Expert: Nick McCann - 11/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, Nick how do i take care of a Schefflera plants and a Croton plants You have help me before and every thing is doing great. Thanks Helen

ANSWER: Hi Helen, and great to hear from you again! they both are pretty easy to care for, partial shade for both, and moderate irrigation is the ticket to success. Crotons like Sun, but will do fine in partial shade also,but with less defined color; In Florida, Sheffs are almost impossible to kill.. they thrive in a humid and Sunny location and are very forgiving when it comes to neglect. Nick

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QUESTION: Hi, Nick, Ok for my crotons what type of potting mix and fertilizer should I use? them on my schefflera what potting mix and fertilizer? and on my schefflera leaves are falling off but I stil have new grow am i doing any thing wrong?Add then how do i take care of a zygo cactus I call it christmas cactus and what type of potting mix plus fertilizer? Ok then I have a massangeana cane some of the leaves are turning yellow and them brown is that normal I got it in june of this year have not repotting it yet?But it dont look bad. thanks nick for all your help

Answer
You can use the same potting mix for all, its the amount of irrigating that will differ for each, the Crotons and Shefllera and Cane will be watered when the soil is dry halfway down into the soil; the cactus will do fine with a little less watering. Fertilized them with a soluble, like Miracle-Grow once a month at half the strength suggested on the label. The potting mix to use would be Miracle-Grow moisture mix. The schef and cane  shedding leaves can be one of many causes, but unless its real severe, I wouldn't be concerned, especially given the fact that new leaves are growing normally. Nick