos can take time to set fruit.

    At this point, you may need to self-pollinate the plant, so, go ahead and hand pollinate them if you want to. But be very observant once you notice signs of the setting of fruits.

    Once the tomatillo fruits begin to develop, you will notice that the plants are becoming heavier. Sometimes these plants will begin to lean for support due to how heavy they’ve become.

    To avoid disturbing the roots or breaking the branches when the plants are more matured, cage or stake the plants when they are yet smaller during earlier in the season. The strongest-looking tomatillo plant can cause by a sudden summer storm. This is why caging or staking the plants will be the best thing to do.

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    When Are Tomatillos Ripe?

    When are tomatillos ripe and ready to be picked? Well, the fruit of tomatillos should be ripe and ready for picking once you notice that the papery husk that surrounds the fruit turns green to tan. Then they will begin to split.

    The fruit of tomatillos is usually bright green, purple, or yellow and this often depends on the variety.

    Once the fruit of tomatillos is ripened or matured, the size will be like that of cherry tomatoes or a bit bigger. Note that the smaller fruit of tomatillos is usually tastier than the larger ones.

    Also, tomatillos are usually ready to be harvested from 65 to 100 days after sowing and about 65 to 85 days after transplanting. However, this can vary depending on the weather conditions, growing conditions, and variety.

    You can however allow your plant a good 2 to 3 months of growing before you begin to check the fruit for ripeness. Then when the fruits have begun to ripen, you will be picking them for 1 to 2 months.

    The plant of tomatillos yields abundantly and a single plant can give rise to 60 to 200 individual tomatillos. This is about 2 and a half pounds for each plant.

    However, once tomatillo’s mature stage has passed, you will notice the gloss of the fruit becoming dull.

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    Harvesting Tomatillos – When Are Tomatillos Ripe?

    It is best to harvest tomatillos when they are still green. This is because it is the stage when they still have the most flavors. To foster the yielding of fruits continuously, knowing how to harvest tomatillos is important.

    • You should harvest tomatillos by gently twisting or slightly turning the plant with the help of a garden pruner or scissors.
    • Then go ahead and peel the back a little part of the husk and ensure the fruit is blemish-free.
    • If you notice the fruit is sticky when you remove the husk, simply wash it off with mild soapy water.
    • Also, you should pick the fruits whose husks have been burst open and have not been infected with diseases or mold. Not with insect damage also. When there are any damaged fruits, separate them from the plant and compost them. To prevent these affected fruits from harming other healthy fruits and stems, cut them off the plants.

    Check Out In-depth Knowledge On What Ox Heart Tomatoes Is

    Storage Of Tomatillos – When Are Tomatillos Ripe?

    Once you’ve harvested the fruit of tomatillos, it is best you use them while they are fresh and green.

    However, if you wish to store them, you can store them in their husk for around two weeks in a paper bag in the section for crisper vegetables in the refrigerator. Note that tomatillos can suffer injury if stored below 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Storage Of Tomatillos

    Final Say On When Are Tomatillos Ripe?

    Tomatillo is a cool crop you can add to your vegetable garden and always enjoy the tasty result anytime. We have given some great hints to help you know when this tasty fruit is ready to be picked so you can comfortably enjoy your harvest.

    FAQ’s

    Can you eat unripe tomatillos?

    It may not be necessary for tomatillos to become ripe for you to eat them. The small unripe tomatillos may be fine to be eaten but they often taste sour and you won’t get that sweet and flavorful feel when you eat the ripe ones.

    Will tomatillos ripen after being picked?

    Yes, tomatillos can continue to ripe and mature after they have been picked. But ideally, tomatillos usually fall off the vine before fully ripe so they can continue their maturity once picked.

    What part of tomatillos are poisonous?

    The parts of tomatillos plants that are poisonous include the leaves, husk, and the stem. Once the fruit ripens, their papery husk will let out the fruit inside them.

    What is the sticky stuff on tomatillos?

    The sticky stuff on tomatillos are chemicals called withanolides and along with their husk, they help deter insects away from them.