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About Diana Hamilton
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I can answer questions related to flowering and non-flowering house plants, and herbs. I do not know very much about cactus, orchids and bonsai

Experience
For 20 years I owned a florist where I sold cut flowers and all types of house plants and accessories and gave advice to my customers.

Publications
I have not had any writings published but I have presented gardening programmes on television, showing viewers how to care for their plants, giving them ideas on suitable plants, discussed problems with experts in different fields and given practical demonstrations on growing seeds, planting tubs and hanging baskets, watering, feeding, pruning etc.

Education/Credentials
I am completely self-taught

Awards and Honors
I have exhibited plants and flower arrangements in many Flower Shows winning many prizes.

   

You are here:  Experts > Style > Interior Decorating > House Plants

Questions Answered By Expert  Diana Hamilton 
In Category  House Plants

SubjectDate Asked

Ivy leaves turning black8/13/2009
  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 ...
yucca elephantipes8/13/2009
  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. ...
mexican bird of paradise8/12/2009
  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 ...
Collecting rainwater8/12/2009
  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 ...
caring for a mass cane plant8/11/2009
  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 ...
Peace Lillies8/11/2009
  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. ...
Mistletoe Fig leaves8/11/2009
  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 ...
palm8/11/2009
  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 ...
CLEANING BANANA LEAVES8/10/2009
  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 ...
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 ...
problem with two different house plans8/9/2009
  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 ...
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 ...
Ti plant8/6/2009
  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. ...
Sticky ficus tree leaves8/6/2009
  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 ...
hearts and flowers groundcover8/6/2009
  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 ...
Scorched Dracaeana8/5/2009
  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 ...
HOYA/BEGONIAS8/5/2009
  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 ...
repotting African Violets8/5/2009
  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 ...
aloe vera plant8/3/2009
  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 ...
caring for a mass cane plant8/3/2009
  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 ...
bamboo8/2/2009
  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 ...
repotting African Violets8/1/2009
  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 ...
UNKOWN HOUSEPLANT7/31/2009
  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 ...
Rubber Plant7/31/2009
  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 ...
African Violets7/31/2009
  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 ...
corn plant over watered and no light7/30/2009
  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 ...
Anthurium Plant7/28/2009
  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 ...
hens and chicks7/28/2009
  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" ...
Yucca overwatered7/28/2009
  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 ...
hens and chick7/27/2009
  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 ...
shefflera7/27/2009
  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. ...
Tiny White Flying Bugs on my Poinsettia7/27/2009
  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 ...
cactus damage7/26/2009
  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 ...
hydrangea7/26/2009
  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 ...
Help identify plant7/25/2009
  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 ...
sago palm7/25/2009
  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 ...
African Violets7/25/2009
  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 ...
insect eggs on house plants; "weeping" leaves; "powder" on leaves7/24/2009
  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 ...
cyclamen7/24/2009
  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 ...
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 ...
propagating7/23/2009
  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 ...
ANTHURIUM PLANT7/23/2009
  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 ...
sago palm7/22/2009
  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 ...
rabbit foot fern about 10 years old7/22/2009
  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 ...
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 ...
Peace Lily7/21/2009
  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 ...
ANTHURIUM PLANT7/21/2009
  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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
begonias7/8/2009
  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 ...
yellow Jasmine Vine7/8/2009
  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 ...
orange tree7/7/2009
  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 ...
peacock jasmine7/7/2009
  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 ...
mandavilla vine7/7/2009
  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 ...
anthurium plants7/6/2009
  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 ...
Jade plant7/6/2009
  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 ...
ming tree house plant7/6/2009
  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 ...
miracid7/5/2009
  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 ...
Help7/5/2009
  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. ...
anthurium plants7/5/2009
  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 ...
Hanging Ivy Plant7/4/2009
  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 ...
Shefflera7/4/2009
  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 ...
anthurium plant7/4/2009
  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 ...
cyclamen7/4/2009
  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 ...
Tiny Bugs7/3/2009
  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 ...
cat urine & plants7/3/2009
  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 ...
cyclamen7/3/2009
  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 ...
white fluff on soil7/3/2009
  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. ...
Dividing Indoor Kentia7/2/2009
  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 ...
rubber tree house plant, umbrella tree house plants7/2/2009
  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 ...
Hanging Ivy Plant7/2/2009
  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 ...
spathiphyllum care7/1/2009
  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 ...
white fluff on soil6/30/2009
  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 ...
Hibiscus6/24/2009
  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 ...
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 ...
Beaucarnea Guatemalensis6/24/2009
  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 ...
umberella plant or dollar tree6/23/2009
  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 ...
REX BIGONIA6/23/2009
  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 ...
Dying Split-Leaf Philodendron6/23/2009
  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 ...
Violet6/22/2009
  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 ...
Palm Tree Care6/22/2009
  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 ...
REX BIGONIA6/22/2009
  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 ...
Bird of paradise6/22/2009
  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 ...
COFFEE BEAN PLANT6/21/2009
  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 ...
Hoya/cotton like stuff6/21/2009
  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 ...
Indoor calla lily blooms won't open6/20/2009
  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 ...
Somona flower colour change6/20/2009
  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 ...
Yukka house plant6/19/2009
  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! ...
new leaves of wax malphigia are turning black6/19/2009
  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, ...
Beaucarnea Guatemalensis6/19/2009
  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 ...
Violet6/18/2009
  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 ...
Massangeana Cane6/18/2009
  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 ...
Massangeana Cane6/18/2009
  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, ...
schlefferra6/17/2009
  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 ...
yucca cane6/16/2009
  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 ...
yucca cane6/16/2009
  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 ...
repotting shoots6/16/2009
  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 ...
Chilli Pepper plant care6/15/2009
  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 ...
ficus menjamina6/15/2009
  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 ...
gnats in my plants6/15/2009
  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 ...
worm-like creatures in soil of house plant6/14/2009
  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 ...
Hoya blooms6/14/2009
  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 ...
Massangeana Cane and a ponytail plam6/14/2009
  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 ...
African Violet6/13/2009
  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 ...
scindapsus aureus6/13/2009
  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 ...
Bugs in soil6/13/2009
  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 ...
Insects in Vegetable Garden6/12/2009
  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 ...
alocasia polly6/12/2009
  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, ...
Yucca Cane6/12/2009
  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 ...
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 ...
Peacock Jasmine6/11/2009
  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 ...
Lemon scented plant6/10/2009
  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 ...
alocasia polly6/10/2009
  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 ...
Chinese Evergreen6/10/2009
  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 ...
plastic or clay pot6/9/2009
  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 ...
Asparagus fern6/9/2009
  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 ...
Green moss6/8/2009
  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 ...
Jasmine Flower6/8/2009
  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 ...
rabbit foot fern6/7/2009
  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 ...
peace lilly6/7/2009
  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 ...
Ming tree6/7/2009
  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 ...
button fern6/6/2009
  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 ...
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 ...
desert rose plant6/5/2009
  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 ...
Failing Yucca6/5/2009
  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 ...
Plants unknown6/5/2009
  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 ...
My Azalea Tree is dying6/5/2009
  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 ...
desert rose plant6/4/2009
  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 ...
Failing Yucca6/4/2009
  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. ...
Sago palm not putting out new fronds6/3/2009
  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 ...
Sago palm not putting out new fronds6/3/2009
  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 ...
MAJESTY PALM6/3/2009
  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 ...
scale or bug appearing on my Alocasia Polly plant6/2/2009
  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 ...
yellow leaves on my peace lillies6/2/2009
  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 ...
plants6/1/2009
  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 ...
Stromanthe care6/1/2009
  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 ...
Prayer plant flowering6/1/2009
  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 ...
soil bugs6/1/2009
  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 ...
Ornamental orange tree/plant6/1/2009
  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 ...
aloe plant browning and becoming squishy to touch5/31/2009
  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 ...
Umbrella Plant5/31/2009
  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 ...
Peace Lily5/31/2009
  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 ...
My Nephthytis Forest5/31/2009
  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 ...
Philodendron5/30/2009
  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 ...
donkey tail question5/30/2009
  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 ...
Persian Violet Overwatered5/29/2009
  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 ...
FICA trees5/29/2009
  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 ...
Broken propeller plant/propagation5/29/2009
  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 ...
Kimberley Queen Fern5/29/2009
  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] ...
Marigolds5/29/2009
  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 ...
Peace Lilly5/28/2009
  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 ...
Broken propeller plant/propagation5/28/2009
  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 ...
umbrella plant problem5/28/2009
  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 ...
Cowboy Cactus5/28/2009
  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 ...
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 ...
care,where to plant a vineing with lalgre purple flowes phil selloum5/27/2009
  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 ...
umbrella tree5/27/2009
  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 ...
The leaves of my new plant has started yellowing5/27/2009
  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. ...
bonsai bamboo plants5/26/2009
  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 ...
indoor plant5/26/2009
  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 ...
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 ...
jasmine5/26/2009
  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 ...
plant identification5/26/2009
  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 ...
Double Hibiscus tree5/25/2009
  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 ...
indoor plant5/25/2009
  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 ...
peace lily5/25/2009
  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 ...
zz plant5/24/2009
  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 ...
Devils Ivy5/24/2009
  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. ...
indoor plant5/24/2009
  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 ...
asparagus fern5/23/2009
  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 ...
Flower Pot5/23/2009
  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 ...
Jade Plant5/23/2009
  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 ...
peace lily5/23/2009
  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 ...
Sago Palm5/22/2009
  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 ...
Avacado Plant5/21/2009
  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 ...
Sago Palm5/21/2009
  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 ...
scales on areca palm5/21/2009
  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 ...
kalanchoe5/21/2009
  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? ...
ivy pot5/20/2009
  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 ...
Northfolk Pine Tree5/20/2009
  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, ...
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 ...
Draceana Cane5/19/2009
  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 ...
Peace Lilly bruising5/19/2009
  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 ...
Gold Dust or Spotted Dracaena5/19/2009
  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 ...
my mandevila plant is wilting5/19/2009
  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 ...
Black Aralia5/18/2009
  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 ...
Gardenias5/18/2009
  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 ...
Pygmy Date Palm tree5/17/2009
  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 ...
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 ...
repotting 1.5m jade plants5/17/2009
  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 ...
repotting 1.5m jade plants5/17/2009
  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 ...
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 ...
my mandevila plant is wilting5/16/2009
  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 ...
cat palm and boston fern5/16/2009
  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 ...
Azalea plant5/16/2009
  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 ...
Enlgish Ivy5/16/2009
  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 ...
Leaves Turning Yellow on Silver Philodendron5/16/2009
  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! ...
Ivy house plants5/15/2009
  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, ...
Indoor Palm Tree5/14/2009
  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? ...
looks like a rabbits foot5/14/2009
  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. ...
Scale on my spider plant5/14/2009
  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 ...
my candy corn plant5/14/2009
  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 ...
help id house plant5/14/2009
  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 ...
Azalea plan5/13/2009
  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 ...
yucca plants5/13/2009
  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 - ...
hibuscus as a houseplant5/13/2009
  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 ...
Hibiscus5/13/2009
  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 ...
Azalea plan5/12/2009
  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 ...
Question about a dracaena5/12/2009
  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 ...
palm5/12/2009
  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 ...
venus fly traps5/12/2009
  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 ...
Lady Palm Cane regrowth5/12/2009
  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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