| Subject | Date Asked |
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| Ivy leaves turning black | 8/13/2009 |
Q: i just purchased a mature ivy plant (very full, long vines) and placed it outside on my patio. it ... A: Please, please remove your ivy plant from all that sun! It starts off as morning sun but must after ...
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| yucca elephantipes | 8/13/2009 |
Q: I've waterlogged my yucca plant. It has two stems, the taller one sits at 19". It appears to be ... A: Remove the plant from the pot and let the soil dry out completely which could take a couple of days. ...
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| mexican bird of paradise | 8/12/2009 |
Q: I was given a mexican bird of paradise that is potted. Can it stay in the pot indoors or does it ... A: Yes it can be grown in a pot indoors but I would, if it were my plant, transplant it into my garden ...
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| Collecting rainwater | 8/12/2009 |
Q: I have a garbage pail under a rainspout for collecting the water for my houseplants. I transfer the ... A: It sounds as if your water is stagnant and should not be used for your plants. I should imagine ...
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| caring for a mass cane plant | 8/11/2009 |
Q: If I just purchased a mass cane plant and re-potted the plant, I did add miracle plant fertilizer to ... A: Is the stem still firm? If so there is hope! If it is soft and mushy then you might as well pull ...
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| Peace Lillies | 8/11/2009 |
Q: my plant is green, loaded with flowers but the flowers are all green, what do I need to do? ... A: You don't have to do anything - this is perfectly normal - the flowers turn green after a few days. ...
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| Mistletoe Fig leaves | 8/11/2009 |
Q: I have a mistletoe fig that has been growing slowly but happily in the same location for about 5 ... A: Sometimes leaves change shape because of change of conditions i.e. if they are receiving less light ...
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| palm | 8/11/2009 |
Q: I am wondering what the best care for an indoor palm is. I have a large one whose leaves have begun ... A: From your description it sounds as if your palm is either a Kentia which grows very tall and is an ...
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| CLEANING BANANA LEAVES | 8/10/2009 |
Q: WHAT CAN I USE TO CLEAN THESE LARGE LEAVES? I HEARD MILK WITH WATER IS GOOD. A: Firstly you should dust the leaves with a soft cloth and then use just plain water and another clean ...
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| Madagascar Dragon Tree- pruning? | 8/10/2009 |
Q: I have a 20 year old Madagascar Dragon tree which is now 7feet tall and is outgrowing its ... A: Well done for having kept your Dragon tree growing for so many years. Mine are coming up to 17 ...
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| problem with two different house plans | 8/9/2009 |
Q: i have one plant that was just doing wonderful, but within the last two or so months the leaves have ... A: Reference your first plant have you checked the root ball to see if the roots are rotting? Have you ...
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| poisionous?? | 8/9/2009 |
Q: Is Dieffenbachia hybrid houseplant poisionous to children and kids?? A: The effect of the sap of the dieffenbachia on the mouth and throat is very unpleasant hence its ...
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| Ti plant | 8/6/2009 |
Q: My Re4d Sister Ti plant came with instruction s to water daily. The article said to let it dry ... A: Ti plants which are from the Dracaena group of plants should be grown in moist compost at all times. ...
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| Sticky ficus tree leaves | 8/6/2009 |
Q: I have had an indoor ficus tree for about 18 years. It is green and healthy, but the leaves and ... A: Have you checked for insects? There are insects - notably aphids and whitefly - which suck the sap ...
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| hearts and flowers groundcover | 8/6/2009 |
Q: I live in the Desert Southwest and have a good sized path of hearts and flowers. Yesterday I noticed ... A: It sounds to me as if your plants have a fungus disease - powdery mildew - which needs to be treated ...
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| Scorched Dracaeana | 8/5/2009 |
Q: I have a corn planbt that is over 25 years old- it has grown up with mykids - it is literally one of ... A: I know just how you feel. 25 years is a long long time to have nurtured your plant. If it were ...
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| HOYA/BEGONIAS | 8/5/2009 |
Q: I HAVE A HOYA PLANT THAT HAS A WHITE POWDERY SUBSTANCE ON ITS LEAVES. WHAT IS THIS AND HOW DO I GET ... A: It sounds as if your hoya plant has powdery mildew and your begonias thrips to which they are ...
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| repotting African Violets | 8/5/2009 |
Q: I have 20 + African Violets. I love their joyful, colorful presence in my home......especially in ... A: Can you possibly send me a photo of one of your plants as I don't understand what a long thick neck ...
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| aloe vera plant | 8/3/2009 |
Q: I have a aloe vera plant about a foot tall. It's making new growth, however, some of the older ... A: It is quite normal for older leaves - on any type of plant - to die off so as long as the new ...
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| caring for a mass cane plant | 8/3/2009 |
Q: If I just purchased a mass cane plant and re-potted the plant, I did add miracle plant fertilizer to ... A: By mass cane do you mean Dracaena massangeana? When you repot a plant it is not necessary to ...
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| bamboo | 8/2/2009 |
Q: My bamboo's leaves tips are turning brown is that natural or is there something wrong. A: When the tips of leaves turn brown it is usually because the air is too dry so try misting your ...
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| repotting African Violets | 8/1/2009 |
Q: I have 20 + African Violets. I love their joyful, colorful presence in my home......especially in ... A: Sorry for the delay in replying - my laptop has been in for repair. I bet your African violet ...
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| UNKOWN HOUSEPLANT | 7/31/2009 |
Q: I RECENTLY BOUGHT A HOUSEPLANT THAT LOOKS SIMILAR TO AN EMERALD RIPPLE. IT IS VERY DARK IN COLOR. ... A: It is difficult to be certain without the aid of a photograph but there is a chance that your plant ...
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| Rubber Plant | 7/31/2009 |
Q: I to have over watered my rubber plant,I put holes in my pot to drain into a tray covered with ... A: Yes, this will have helped but I am surprised that you had to make holes in the pot as plants should ...
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| African Violets | 7/31/2009 |
Q: How do I get an african Violet to bloom and then pollonate it. A: African violets can flower at almost any time of the year and it may be that your plant is just ...
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| corn plant over watered and no light | 7/30/2009 |
Q: I have had this corn plant for about 10 years. it is about 3' tall and had 3 big branches. My son ... A: Since the trunk of the plant is still firm it sounds as if you might be lucky and have new foliage ...
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| Anthurium Plant | 7/28/2009 |
Q: I got an Anthurium plant a few months ago and have had her near a window in my kitchen, She is my ... A: Anthuriums are gorgeous plants but not that easy to grow especially for a beginner. Couldn't you ...
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| hens and chicks | 7/28/2009 |
Q: You did not answer my question. This is what i mean when they fell over. see enclosed picture. You ... A: I don't know why you say I did not answer your question! Presumably when you say "They fell over" ...
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| Yucca overwatered | 7/28/2009 |
Q: My housesitter overwatered my Yucca plant over six months ago. I have trimmed the dead leaves and ... A: It sounds to me as if you have done all you could possibly do and your plant obviously needs quite a ...
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| hens and chick | 7/27/2009 |
Q: I have hens and chicks and 2 roosters. They have not bloomed yet and they are 18 inchs long. How ... A: Your hens will bloom upon maturity which is somewhere between three and four years old. When you say ...
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| shefflera | 7/27/2009 |
Q: "I have a shefflera plant/tree that has been at the office for at least 5 years... The boss says I ... A: Instead of taking your plant home why not try changing your boss?!! What a peculiar man he must be. ...
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| Tiny White Flying Bugs on my Poinsettia | 7/27/2009 |
Q: I have a lot of tiny white flying bugs on the poinsettias (4 plants) my husband brought home last ... A: In all the years I have had poinsettia plants - a new one every Christmas! - I have never known any ...
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| cactus damage | 7/26/2009 |
Q: My very large cactus was knocked over, although none of the spines fell off, a couple were damaged. ... A: As stated in my profile I do not profess to know very much about cacti, unfortunately! My gut ...
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| hydrangea | 7/26/2009 |
Q: Why are my hydrangeas all leaves and no flowers? A: I wonder how often you fertilise your plant? If you are not feeding it at all this could be the ...
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| Help identify plant | 7/25/2009 |
Q: I need help in with this type of plant. I heard it called Grandfather pipe but can't find that ... A: My first reaction when looking at your plant is that it is one of the larger leaved tradescantias ...
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| sago palm | 7/25/2009 |
Q: I got a sago palm as a valentine's gift. it was doing well then new shoots began coming out, the old ... A: Yes cut off all the dried up fronds. Your plant will look rather bare but rather that than looking ...
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| African Violets | 7/25/2009 |
Q: I have several african violets that were in full bloom when I bought them. Although the plants look ... A: Please be patient! Your plants are having a rest and one day you will be delighted to find buds ...
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| insect eggs on house plants; "weeping" leaves; "powder" on leaves | 7/24/2009 |
Q: 1) Black eggs and tan eggs are collecting on the leaves and shoots of some of my house plants, ... A: I think you are being very sensible in throwing away your plants which have become badly infected as ...
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| cyclamen | 7/24/2009 |
Q: My cyclamen has bloomed beautifully for 3 years, all year, but now the flowers seem to be alot ... A: I'm sure you have heard the expression "he/she has gone to seed" which means that the person ...
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| Dracaena ('Pamela') | 7/23/2009 |
Q: I've had this plant for 3 years and it appears to be happy. But it is getting top heavy and also ... A: I am not familiar with Dracaena Pamela but can give you overall advice for the Dracaena/Cordyline ...
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| propagating | 7/23/2009 |
Q: I would like to know which is the best branch to remove from a hibiscus and how to root it. Thank ... A: As hibiscus is a shrubby plant you should take a heel cutting - what this means is you pull off a ...
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| ANTHURIUM PLANT | 7/23/2009 |
Q: I JUST GOT AN ANTHURIUM PLANT FOR MY BIRTHDAY A COUPLE WEEKS AGO AND THE LEAVES HAVE BROWN SPOTS ON ... A: Well it doesn't really matter what insects you are looking for - if there aren't any then you don't ...
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| sago palm | 7/22/2009 |
Q: I got a sago palm as a valentine's gift. it was doing well then new shoots began coming out, the old ... A: What a shame about your palm. It sounds to me as if it could be due to underwatering unless of ...
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| rabbit foot fern about 10 years old | 7/22/2009 |
Q: my fern has sticky residue on its leaves and it's all around my floor. It is shedding some of its ... A: It sounds as if your plant has been attacked by insects which suck the sap from the plant and ...
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| Stephanotis (Wedding Flower) | 7/22/2009 |
Q: I have a Stephanotis which is flowering beautifully however it has outgrown the pot it is in, can I ... A: The short answer is NO !! Never repot any houseplant whilst it is in flower - repotting should be ...
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| Peace Lily | 7/21/2009 |
Q: I purchased two Peace Lily plants a few months ago. They both have done well. But a couple of days ... A: When I started answering questions on Allexperts I found that many people in the States had a peace ...
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| ANTHURIUM PLANT | 7/21/2009 |
Q: I JUST GOT AN ANTHURIUM PLANT FOR MY BIRTHDAY A COUPLE WEEKS AGO AND THE LEAVES HAVE BROWN SPOTS ON ... A: difficult to say. It could be that you are underwatering your plant, the compost should be kept ...
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| What is it? | 7/14/2009 |
Q: I have this wildly growing plant that I don't know what it is. When I bought it in August it was 3 ... A: I think this could be one of the longer leaved varieties of Tradescantia in which case it should be ...
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| pothos (very small fruit flies in) | 7/9/2009 |
Q: My hanging pothos is on the counter. It does not get direct sunlight although there is a lot of ... A: I wonder if these insects are thrips which are tiny and black or whitefly which are, unsurprisingly ...
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| begonias | 7/8/2009 |
Q: I have just transplanted 25 different types of begonias tuberous, rhizo, rex etc. Should I look up ... A: As you have so many different types of begonias I think it would be an excellent idea for you to ...
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| yellow Jasmine Vine | 7/8/2009 |
Q: My yellow Jasmine is dying slowly . I have lost 2 vine plants so far and 2 more are exhibiting ... A: I have a useless garden centre close to me too! I asked the staff very simple questions, ones to ...
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| orange tree | 7/7/2009 |
Q: I too have an orange tree bought from a souvenir shop in Florida. It produces fruit I am proud to ... A: Sadly the fruit on the mini indoor orange trees [Calamondil Orange]are small and sour. Sorry to say ...
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| peacock jasmine | 7/7/2009 |
Q: I just received two small peacock jasmine pots are approximately 2 1/2 inches each. How do I care ... A: Firstly I would transplant your jasmines into slightly larger pots say 4inch pots. Remember they ...
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| mandavilla vine | 7/7/2009 |
Q: I have been growing mandavilla vines on my deck every summer for the last several years and have ... A: Since you have been successfully growing your plants for several years and are, presumably, treating ...
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| anthurium plants | 7/6/2009 |
Q: I bought and repotted my anthurium, then I noticed after a week the new flowers started to turn ... A: I do hope your prompt actions will help save your plant. But in any case there will be no harm in ...
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| Jade plant | 7/6/2009 |
Q: My Jade plant is losing leaves. They are just randomly dropping off. I don't know if I am ... A: During the summer your plant needs to be watered thoroughly when the compost begins to dry out. And ...
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| ming tree house plant | 7/6/2009 |
Q: Help i need to know how i can root a ming tree from a friends branch A: Could you please give me the botanical name of your plant as I have found in the past that people ...
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| miracid | 7/5/2009 |
Q: Which plants do you use miracid on? Also, I have two cordyline plants that are indoors. The leaves ... A: Miracid is used for plants which are lime hating. The plants which immediately spring to mind are ...
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| Help | 7/5/2009 |
Q: I have a wondering jew that I bought very full and beautiful, over time it started wilting and and ... A: Wandering Jew from the Tradescantia family is normally a very easy plant to grow and to propagate. ...
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| anthurium plants | 7/5/2009 |
Q: I bought and repotted my anthurium, then I noticed after a week the new flowers started to turn ... A: Well if it's not dying it's crying out for help! Since your plant is so new I would take it right ...
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| Hanging Ivy Plant | 7/4/2009 |
Q: I have a hanging ivy plant that we bought about 3 weeks ago. For the first week it was outside on a ... A: You literally take the end of a stem and pinch [break] it off. That stem will then branch out to ...
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| Shefflera | 7/4/2009 |
Q: My quite large shefflera (in the house) is all sticky. What is the cause and what can I do about ... A: It sounds as if your plant has been attacked by insects, possibly aphids, scale or whitefly which ...
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| anthurium plant | 7/4/2009 |
Q: how do i care for an anthurium plant. i had one and it died shortly after my husband feed it. this ... A: Lucky you having such a kind husband!! IF it is indeed he who will be buying you the plant you ...
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| cyclamen | 7/4/2009 |
Q: i have used the expertise of all experts and have never been disappointed. i love this site. my ... A: Yes you are quite right, half in the earth, half protruding. Am interested to know that you have ...
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| Tiny Bugs | 7/3/2009 |
Q: I have a potted pink daisy in my family room, but I noticed that it is covered in these ... A: Since they are white they are likely to be whitefly - I know that sounds obvious but that is their ...
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| cat urine & plants | 7/3/2009 |
Q: My male cat urinated in a large potted (floor) plant and now it stinks to high heaven. I'd like to ... A: Not being a cat lover I haven't, thankfully, encountered this problem but this is what I would do ...
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| cyclamen | 7/3/2009 |
Q: i have used the expertise of all experts and have never been disappointed. i love this site. my ... A: Oh my goodness, I hope I am not going to disappoint you! What I say is, if it works for your friend ...
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| white fluff on soil | 7/3/2009 |
Q: I work on a boat and I have just taken over the care of around 35 house plants (I have no prev ... A: Yes it certainly sounds like overwatering although you said you only watered the plant twice a week. ...
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| Dividing Indoor Kentia | 7/2/2009 |
Q: I have a large (10 foot+) indoor Kentia palm that is actually four palms in one pot (it has four ... A: As far as I am aware Kentia palms are propagated by seed not by division. If however you KNOW that ...
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| rubber tree house plant, umbrella tree house plants | 7/2/2009 |
Q: I am wondering how often I should water the two plants listed above? A: It all depends on the temperature where you have these plants situated. For example if they are in ...
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| Hanging Ivy Plant | 7/2/2009 |
Q: I have a hanging ivy plant that we bought about 3 weeks ago. For the first week it was outside on a ... A: I don't know what the temperature is where you are in the States but if it is hot then your plant is ...
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| spathiphyllum care | 7/1/2009 |
Q: i've got a peace lily that was flowering but the flowers were dying soon after, new growth was ... A: Because so many people ask me about peace lilies I bought one for myself a few weeks ago so I could ...
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| white fluff on soil | 6/30/2009 |
Q: I work on a boat and I have just taken over the care of around 35 house plants (I have no prev ... A: You must be on a very large boat to have so many plants to take care of and I can understand that it ...
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| Hibiscus | 6/24/2009 |
Q: My hibiscus survived the winter and I put it outside this summer and it is starting new growth but ... A: The most likely reasons are 1] not enough water - the compost should be kept moist during spring ...
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| funfus in my plant? | 6/24/2009 |
Q: I've got something terribly wrong with my indoor plants. The leaves are shiny with a sticky ... A: Could be both I'm afraid. Some insects i.e. aphids, whitefly and mealy bug feed on the sap of the ...
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| Beaucarnea Guatemalensis | 6/24/2009 |
Q: I recently purchased a 3' tall Beaucarnea Guatemalensis (Ponytail Palm) through a mail order and ... A: Maybe when you potted it you did not give it enough water but apart from that the way you potted it ...
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| umberella plant or dollar tree | 6/23/2009 |
Q: leaves of my plant turn in some spotty I feed it water it wvery two wks and I amm stumped! A: I will answer your question within a day or two - can't right now I'm afraid as was in a car ...
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| REX BIGONIA | 6/23/2009 |
Q: I HAVE A LARGE BIGONIA I PURCHASED 2 WEEKS AGO SITTING IN A BRIGHT HALLWAY. THE LOWER LEAVES ARE ... A: Are you the same Doris who asked about coffee plants and pineapple plants a few days ago or is it ...
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| Dying Split-Leaf Philodendron | 6/23/2009 |
Q: I have had my Split Leaf for about 8 or 9 years now and he is quite dear to me- about four weeks ... A: Diana Hello again Megan, I'm so sorry that your plant is dying off - what a shame after you have ...
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| Violet | 6/22/2009 |
Q: I was given a cutting off of an unusual violet plant that was a friend's great grandmother's plant. ... A: Just wanted to let you know you are not being ignored. Diana Hello again Karen, Well done for ...
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| Palm Tree Care | 6/22/2009 |
Q: I have two 4 foot indoor palm trees that I recently transplanted. They are in large pots with holes ... A: How sad that your plants are appear to be dying but are there any new fronds coming through and, if ...
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| REX BIGONIA | 6/22/2009 |
Q: I HAVE A LARGE BIGONIA I PURCHASED 2 WEEKS AGO SITTING IN A BRIGHT HALLWAY. THE LOWER LEAVES ARE ... A: I always think Begonia Rex are splendid colourful plants but a bit dicey to grow and they never seem ...
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| Bird of paradise | 6/22/2009 |
Q: My outside giant white bird of paradise has just begun to bloom after 6 years. It is beautiful but ... A: You must be very excited to see your plant in bloom after such a long wait! No, don't spray the ...
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| COFFEE BEAN PLANT | 6/21/2009 |
Q: WILL MY COFFEE BEAN PLANT REALLY GROW COFFEE. ITS A HOUSEPLANT I JUST BOUGHT. and CAN YOU GROW A ... A: As a houseplant sorry, there will be no aroma of roasting coffee beans in the future as the white ...
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| Hoya/cotton like stuff | 6/21/2009 |
Q: I had a hindu rope hoya that developed cotton like stuff on it and I'm thinking spider mites of some ... A: What you describe is almost certainly mealy bug so you should spray weekly with malathion or a ...
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| Indoor calla lily blooms won't open | 6/20/2009 |
Q: 3 weeks ago, I purchased a calla lily plant in a 6" pot as an indoor plant. It came with 2 large ... A: There are so many different types of calla lilies that it is impossible to be specific for one ...
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| Somona flower colour change | 6/20/2009 |
Q: I have had a Somona succulent for about 4 or 5 years now, which has been producing bright ... A: I wonder if it is possible for you to send a photo of your plant and the botanical name? The usual ...
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| Yukka house plant | 6/19/2009 |
Q: I have had my Yukka for almost 2 years and it is very healthy and sprouting new leaves continuously. ... A: It's not that you are doing something wrong but probably just because you are NOT doing something! ...
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| new leaves of wax malphigia are turning black | 6/19/2009 |
Q: My wax malphigia was v much healthy, but recently it lost all its leaves and new leaves are also ... A: It would seem that this plant is either a native of, and/or is a very popular plant, in India and, ...
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| Beaucarnea Guatemalensis | 6/19/2009 |
Q: I recently purchased a 3' tall Beaucarnea Guatemalensis (Ponytail Palm) through a mail order and ... A: I wonder how long it took for this plant to be delivered to you? It sounds to me as if it has ...
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| Violet | 6/18/2009 |
Q: I was given a cutting off of an unusual violet plant that was a friend's great grandmother's plant. ... A: Your plant sounds lovely - can you possibly send me a photo so I can try to identify it? Meanwhile ...
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| Massangeana Cane | 6/18/2009 |
Q: I sure hope you can help me I just got a Massangeana Cane it is in a 10inch pot from the store i ... A: By misting the plant I mean spraying it all over with water and on the occasions when you have ...
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| Massangeana Cane | 6/18/2009 |
Q: I sure hope you can help me I just got a Massangeana Cane it is in a 10inch pot from the store i ... A: As regards re-potting your plant it all depends on how large the plant is, does it look top heavy, ...
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| schlefferra | 6/17/2009 |
Q: My schleffera has been in the same pot for four years. The branches are curving out and down a bit. ... A: green thumb or no green thumb!!! Your plant should have been repotted around two years ago and ...
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| yucca cane | 6/16/2009 |
Q: Sorry for repeating this! but I could not find the answer posted to my question on the web site... ... A: Since you have new shoots appearing from a little way up the trunk what I would do is cut down the ...
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| yucca cane | 6/16/2009 |
Q: Sorry for repeating this! but I could not find the answer posted to my question on the web site... ... A: How very strange - I too have searched for your question and my answer to no avail and, believe you ...
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| repotting shoots | 6/16/2009 |
Q: I know little about plants. From my plant I cut off a stem with leaves on it (I assume that's a ... A: Yes you will need to monitor more carefully your plant's need for water now it is in a clay pot as ...
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| Chilli Pepper plant care | 6/15/2009 |
Q: I have a fruiting hot chilli pepper (2 feet tall, not counting pot) on my sunny (diffused sunlight) ... A: Good afternoon Pat, I'll tell you about my experience of growing a chilli pepper plant [Capsicum ...
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| ficus menjamina | 6/15/2009 |
Q: I have a ficus benjamina growing in a 6" pot. I've had the plant for a little over a year and up ... A: Ficus Benjamina is such a lovely graceful plant isn't it? Trimnming off any bare side stems at the ...
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| gnats in my plants | 6/15/2009 |
Q: I have a ton of these little gnats that have all of a sudden shown up and they are hanging out in ... A: Insects descend on plants because they want to suck the tasty sap from the leaves and stems. If you ...
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| worm-like creatures in soil of house plant | 6/14/2009 |
Q: I am pretty new at this house plant thing. I need your help. I purchaged 3 plants (from same ... A: Oh what a shame - at first I thought your plants [what type are they I wonder?] must have gnat ...
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| Hoya blooms | 6/14/2009 |
Q: I have a Hoya plant that is just a few years old and is doing great. It has at least 35 blooms on it ... A: What a shame that the fragrance emanting from your plant is unpleasant - there are other people who ...
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| Massangeana Cane and a ponytail plam | 6/14/2009 |
Q: Can you please tell me what type of potting soil you would use for Massangeana Cane And a Pony tail ... A: I use a straightforward potting soil for all my plants and mostly they do very well. I don't know ...
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| African Violet | 6/13/2009 |
Q: If the leaves of my violets touch the edge of the pot they bend over and die if they touch the edge ... A: I have grown quite a few African Violets in my time and have never encountered this problem. My ...
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| scindapsus aureus | 6/13/2009 |
Q: Cant scindapsus aureus live without sunlight ? Because I have a Plant and it's kept near my ... A: I hope you will give that to your plant too! Scindapsus aureus is an easy plant to grow and doesn't ...
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| Bugs in soil | 6/13/2009 |
Q: I have a lot of plants in my house most of them are tropical plants and recently I've noticed that ... A: I presume the bugs are not ants? They can often be seen in soil disturbing the roots and also they ...
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| Insects in Vegetable Garden | 6/12/2009 |
Q: Greetings, I have recently started planting and I have a small herb and vegetable garden. I recently ... A: my first query from Puerto Rico! If they are slugs or caterpillars then you have been doing the ...
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| alocasia polly | 6/12/2009 |
Q: When I BOUGHT THE ABOVE PLANT, IT APPEARED TO BE DUSTY AND I WASHED THE LEAVES WITH WATER BUT ABOUT ... A: Not an easy plant to grow but how spectacular it is, isn't it? You will find that this plant, ...
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| Yucca Cane | 6/12/2009 |
Q: I have two yucca cane plants that have been on my balcony roughly a year now. However, during the ... A: It's great that your yuccas are producing offsets at the base of the old plants. These should be ...
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| Does pouring unused cola on house plants help? | 6/11/2009 |
Q: I just bought an orchid and was told by the shop keeper to #1: keep away from direct sunlight and ... A: If you read my profile you will see it says that I don't know much about orchids however, having ...
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| Peacock Jasmine | 6/11/2009 |
Q: I just received 2 peacock jasmine plants via mail in a cardboard tube. I am wondering what size pot ... A: I would say 4 inch pots would be the right size for your plants. Anything larger will not encourage ...
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| Lemon scented plant | 6/10/2009 |
Q: I am looking for a plant that lets off the smell of lemons when sprayed with water. I had a ... A: I'm afraid I don't know of any plant which lets off the smell of lemons when sprayed with water ...
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| alocasia polly | 6/10/2009 |
Q: i have an alocasia polly that got this bloom it looked like a spathe with a white chalk looking ... A: Although alocasia polly does flower the flowers are sterile and do not set seed. If what you have ...
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| Chinese Evergreen | 6/10/2009 |
Q: I have a large Chinese Evergreen that seems to be doing well. Is it normal for this type of plant to ... A: Sorry for the delay in answering your question - I never received the e-mail but have today been ...
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| plastic or clay pot | 6/9/2009 |
Q: Five years ago someone gave me a Jade indoor plant that is in a 6 inch plastic pot. It has grown ... A: When the time comes to first re-pot my plants I always choose a clay pot. There are several reasons ...
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| Asparagus fern | 6/9/2009 |
Q: I have two hanging plants that include Swedish ivy, airplane plant and asparagus fern. I can take ... A: Propagation of the Asparagus Fern is by division of plants which can be done at any time of the ...
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| Green moss | 6/8/2009 |
Q: I have replanted my aloe vera plant and it is growing wonderfully. However, I have green moss ... A: As far as I know moss doesn't damage plants, in fact, some people enjoy growing moss as a plant in ...
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| Jasmine Flower | 6/8/2009 |
Q: I bought a Jasmine Flower one month ago. I leave in Guelph Ontario (South West Ontario, Canada). ... A: I don't know the temperatures that prevail in Canada [ I am in southern Spain] but I do know that a ...
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| rabbit foot fern | 6/7/2009 |
Q: My Rabbit Foot Fern has a lot of the "feet" but the fronds continue to turn brown and fall out. I ... A: It sounds to me as if your fern needs more light, humidity and water. The compost should be kept ...
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| peace lilly | 6/7/2009 |
Q: I received a peace Lilly a few months ago...at the time it seemed healthy...I have kept the soil ... A: Good morning, I am beginning to think that every plant lover in the States possesses a Peace lily ...
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| Ming tree | 6/7/2009 |
Q: I have a small ming tree, I love it and the history behind it so getting rid of it is not an option. ... A: Ming trees are so pretty aren't they and I can understand that you want to save your plant. It ...
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| button fern | 6/6/2009 |
Q: i had my button fern i just got in the foyer not alot of bright light it started getting really dry, ... A: Good morning Doris, If it were my plant I would cut it all back, put it in a position where it has ...
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| What kind of tree was I given? | 6/6/2009 |
Q: I was given a small tree house plant and want to know what it is. The trunk is straight and about a ... A: Good morning Loren, Isn't that just a great little plant - well not so little really! Your plant ...
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| desert rose plant | 6/5/2009 |
Q: I recently bought a desert rose plant from my local gardening store and an employee told me that it ... A: Yes I mean with a fertiliser. I use Phostrogen in powder form but I don't know if that is available ...
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| Failing Yucca | 6/5/2009 |
Q: I have had my Yucca for many years and right now the top portion has slumped over, some green leaves ... A: Yes you have understood fine although I don't hold out much hope for the top part growing roots but ...
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| Plants unknown | 6/5/2009 |
Q: I have a great house plant that I got from my aunt that was hers for 25 years, I don't know what it ... A: It sounds to me as if you have a Swedish Ivy, which doesn't, as the name implies originate from ...
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| My Azalea Tree is dying | 6/5/2009 |
Q: for Easter my boyfriend got me a tree with out a name or care directions. Today I found out that it ... A: Fortunately you have two plants in one it would seem so cut off all the dead branches and ...
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| desert rose plant | 6/4/2009 |
Q: I recently bought a desert rose plant from my local gardening store and an employee told me that it ... A: I wouldn't worry too much about lower leaves dropping - this is natural - either due to change of ...
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| Failing Yucca | 6/4/2009 |
Q: I have had my Yucca for many years and right now the top portion has slumped over, some green leaves ... A: oh dear, poor little yucca, it does look so sad! If it were my plant this is what I would do. ...
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| Sago palm not putting out new fronds | 6/3/2009 |
Q: I have a 14-year old sago palm that does not appear to be growing new leaves. For the past two or ... A: I assume you are treating both plants the same? The one that is not growing looks very dried up - I ...
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| Sago palm not putting out new fronds | 6/3/2009 |
Q: I have a 14-year old sago palm that does not appear to be growing new leaves. For the past two or ... A: The last person who wrote to me about a sago palm had almost the opposite "problem" - lots of green ...
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| MAJESTY PALM | 6/3/2009 |
Q: CANNOT SEE SPIDER MITES BUT DOES HAVE WHITE UP AND DOWN STEMS. ANY DISH SOAP OK? A: Spider mites are very minute and are found on the underside of leaves where they suck the sap from ...
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| scale or bug appearing on my Alocasia Polly plant | 6/2/2009 |
Q: I came back from out of town and discovered little tiny (size of a pin head) black bug or scale on ... A: It sounds as if your plant might have been attacked by scale insects since you say they appear to be ...
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| yellow leaves on my peace lillies | 6/2/2009 |
Q: I have had my peace lillies for almost a year, and we have battled the fungal gnats, changed the ... A: My goodness yet another peace lily with a problem! Since you repotted your plants about six months ...
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| plants | 6/1/2009 |
Q: i recently moved, and of course, brought my collection of house plants with me. i have two that i ... A: My goodness what a tenacious person you are! Even after the squirrel affair! Why don't you bring ...
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| Stromanthe care | 6/1/2009 |
Q: How do I care for my stromanthe plant. A: They look great when placed as a contrast with other plants which have plain green leaves. As the ...
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| Prayer plant flowering | 6/1/2009 |
Q: I have a question about a prayer plant. I have had it for about 6 months and it flowering right now. ... A: Well your prayer plant is obviously very happy! Yes cut off the flower stem - in actual fact ...
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| soil bugs | 6/1/2009 |
Q: im having the same problem with my plants.SOILBUGS!!!What if my plant is to small to soak in the ... A: I had to laugh when I read that the bugs keep on trucking! Obviously you have a good sense of ...
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| Ornamental orange tree/plant | 6/1/2009 |
Q: My ornamental orange tree has been healthy for 25 years; I grew it from an 8-inch seeding sent as a ... A: You have done really well to keep your plant for 25 years and I can well understand your feelings ...
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| aloe plant browning and becoming squishy to touch | 5/31/2009 |
Q: ive had this aloe for a few years now. it grew from a small baby to a large plant. ive kept in the ... A: Well what a time you and your aloe have had, in, out, in, out etc. the cat being the final straw I ...
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| Umbrella Plant | 5/31/2009 |
Q: I purchased an umbrella plant at the Home Depot. She was potted in a very tight pot and seemed ... A: Well this week seems to be "how do I look after and/or save my umbrella plant?" They are obviously ...
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| Peace Lily | 5/31/2009 |
Q: I too have a peace lily that I received from my mother's funeral this past March. It has leaves ... A: The peace lily strikes again! MY peace lily is beautiful with no problems at all but then, I only ...
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| My Nephthytis Forest | 5/31/2009 |
Q: I have a question about my nephthytis. It is growing in a very un-controlled manner, and I was ... A: Good morning Tracy, Glad to hear your plant is doing so well! This plant is almost like two plants ...
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| Philodendron | 5/30/2009 |
Q: What are these root looking runners, what are they for, can I cut them off? Some have dried up ends ... A: The long roots are called aerial roots - no don't cut them off [apart from the dried up tips], when ...
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| donkey tail question | 5/30/2009 |
Q: My donkey tail is hanging on the North side of house in front of window. I use fluorescent ... A: I'm sorry but I have no idea what a donkey tail plant is - is it the same as pony tail? Could you ...
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| Persian Violet Overwatered | 5/29/2009 |
Q: My coworkers and I were all 3 given Persian Violets as a gift. Mine is great! There's not so good, ... A: Maybe you can save the overwatered plants - have you checked the roots? If they are all rotted - ie ...
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| FICA trees | 5/29/2009 |
Q: We have 2 FICA trees that are at least 20 years old. Recently they have been dripping sap which is ... A: Well you have a big cleaning up operation in front of you! It would appear to me that your plants ...
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| Broken propeller plant/propagation | 5/29/2009 |
Q: I have (had)a 6 inch tall propeller plant (Crassula Falcata) and in moving it to a sunnier location ... A: If you have a special soil for cactus it may already include sand - check on the bag. By sharp sand ...
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| Kimberley Queen Fern | 5/29/2009 |
Q: I just bought my very first ever Kimberly Queen Fern, already a couple of the fronds are turning ... A: Good morning Cindy, From what I can tell, your Kimberly Queen Fern is what we [not in the States] ...
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| Marigolds | 5/29/2009 |
Q: Can you please tell me if I can plant my regular marigolds w/my marigold inca ll in the same pot? ... A: As you will appreciate yours is a gardening question not house plants, however, having said that I ...
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| Peace Lilly | 5/28/2009 |
Q: I have a beautiful peace lilly plant, I've had it approx. 2 yrs. it has lovely green foliage and is ... A: It's amazing the number of times I have been asked questions about the peace lily - so much so that ...
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| Broken propeller plant/propagation | 5/28/2009 |
Q: I have (had)a 6 inch tall propeller plant (Crassula Falcata) and in moving it to a sunnier location ... A: You are doing the right thing by allowing the broken part of your plant to dry - if you are going to ...
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| umbrella plant problem | 5/28/2009 |
Q: One of my umbrella plants (smaller type) has sticky leaves - it has been in front of my east window ... A: Stickiness on plant leaves is going to be due to insects probably aphids or scale so check your ...
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| Cowboy Cactus | 5/28/2009 |
Q: I have had a Cowboy Cactus in my conservatory for the past 6 years probably longer and it has now ... A: Wow, 9ft tall! You must feel you are out in the desert in Arizona when you look at it! You have ...
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| candy corn plants(manettia inflata) | 5/27/2009 |
Q: I have three candy corn plants hanging in pots outside...only one of these plants is producing ... A: I have to tell you that I have no personal experience of growing candy corn plants but I do know ...
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| care,where to plant a vineing with lalgre purple flowes phil selloum | 5/27/2009 |
Q: where to plant sun or shade wet oe dry? A: It would seem that you have been given the incorrect name for your plant. Philodendron selloum is ...
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| umbrella tree | 5/27/2009 |
Q: I was given an umbrella tree house plant after my father died 17 months ago. I recently repotted it ... A: My favourite plant food is Phostrogen which is in powder form but I have no idea if this brand is ...
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| The leaves of my new plant has started yellowing | 5/27/2009 |
Q: I presently live in German Town, Maryland, USA. I do not know the name of the plant but in India we ... A: It's impossible for me to identify your plant for you as I am afraid I have never heard of Champa. ...
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| bonsai bamboo plants | 5/26/2009 |
Q: How do you make a bonsai bamboo plant grow spiral? A: Much as I love looking at Bonsai plants I have never possessed one so don't know much about their ...
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| indoor plant | 5/26/2009 |
Q: I have been given an indoor plant but have no idea what it is. It is a beautiful purple/dark red in ... A: Am so glad you have been given a definite name and to know that I was almost there in my ...
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| What do I have? | 5/26/2009 |
Q: I was given a beautiful plant for mother's day, but I don't know what it is. It is about 3 feet ... A: I wish I knew what you have! It sounds lovely and I have a feeling I have seen these plants in ...
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| jasmine | 5/26/2009 |
Q: i received a jasmine and I am in zone 5 I did not bring it in for the winter and now the leaves are ... A: I should cut off all the brown bits and place your plant outside in partial shade - definitely not ...
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| plant identification | 5/26/2009 |
Q: I was given a houseplant by a neighbor. I have been trying to identify this plant for some time. ... A: I wonder if it would be possible for you to send a photo of your plant? My immediate thought was ...
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| Double Hibiscus tree | 5/25/2009 |
Q: . all the leaves died and fell off then about 1 month later leaves grew back... now the leaves are ... A: First of all why do you think your hibiscus suffered from frost bite - did you leave it outside ...
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| indoor plant | 5/25/2009 |
Q: I have been given an indoor plant but have no idea what it is. It is a beautiful purple/dark red in ... A: As you can see it is the early hours of the morning and I was obviously confused when I replied ...
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| peace lily | 5/25/2009 |
Q: I have a beautiful varigated peace lily I brought home from my father's funeral. I have been cutting ... A: It would seem that the peace lily is a popular plant in the States as I receive lots of queries ...
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| zz plant | 5/24/2009 |
Q: I have had my zz plant for a couple of years. It has grown faster than I think the average. Most ... A: Firstly I am sorry but you'll have to tell me what a zz plant is! Is it perhaps a Busy Lizzie ...
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| Devils Ivy | 5/24/2009 |
Q: We have just bought a large Devils ivy plant and potted it. It does say on the label that it can go ... A: Glad to hear you have had a hot day today - hope it continues like that over the holiday weekend. ...
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| indoor plant | 5/24/2009 |
Q: I have been given an indoor plant but have no idea what it is. It is a beautiful purple/dark red in ... A: Your plant sounds gorgeous - since you have told me the leaves close at night this leads me to ...
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| asparagus fern | 5/23/2009 |
Q: How do I know what size pot it should be in? It dosen't seem to get any fuller and i've had it for ... A: Am I to assume that you have never re-potted your Asparagus Fern? If so, how clever of you to have ...
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| Flower Pot | 5/23/2009 |
Q: Hey Diana, I have a really nice marble flower pot that I use for indoor plants, but it has no ... A: What I would do is use this pot as a plant pot cover rather than planting directly into it as ...
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| Jade Plant | 5/23/2009 |
Q: I have a jade plant that is about 12 yrs. old in desperate need of repotting and I don't know much ... A: If it is a large plant as I imagine it must be since it is 12 years old, or thereabouts, I would, if ...
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| peace lily | 5/23/2009 |
Q: I have a peace lily now for almost a month and one bloom has turned brown. What does that mean? A: Well, it either means that the flower has died as all of them will eventually so just cut it off or ...
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| Sago Palm | 5/22/2009 |
Q: I recently bought a Sago Palm at Lowe's. It's in about a six inch vase, but it has the rocks on the ... A: The story gets very intriguing! This is just to let you know that I haven't forgotten you but I ...
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| Avacado Plant | 5/21/2009 |
Q: Realizing that it is rather difficult to grow an avocado plant in a pot on the counter, I will be ... A: Well I don't want to hurt you - far from it - so what shall I tell you? Unless your plant is ...
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| Sago Palm | 5/21/2009 |
Q: I recently bought a Sago Palm at Lowe's. It's in about a six inch vase, but it has the rocks on the ... A: well how exciting that your plant has grown so much whilst you were away for only 11 days. Please ...
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| scales on areca palm | 5/21/2009 |
Q: I read a post on your website and it described exactly what was wrong with my Areca palm plant. The ... A: When I encounter scale on my plants if it is not too bad then I remove them manually with ordinary ...
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| kalanchoe | 5/21/2009 |
Q: I have a plant which I thought was jade, but after some research found it to be a kalanchoe. I can ... A: I am assuming that your kalanchoe is a non flowering variety perhaps with furry or hairy leaves? ...
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| ivy pot | 5/20/2009 |
Q: i bought a small ivy plant not sure what kind, and put it into a shallow banzai pot. it hasn't been ... A: I imagine your ivy is not doing well for both the reasons you give. Firstly why did you feel the ...
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| Northfolk Pine Tree | 5/20/2009 |
Q: I received a Northfolk Pine Tree as a gift. I have watered it weekly and repotted it, because the ... A: I don't have any personal experience of growing a Norfolk pine or indeed any type of pine. However, ...
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| How to prune a Chinadoll plant? | 5/20/2009 |
Q: I have read the answer as to pruning a Chinadoll houseplant. I have one in my office that is 7 feet ... A: Yes, after pruning your plant you will get new growth from the cut end. As Chinadoll plants are ...
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| Draceana Cane | 5/19/2009 |
Q: is it ok to cut the brown leaves off of a draceana cane? will they grow back? A: Yes it most certainly is ok to cut off the brown leaves - no-one likes to see brown leaves on their ...
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| Peace Lilly bruising | 5/19/2009 |
Q: My peace Lilly blloms keep getting bruised and turning black. What can I do to stop this? A: Have you checked the plant and root ball for insects? I would say this is the most likely answer to ...
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| Gold Dust or Spotted Dracaena | 5/19/2009 |
Q: One of my co-workers overwatered her Gold Dust Dracaena and was throwing it out. I took some ... A: If you have the plant crown you can plant this directly into potting soil but if you took cane ...
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| my mandevila plant is wilting | 5/19/2009 |
Q: I have placed my two mandeville plant outside to climb on my fence. One especially is looking like ... A: I would move them to a shaded place and see how they respond. I wonder if these are small plants ...
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| Black Aralia | 5/18/2009 |
Q: Greetings, I found your name on Allexperts.com and was hoping you could help. So far no one I have ... A: My haven't you done well to have your plant grow more than 8ft tall - I can understand your dismay ...
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| Gardenias | 5/18/2009 |
Q: I have a gardenia tree that is now in full bloom ,but lately the flowers are turning brown within a ... A: When you say tree, do you really mean tree or plant? Is the plant inside or outside, in a pot or ...
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| Pygmy Date Palm tree | 5/17/2009 |
Q: I received a pygmy date palm tree a couple of months ago. It was in a decorative pot with other ... A: Yes, it certainly sounds as if your palm has been infected by red spider mites. Personally I would ...
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| Houseplants nightmare! | 5/17/2009 |
Q: I was wondering if you could tell me what is best for a houseplant? I bought a few the other day at ... A: I am amazed that the seller of the plants did not give you proper growing instructions or at least a ...
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| repotting 1.5m jade plants | 5/17/2009 |
Q: i have been asked to repot 3 very mature jade plants, also known as money trees. They came from a ... A: I would not use home made compost as it may well contain pests which will flourish in the warmer ...
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| repotting 1.5m jade plants | 5/17/2009 |
Q: i have been asked to repot 3 very mature jade plants, also known as money trees. They came from a ... A: You are the first person in Australia to have contacted me! I think you are going to need some help ...
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| What is this? | 5/17/2009 |
Q: I bought a beautiful flowering plant today that came with no name or care instructions, I couldn't ... A: I am amazed that the person/shop who sold you this plant did not tell you its name and advise you on ...
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| my mandevila plant is wilting | 5/16/2009 |
Q: I have placed my two mandeville plant outside to climb on my fence. One especially is looking like ... A: My immediate thought was that the plant has wilted due to being in the sun as I tried growing one on ...
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| cat palm and boston fern | 5/16/2009 |
Q: My palm leaves are turning brown, which they say is normal. But my new growths are even turning ... A: Good morning Cindy, Since both your plants seem to be suffering from more or less the same problem ...
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| Azalea plant | 5/16/2009 |
Q: How often do you water the Azalea A: Azaleas are very thirsty plants - in the spring/summer when the buds are opening and then later when ...
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| Enlgish Ivy | 5/16/2009 |
Q: I have struggled in the past to grow ivy houseplants. I am going to try it again now. How much ... A: Good morning Denise, In the olden days, before you and I were born!, ivies were considered easy ...
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| Leaves Turning Yellow on Silver Philodendron | 5/16/2009 |
Q: I have a Silver Philodendron. The leaves have begun to turn yellow. It's not in any particular area ... A: Have just answered your query, then pressed a button on my computer and the whole thing disappeared! ...
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| Ivy house plants | 5/15/2009 |
Q: I have an Ivy that was given to me around Christmas time. I have a couple of questions. First I ... A: yes of course send me a photo and I will do my best to identify your ivy. Practically all plants, ...
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| Indoor Palm Tree | 5/14/2009 |
Q: I have a general palm tree. It was about a foot high when I got it handed down to me and now it's ... A: Good morning Kristen, I am a little mystified about your plant and wonder if it is in fact a palm? ...
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| looks like a rabbits foot | 5/14/2009 |
Q: I am trying to revive a plant that I adopted from my co worker. the plant looks kind of like a ... A: You describe, very well I might add, one of my favourite houseplants from the group of Marantas. ...
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| Scale on my spider plant | 5/14/2009 |
Q: I have read what to do for this problem but I love my spider plants and have many. This one is ... A: Yes, it certainly sounds like scale insects have attacked your spider plant. Or it could be tiny ...
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| my candy corn plant | 5/14/2009 |
Q: my cat chewed on my poor plant and I'm trying to nurse it back to health. I've trying to learn more ... A: Fields, I have to admit that I have no personal experience of Candy Corn which I believe to be a ...
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| help id house plant | 5/14/2009 |
Q: We have a plant here a the hospital that was donated years ago. Right now it has very long green ... A: I'm sorry but I cannot ID your plant. I wonder if you were to cut one of the leaves if it actually ...
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| Azalea plan | 5/13/2009 |
Q: I received a beautiful azalea plant at my office from my son for Mother's Day. It was in full bloom ... A: I do love a woman with a sense of humour - thanks for giving me a good chuckle when I read your ...
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| yucca plants | 5/13/2009 |
Q: I read your answer re root rot in yucca plants and think mine may also be suffering. Not sure ... A: I haven't actually written anything to do with root rot in yucca plants - obviously someone else - ...
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| hibuscus as a houseplant | 5/13/2009 |
Q: I sprayed my plant with insect killer for whiteflies and all the leaves are drooping - some have ... A: Good morning D I have lost count of the times I have sprayed my hibiscus plants to rid them of ...
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| Hibiscus | 5/13/2009 |
Q: Help! have a bibiscus plant for several years it nice and healthy but it has stopped blooming, keep ... A: I have only ever grown hibiscus out of doors as I live in Spain where they grow without much ...
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| Azalea plan | 5/12/2009 |
Q: I received a beautiful azalea plant at my office from my son for Mother's Day. It was in full bloom ... A: Azaleas are gorgeous aren't they? But yours must be feeling very neglected - not watered and left ...
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| Question about a dracaena | 5/12/2009 |
Q: I wanted to ask a question about my dracaena. It was doing fine until I moved. Had no other way to ... A: What a shame that your Dracaena had to go through the shock of moving house al fresco although ...
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| palm | 5/12/2009 |
Q: Diana I have a small indoor palm (sorry tag fell off cant remember what kind) that I got at Walmart. ... A: Well Bud, I want you to imagine that you were nice and cosy at home and then suddenly you were ...
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| venus fly traps | 5/12/2009 |
Q: I have been growing flytraps for about 5 years outside with no trouble. This year my traps are ... A: Firstly I have a confession to make! I have never attempted to grow a Venus Fly Trap - I used to ...
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| Lady Palm Cane regrowth | 5/12/2009 |
Q: I purchased a Lady Palm that was pretty sick and have managed to get 3 of its 6 canes healthy and ... A: Congratulations on reviving part of your palm! I wonder if you have cut the other canes to see if ...
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