	AllExperts > Experts
	Search

About Nick McCann
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
broad spectrum knowledge in the field of tropical plants;

Experience
I am a certified Master Gardner in Florida (8years)

Organizations
Master Gardner Association of Charlotte County Florida

Education/Credentials
Master Gardner training....accredited each year with required seminars and educational training.

You are here: Experts > Style > Gardening > Tropical Plants

Questions Answered By Expert Nick McCann
In Category Tropical Plants

Subject	Date Asked

Fox Palm	8/29/2008
Q: My fox palms new prawns are very green but VERY quickly turn brown and the stem seems to be spotted. ... A: The fronds turning brown is usually a problem with too much moisture at the root ball, make sure ...
Christmas Palm	8/29/2008
Q: I live in Florida and I have a 3 cluster Christmas Palm and a Foxtail Palm, we did not cover them ... A: I too have a foxtail I am trying to nurse back to health, it has 3 spears that are green but they ...
petra croton not doing well	8/28/2008
Q: I recently bought 3 croton to put in front for landscaping. They were planted right in front of my ... A: sounds like too much water, they are stressing from their roots getting soaked, Crotons don't need ...
Majesty Palm	8/28/2008
Q: Hi is their a way that i can stunt the growth so they don't grow so tall thank you A: not really, but if you are worried about the optimum growth given for the palm (20 feet), don't be, ...
Foxtail Palms	8/27/2008
Q: two large great looking foxtails in front yard and suddenly they look like they are dying? Limbs ... A: I need more info on this question, there are so many variables for ailing palms; let me know how ...
Song of India, Bamboo palm and yucca cane	8/25/2008
Q: I am new to houseplants. I recently purchased two song of India plants, one bamboo palm and a yucca ... A: ....cut back well below the rot, the color of the cane should be the same as the other healty ones, ...
Hibiscus Plants	8/25/2008
Q: Hope you enjoyed your vacation. To bring you up to date: Before I had a chance to purchase the ... A: good to be back:) sounds like it will be fine, but the copper should be applied once every couple of ...
Song of India, Bamboo palm and yucca cane	8/25/2008
Q: I am new to houseplants. I recently purchased two song of India plants, one bamboo palm and a yucca ... A: without seeing them it is difficult, but from what you told me, you could be giving them too much ...
Mandevilla problem	8/25/2008
Q: We have had Mandevilla plants each year growing on a post/trellis for 15 years (Michigan). The last ... A: because you are unable to locate them during the day tells me your Mands are being attacked by ...
sticky palm frond	8/24/2008
Q: My indoor palm tree has a new frond that has developed a sticky residue. None of the other fronds ... A: it sounds like you may be developing an insect problem, most likely mites; as they feed they give ...
Can we save the bananas?	8/16/2008
Q: Last night some critters finally reached their goal and broke our banana tree w/about a half ripe ... A: don't fret, you really should have cut the stalk off while it was still green, but plumped out to ...
White Bird of Paradise Pruning	8/16/2008
Q: My plant is inside a pool enclosure. It's about 12 feet tall. I need to cut it back to about 6 to 8 ... A: it won't, I'll explain, Birds grow from underground corms, and when you cut one out, its merely ...
Yellow gardenia blossoms	8/16/2008
Q: I recently purchased a beautiful Gardenia tree with many blossoms...until I got it home and into my ... A: Hey Ed, Bostons my old stomping grounds:)...sounds definitely like an environemtal reaction, plants ...
Queen Palm	8/15/2008
Q: The trunk of the palm at about 15 feet has a a horizontal crack almost like someone took an axe to ... A: that is actually a common phenomenon with Queens, there really isn't much to be concerned about, it ...
Hibiscus plants	8/14/2008
Q: I'll start with particulars. Have 2 hibiscus... We live in South Carolina and keep in containers our ... A: ...Hi again:)..if there is no indication of insects then it has got to be a fungal problem, try ...
Majesty Palm with a white mold	8/14/2008
Q: I already sent one question.We live in Albuquerque NM.My palm is indoor plant and we keep it not on ... A: a picture is indeed worth a thousand words! what you have isn't mole, it is an insect called ...
Hibiscus plants	8/13/2008
Q: I'll start with particulars. Have 2 hibiscus... We live in South Carolina and keep in containers our ... A: Well, I will tell you one thing Sherri, that is one of the most concise questions I have ever ...
yellow alamanda	8/12/2008
Q: i have a yellow allanada planted next to a pink hibiscus. they are beautiful when blooming at the ... A: I have a dog and 2 cats and they totally ignore my Allamanda and Hibiscus, so I wouldn't be too ...
Indoor palm	8/12/2008
Q: I've acquired an indoor palm that looks like the bottom trunk is a pineapple. It isn't, but that's ... A: any indoor palm will fare just fine with filtered light and irrigation when dry to touch; be on the ...
my Hibiscus plant	8/12/2008
Q: I Live in Arizona were the temp hit 120 degrees, I have a hibiscus plant that i brought indoors ... A: when you brought it in it adjusted from the hot temps outside, but I am thinking you may have given ...
bananna plant	8/11/2008
Q: i do not want my banana plant to flower/fruit because i know it will die, can i stop this by cutting ... A: actually the only way to prolong your plant is to cut the trunk itself, it will then send out a new, ...
banannas	8/9/2008
Q: is there a way to get bannannas to ripen faster? A: no, they will plump out gradually over a span of 2-3 months; the key is to cut them off the plant ...
aloe plant care	8/7/2008
Q: I was given an aloe plant, but the leaves are very flat, not full of sap like I am used to. I water ... A: there are different varieties, some are flat,but have the same substance when cut, but not the ...
Damaged bougainvillea trunk	8/7/2008
Q: I recently purchased a young bougainvillea plant which I wanted to turn into a bonsai. Unfortunately ... A: Anisa, as long as it isn't completely severed, there is a chance of it mending, but slight, as far ...
Sago Palm browning	8/6/2008
Q: I have 6 Sago Palms in my yard. 4 of them are green as can be and beautiful, but two have new ... A: Frizzle top is more common in other palms, and Magnesium Sulphate deficiency is usually the reason, ...
indoor tropical plant too big for ceiling	8/6/2008
Q: . i rescued a tropical plant years back and it has done well in my home- i think its a ficus.. with ... A: Ahhh, ok now we can push on here...(and thanks for the compliment!:))..they only thing you can do ...
Ponytail Palm	8/6/2008
Q: I have inherited a three foot tall Ponytail Palm that was generally healthy when my grandfather was ... A: Ponytails need very little water, that bulbular bottom is a resevoir; I am thinking you provided too ...
indoor tropical plant too big for ceiling	8/5/2008
Q: . i rescued a tropical plant years back and it has done well in my home- i think its a ficus.. with ... A: it needs to be pruned way back! get yourself a pair of hand trimmers, and shape it as you cut it ...
tropical plants	8/5/2008
Q: I was surfing the net and came up with this site. It's great! I live in the Buffalo area and ... A: I probably should not have mentioned fruiting, that would be for the experienced, so I am going to ...
Majesty Palm black mold and scab looking prob.	8/4/2008
Q: I have two Majesty Palms on my front porch with black mold on them. What should I do to help? I've ... A: the black mold is called "sooty mold", it is considered an innocous fungus that is feeding off the ...
Gardenia Bush	8/4/2008
Q: What kind of soil do I plant a Gardenia bush/tree in? I plan to keep it in a large terra cotta pot ... A: normally it would be a light potting mix, if planted in a plastic container, but with a Terra Cotta, ...
mass cane temperature tolerance	8/4/2008
Q: I purchased a mass cane yesterday, repotted it and today the leaves are darker in color and starting ... A: I have two outside of my patio, and they get exposed to direct light/sun all day; here in Florida we ...
night blooming jasmine ( Cestrum nocturnum )	8/3/2008
Q: I Live in Florida where its been raining allot for the past few weeks. I have 2 night blooming ... A: its either scale or mealy bugs...same cure for both is either an insecticidal soap or horticultural ...
House Palm -not sure what species	8/3/2008
Q: Sticky gooey film on some leaves? Is it some type of infestation? Worth spraying or should I get ... A: its the residue of tiny insects (probably mites) feeding on your Palm (probably a Majesty); wipe the ...
Alocasia polly	8/2/2008
Q: WILL THIS PLANT HURT MY KITTEN IF SHE EAT IT . JUST GOT IT TODAY ,ITS ALOCASIA POLLY. A: ...I have 2 cats and a dog and Elephant Ears abound in my garden, have no fear with your kitten, ...
Queen Palms	8/2/2008
Q: I have some very big queen palms which have dropped a bunch of seeds and now they have rooted and ... A: yeah, if you don't prune those inflorescence off and allow the seeds to develop and eventually ...
tropical plants	8/1/2008
Q: I was surfing the net and came up with this site. It's great! I live in the Buffalo area and ... A: good for you! tropical plants in Buffalo though is kinda like wanting snow in southern ...
indoor palm tree needs help!	8/1/2008
Q: A friend of mine asked me to take care of his 6 foot indoor palm tree while he is out of the country ... A: without seeing it makes it difficult for me to really diagnose what is going on with this palm, but ...
Banana plant with sticky leaves	7/31/2008
Q: My banana plant was so healthy then I noted that one of my other plants had white stuff all over its ... A: sounds like its being attacked by White Fly Larvae, is it like bits of cotton badding? without ...
Princess Flower	7/19/2008
Q: I have a few princess flowers zone 10. Some of the princess flowers have lost almost of their ... A: ...it could be, any plant will react to too much irrigation, the difference is, a plant that loses ...
Princess Flower	7/18/2008
Q: I have a few princess flowers zone 10. Some of the princess flowers have lost almost of their ... A: Tibouchina needs to be watered on a regular basis, and also they react to insecticides or anything, ...
Red banana palm pest	7/18/2008
Q: I live in PCB, NFL and planted two red banana palms about three months ago in my yard. One plant is ... A: it is either slugs or a bee called the leaf cutter; if the holes are perfectly symetrical, then its ...
Transplating Queen Palms	7/17/2008
Q: Can queen palms be successfully tranplanted after that long of a time? If so, what are the tips for ... A: Ok, the smaller 3 should be no problem, just make sure you get the entire root ball; the 2 big girls ...
bouganvillea not blooming	7/17/2008
Q: I have a 5 foot tall bougainvillea plant that is potted in a large whiskey barrel and brought inside ... A: Bougs usually show their best color when the temps are cooler, summer is not their heyday by trait; ...
dwarf cavendish	7/17/2008
Q: We were wondering how long from the first pup we see coming up how long does the plant take to ... A: the very first banana pup will produce a small bunch in about 13 frost free months, it will be the ...
Pygmy palm appears to be losing a trunk	7/16/2008
Q: I have a 4-trunked pygmy palm in my southern California yard that was planted 8 years ago. It ... A: this is actually a common occurrence with multiple trunk palms, especially Pygmy Dates; the usual ...
QUEEN PALM PODS	7/16/2008
Q: CAN WE USE THE SEEDS FROM THE POD TO GROW NEW PALMS? HOW WOULD WE BEGIN THIS PROCESS? A: you can, but they won't be ready until they have turned orange, at this point they usually fall off ...
mushroom in soil of goldfish plant	7/15/2008
Q: I have a goldfish plant. I think it's a tropical plant but I'm not sure. I have it on a sunny ... A: don't be freaked out..lol..this is common in soil that is wet and the surrounding environment on the ...
Dying Queen Palms	7/14/2008
Q: I have several queen palm trees in my landscaping at my home in Tampa, FL. We had several freezes ... A: if you had said there was a white growth at the base of the trunk, I would have told you they are ...
Bird of Paradise	7/13/2008
Q: I planted two bird of paradise in my yard a few years ago. One is in a hot bright sunny spot, and ... A: Hey Stan, Birds are real temperamental when it comes to flowering, there isn't anything you are ...
elephant ears transplant	7/12/2008
Q: Should I cut the ears back after transplanting? They are pretty dried up. I know the bulbs are ok ... A: they both like copious amounts of water and wilt if it isn't provided (especially the elephant ...
White bird of paradise	7/11/2008
Q: I am considering buying a White Bird of Paradise that is about 6 feet tall at a local nursery. I ... A: Birds do best in a 9zone or higher, but if you are successfully growing Bananas, and getting them to ...
Brown Frond tips	7/10/2008
Q: I just bought a small Pygmy date palm. I brought it home and replanted it in a slightly bigger pot ... A: Ok good! keep it in a dappled shady area until it shows new fronds that are nice and green; the ...
Droopy transplants	7/10/2008
Q: Nick, Several of my neighbors have been donating plants for us to landscape our new home. A lot of ... A: watering them won't stop the transpiration (plant equivalent to evaporation), they plants are losing ...
Bougenvilla	7/10/2008
Q: I live in Las Vegas and planted several of these wonderful plants. I know you say to get them to ... A: Bougs are primarily a hot weather plant, so don't be too concerned about them panting...LOL...but do ...
Brown Frond tips	7/10/2008
Q: I just bought a small Pygmy date palm. I brought it home and replanted it in a slightly bigger pot ... A: ok, I got some of the info I need, but I need a tad more..were there any brown fronds on it when you ...
Repotting White Bird of Paradise.	7/7/2008
Q: I have a White Bird of Paradise that has been in a pot for about 4 years outdoors on a window ledge. ... A: if you can find a deeper container that would certainly help, but you really are trying to fit a ...
indoor tropical fig tree	7/7/2008
Q: I have 2 indoor fig trees. One is about 20 years old. In the last year the trees started excreting ... A: the secretion isn't be secreted by the plant, its the tiny insects that are feeding on it; let me ...
Bird of Paradise unwell and infested	7/6/2008
Q: I'm in the UK, and I've been growing a BOP - its about 4 foot tall now and in my kitchen. Recently ... A: Amie, the only thing to do at this point is change out the medium, I am not sure what type of insect ...
my poor yellow banana palm	7/4/2008
Q: I'm having trouble with my banana palm it's turning a yellowish color. We've been experiencing 118 ... A: ,,,,ok, it has a well established root system, so given the size and magnitude of lifting it, this ...
myers lemon	7/4/2008
Q: I am enclosing a copy of my previous question. I think the tree is now ready to replant. I also have ... A: ok, I am assuming it has recuperated in the container, that is great! now you need to dig a hole ...
Potted Palm Trees Cracked	7/4/2008
Q: I own 2 potted palm trees since Fall 2001. They lived in Virginia for 4 years, including being in a ... A: Jessica, I don't really know what this affliction is, but the main thing is that the Dracaena is ...
my poor yellow banana palm	7/3/2008
Q: I'm having trouble with my banana palm it's turning a yellowish color. We've been experiencing 118 ... A: Yes, actually take your spade and dig down on both sides and lift the entire corm (root ball) out ...
palm	7/3/2008
Q: Hi I transplanted my palm the other day and I am not sure what kind of palm but it is not a majesty ... A: it sounds like a Washingtonia or a Paurotis, but I would need to see it to be sure; in either event, ...
my poor yellow banana palm	7/3/2008
Q: I'm having trouble with my banana palm it's turning a yellowish color. We've been experiencing 118 ... A: it sounds like you have instigated a root rot situation with the increased watering; when a banana ...
Cutting back an indoor banana plant	7/2/2008
Q: I have an indoor banana plant that has reached about 6 feet tall. It was a beautiful plant as it ... A: growing Bananas in a container is not the easiest thing to do, they will never produce fruit in a ...
Orange Bird of Paradise	7/1/2008
Q: I have a 2 year old orange BoP in the house in England. I keep it indoors and have a very sunny room ... A: it sounds like it is indeed pot bound, and another indication is when the new leaves are somewhat ...
Fiddle Leaf Fig	7/1/2008
Q: I have a large fiddle-leaf fig plant that I recieved about 4 months ago when my Mother passed away. ... A: yes you are a bit too cold for outdoor planting, so, the container you put it in should be fine, ...
Ficus trees and strange, sticky, curled leaves	6/29/2008
Q: I have two ficus trees. One is 21 years old and the other is 18 years old. They are potted and ... A: its probably a fungus, have you been getting a lot of rain lately, if so, fungal problems are going ...
palm tree(maybe parlor) plant	6/29/2008
Q: why does the plant give off a sap-like substance that get on the table on which the pot sits on? A: When small insects feed they give off this substance, check real close at the underside of the ...
yucca stems	6/28/2008
Q: I am enjoying five yucca plants in my yard that have already bloomed (white flowers on tall stems). ... A: let it brown out and then snip it off near the end of the stalk (flower stalk); it will probably ...
Fiddle Leaf Fig	6/28/2008
Q: I have a large fiddle-leaf fig plant that I recieved about 4 months ago when my Mother passed away. ... A: it needs to be put in a larger container (or the ground for that matter) with a new soil base; line ...
Foxtail palm	6/28/2008
Q: I live in zone 10 and planted 2 foxtails 3 years ago. In the last three weeks one is dead. The ... A: Hey Zeke, no just pull it, sounds like a crown rot or possibly root rot situation; the palm must ...
palm plant	6/27/2008
Q: I received a palm plant from my Dad's funeral March 2007. Not sure what kind of palm it is but the ... A: Ok, its probably a Majesty or Areca (parlor palm), that is the most common household palm, that ...
palm tree dying	6/27/2008
Q: I am not sure the exact type palm,it looks like a coconut palm but has like berries it grows.The ... A: Chris, cut it off at the soil level and don't plant anything else there (palms anyway), Ganoderma ...
palm plant	6/27/2008
Q: I received a palm plant from my Dad's funeral March 2007. Not sure what kind of palm it is but the ... A: I need to know what type of container it is in and if you have done anything to it since you ...
palm tree dying	6/26/2008
Q: I am not sure the exact type palm,it looks like a coconut palm but has like berries it grows.The ... A: its probably a Queen Palm and the mushroom type growth at the bottom is called Ganoderma, its a ...
Spots on Pindo fronds	6/26/2008
Q: We had a Pindo palm planted in our Central Florida landscape 3 months ago. It has done very well, ... A: with out rainy season kicking in it is most assuredly a fungal problem, this is the season that ...
Night Blooming Jasmine	6/24/2008
Q: My night blooming Jasmine is still being eaten alive every time it begins to bloom I followed the ... A: its probably night feeding catepillas or slugs (also night feeders)...try a insectecidal drench like ...
Tropical plants	6/24/2008
Q: I bought 3 tropical plants in mobile, AL I live in Talladega, Al Zone 7 and would like to know how ... A: ok, the Bird needs full sun and kept moderately watered, mist the leaves whenever possible, ...
Leaning Palms of Katy	6/24/2008
Q: I have 2 SAGO palms which are about 9 years old. Fo over 7 1/2 years they grew straight as an ... A: Hey Steve, no, no worries, Sagos are known for that, they have a nice strong constitution, it would ...
tropical plants for sandy soil	6/23/2008
Q: I live in Florida and my front yard gets full sun and has extremely sandy soil. What is a good ... A: are you looking for color and a made to order care free plant? then you can't do better then ...
Pachira Twisted	6/21/2008
Q: I brought a pachira twisted when it was looking a bit poorly. I over watered it slightly, before ... A: these are more often then not, killed by people who buy them; unfortunately they often over water ...
SPLITING TRUNK	6/21/2008
Q: I live in Puerto Rico and about six months ago did a little landscaping which included a fish tail ... A: Marie, this is usually an indication of too much water at the base of the palm; my advice is to ...
various tropicals	6/21/2008
Q: We live in San Diego. It's particularly warm right now. We just planted a pigmy palm, a flax and a ... A: tell me about your planting technique, many times the problem with new palms/trees struggling ...
Pindo palm seed pods	6/20/2008
Q: I just read the question and answer about removing seed pods. My question is can you use what's ... A: actually the seeds themselves will germinate, but the process and ensuing palm is so slow going, ...
bouganvilla	6/19/2008
Q: My bouganvilla plant has been healthy for several years, but this spring several "branches" did not ... A: Bougs don't need much attention, very little water and once a month fertilizing with a low nitrogen ...
Pindo palm (butia capitata)	6/18/2008
Q: Nick - My pindo palm has sprouted abt 5 large seed pods this yr. The pindo is probably 8 ft tall. ... A: a common question, the fact of the matter is, all palms set out seed pods, and whether you remove ...
bougenvillia	6/18/2008
Q: What type of fertilizer is recommended. My plant does not bloom. A: the secret to getting Bougs to bloom is to (believe it or not!)..stress them! very little water and ...
foxtail palm	6/18/2008
Q: i planted 10 fox tails they are 1 inch on bottom and about 6ft high they seem to be growing slow i ... A: it isn't necessary to fertilize at planting, the palm needs to establish itself before it can take ...
Elephant Ears	6/17/2008
Q: My friend gave me some of her elephant ears. I dug them up this morning and planted them in my yard. ... A: Elephant ears like a shadier environment and lots and lots of water; they wilt fast after transplant ...
Silver Queen Plants	6/17/2008
Q: Is the silver queen a bulb plant or not? I'm planing on replanting mine in a bigger pot in a couple ... A: ..ah! to be needed...lol.....ok, mealy bugs look like little puffs of cotton balls, if you ever get ...
White Bird of Paradise	6/17/2008
Q: Nick, I have 3 very large white bird of paradise plants, that were planted about two months ago. We ... A: Sure, go ahead and prune off the dead leaves, that is actually a normal occurance; keep your bird ...
transplanting elephant ears	6/15/2008
Q: I live in the central US and started elephant ear bulbs in pots in my family room til they sprouted. ... A: you can, but they are cold sensitive, and winter will do them in, ( central U.S.), my suggestion is ...
showboat or monster philodendron	6/15/2008
Q: i bought a huge one of these least year,,,it has lost all its leaves,,it does get new ones,,the ... A: I am surprised that it is giving you this much trouble, they are normally a very forgiving plant and ...
white Bird of Paradise	6/15/2008
Q: I bought this plant 6 years ago. It is around 6'to 7' tall. I was told it had to be rootbound to ... A: The rule of thumb is to keep it crowded and it is more apt to bloom; the worse thing you can do is ...
dieffenbachia amoena	6/15/2008
Q: I would like to know how tall can a dieffenbachia amoena can grow, mine was to high for my flat so I ... A: Thats a pretty big dumb cane! in its natural habitat it grows under a canopy and can get twice that ...
hardy banana tree	6/13/2008
Q: I see someone has asked you about their banana tree so I'm giving my question a shot. I have the ... A: Unfortunately a frost will knock them back to ground level every time, and then new ones develop ...
Mandevilla ( Ruby Red) Brown spots on bottome leaves	6/13/2008
Q: I have 2 Mandevillas which I purchased and planted in the ground several months ago. They were doing ... A: It sounds like your planting technique was fine, so I'm thinking that they are having fungal ...
Mandevilla ( Ruby Red) Brown spots on bottome leaves	6/13/2008
Q: I have 2 Mandevillas which I purchased and planted in the ground several months ago. They were doing ... A: I often get questions that I need more info on, this is one of them, the problem may have been in ...
Yellow Bird of Paradise	6/12/2008
Q: Up till now it had that beautiful yellow flowers with touch of red.Now they started falling off. I ... A: ok check the buds real close and see if there are tiny dots on them, this would be indication of ...
red banana plant/palm	6/11/2008
Q: I have two red banana plants about 2 yrs in the ground, 1 of them has grown what look likes a new ... A: Ok, from your description I am inclined to think you have the beginning of an inflorescence that ...
banana palm	6/11/2008
Q: My 8 foot banana palm (dont know what type) has yellow edges to bottom 3 leaves. What might be ... A: this is actually a normal occurrence for bottom leaves, but the emphasis here is "bottom leaves", if ...
Tropical plants	6/10/2008
Q: My friend gave me a huge (8 feet) tropical plant with very large leaves. She said it was some kind ... A: if it is indeed a Banana, then it can be cut back and will send out a new stem from the cut point; ...
Silver Queen Plants	6/9/2008
Q: Is the silver queen a bulb plant or not? I'm planing on replanting mine in a bigger pot in a ... A: no its not a bulb, and it is easy to transplant, in fact you can separate it when you remove it from ...
tropical plant help	6/8/2008
Q: I have a tropical plant indoors, and it is not doing so well. I transplanted it into a clay pot 2 ... A: part of the problem is indeed the clay pot, they are very porous and will dry out extremely fast, ...
pygmy date palms	6/7/2008
Q: I planted 2 pygmy date palms about 2 years ago, they were great until recently, limp, new growth ... A: Tom, when planting a palm the backfilling is real important, as you backfill, (and with existing ...
Traveler's Palm/White Bird of Paridise	6/6/2008
Q: Am I able to transplant the 'off shoots' via digging & moving them from the 'mama plant'? Have lots ... A: yes, but make sure you cut down and get as much of the shoots roots as possible, which will ...
cane plant	6/6/2008
Q: I GOT A CANE CUTTING YEARS AGO.THIS CUTTING WAS IN A BOTTLE OF WATER WITH ROCKS IN IT.IT REALLY ... A: I think your are referring to lucky bamboo, which is really a Draceana; if you put it in soil, put ...
pygmy date palms	6/5/2008
Q: I planted 2 pygmy date palms about 2 years ago, they were great until recently, limp, new growth ... A: first of all, fertilizer sticks are useless, they provide fertilizer only to the immediate roots ...
Oleanders	6/5/2008
Q: I have several oleanders (red and white), their leaves are turning yellow and dropping off in large ... A: I think you asked me about palms in another question, overwatering could very well cause defoliation ...
Yucca Plants	6/5/2008
Q: I have a Yucca in my yard. It bloomed and now the blooms are off. I was wondering if I am to cut ... A: It is suggested that the bloom should be left to its own means, but there is no harm in accelerating ...
silver buttonwoods	6/4/2008
Q: I have a hedge of silver buttonwoods and recently it seems that I am finding a lot of dead ... A: it is a common occurance with hedge plantings eventually, as with any older plantings, they begin to ...
palms & bougainvillea	6/4/2008
Q: Can I plant a coconut palm and bougainvillea together? I have a coconut palm growing (about 6 ... A: in my humble, but experienced opinion...no; The Coconut Palm will shade the Boug and hinder its ...
Plumeria problem	6/4/2008
Q: I have a plumeria planted in the back yard, coming up on 2 years old. Until just recently it looked ... A: I would take as many 6inch or biggier cuttings as I need and start new plants, and then hope the ...
Giant White Bird of Paradise	6/4/2008
Q: I have a few Giant Bird of Paradise's that I planted a couple months ago. One was split into two ... A: its sounds like when you split them out of the pot, you damaged the roots (which had undoubtedly ...
Yellow Alamanda bushes	6/2/2008
Q: Nick, we planted all new plants in the front of our house late last summer in Central FL. All ... A: APHIDS! that definitely explains it, spray them down with a horticultural oil (ACE hardware has a ...
madagascar palm	6/2/2008
Q: I have a madagascar palm indoors in bright eastern light. The leaf tips are turning black and ... A: they don't need much water at all, that trunk is a storage container for water; let the soil dry out ...
Plumeria problem	6/1/2008
Q: I have a plumeria planted in the back yard, coming up on 2 years old. Until just recently it looked ... A: it sounds like too much water, which can cause just what you are describing, a rot sets in; you may ...
Croton Petra	6/1/2008
Q: I am also an expert but in insurance law. My wife and I recently bought four beautiful Croton Petra ... A: high humidity (no problem where you live) is imperative; other then that, very easy plant to care ...
Yellow Alamanda bushes	6/1/2008
Q: Nick, we planted all new plants in the front of our house late last summer in Central FL. All ... A: it sounds like you did everything by the book Jeanne, but the Alamandas need full sun to flower, ...
King Palms with stubble frond leaves	5/31/2008
Q: I live in Huntington Beach, CA and have 2 30+ foot King Palms, which are about 10-12 years old. ... A: these palms need a well balanced palm fertilizer,not just magnesium sulfate, they need manganese ...
Yellow Alamanda bushes	5/30/2008
Q: Nick, we planted all new plants in the front of our house late last summer in Central FL. All ... A: it sounds like they haven't broke out of their root ball yet, check to see if they have, often if ...
pygmy date palms	5/30/2008
Q: I planted 2 pygmy date palms about 2 years ago, they were great until recently, limp, new growth ... A: Pygmy Dates can't get too much sun, so thats not your problem, it is assuredly a nutrient problem ...
Hibiscus tree	5/29/2008
Q: I have had my hibiscus tree for about four years and it has always been full of leaves and flowers, ... A: I am assuming this is a "tropical Hibiscus" which can be a very temperamental plant even under ideal ...
CONFUSED BEGINNER	5/29/2008
Q: Ok i have some questions for you...sorry they are not of a particular plant. The first question is ... A: Bromeliads produce side plants, these are what you are referring to as pups, they are self ...
Ponytail plant bugs	5/28/2008
Q: next to windows w/pretty sunny eastern exposure, for about a yr -- they're in separate rooms. ... A: You spray the alcohol undiluted, and that could very well be an additive the nursery used (the ...
crown rot on king palms	5/27/2008
Q: I have a customer who is telling me that he has established king palms that appear to have crown ... A: it sounds like "frizzle top" which is a nutrient deficiency, Palms need a well balanced fertilizer ...
Tibouchina grandiflora	5/27/2008
Q: My husband bought a Tibouchina in S.C. and brought it home to upper East TN. It is still in the ... A: I would not give it much chance of surviving beyond Dec. the first frost would stress it and the ...
bird of paradise	5/25/2008
Q: 1) how do I control a bird of paradise from spreading. 2) I have been told 2 ways to get rid of the ... A: The Bird of Paradise develops from an underground rhizome called a corm; this corm is like a big ...
dessert rose	5/25/2008
Q: I have two sago palms planted outside in the yard. Each time a new group of limbs grow, the leaves ... A: its called Alacaspis Scale, and it is the nemesis of Sagos, both Queen and King; there is no way to ...
washington palms	5/24/2008
Q: I have a cocoon built on two of the fronds. I is made of the palm frond and angular in shape. Do ... A: its either a moth or butterfly, in either event it isn't harmful to the palm, and its just mother ...
Ponytail plant bugs	5/24/2008
Q: next to windows w/pretty sunny eastern exposure, for about a yr -- they're in separate rooms. ... A: spray the mealy bugs with household isopropyl alcohol, this will take care of them; The small green ...
White Bird of Paradise	5/23/2008
Q: I have a beautiful White Bird of Paradise (actually three plants in one pot) that has grown ... A: ok, a couple of things are going on here, first the change of venue most likely stressed it and it ...
Pygmy date palm	5/22/2008
Q: We have a pygmy date palm tree which is exactly the right size for our landscaping. We don't want ... A: ...no it will be fine, just don't take too many off, as I said previously, no more then 9 and 3 and ...
monstera slipt-leaf	5/22/2008
Q: I have to large monstera split leaves, I live in S. Colorado and they are doing great. But they are ... A: don't cut them, this is part of their root system that is above the soil level, if you want to start ...
Pygmy date palm	5/22/2008
Q: We have a pygmy date palm tree which is exactly the right size for our landscaping. We don't want ... A: you can't contain its vertical growth, but you can trim the lower fronds; picture a clock, and the ...
Tropicals in Zones 7a-7b	5/20/2008
Q: Nick I, and others in my area, am interested in what can grow up here in North Georgia that will ... A: Go to your local Cooperative Extension Service, and speak with the Extension Agent, he can assist ...
Pygmy Palm	5/20/2008
Q: I water my pygmy palm 3-4 times a week, but i noticed the trunk and leaves are getting an orangish ... A: thats too much irrigation, and you are tempting fate by laying too much water on those roots; palms ...
Hatching Fox Tail Palms	5/19/2008
Q: I have bunch of big red berries for the first time on my Fox Tail Plam, i would like to hatch the ... A: the seeds need to be mature first of all, meaning when they fall off the pod easily; then its a ...
Watering of Palm trees	5/19/2008
Q: Nick, I have two majesty palms, a travelers palm, a king and a king kong palm. I fertilize every ... A: Ok, so you just augmented the bottom of the hole with compost, ah, thats fine, I thaught you filled ...
ponytail palm tree	5/18/2008
Q: I have a ponytail palm tree in the backyard, height approx. 8'. Doesn't get a lot of water, never ... A: something shocked it, albeit doesn't need a lot of water, it does need occasional irrigation; if it ...
Watering of Palm trees	5/18/2008
Q: Nick, I have two majesty palms, a travelers palm, a king and a king kong palm. I fertilize every ... A: one of the problems right off is using the soil to augment your existing soil; what happens is the ...
Bouganvilla	5/18/2008
Q: Live part time in tropical area where bouganvilla grows well...can cut branches be rooted? If so, ... A: they will root in moist vermiculite ideally, but I have seen them root also in plain water; another ...
Watering of Palm trees	5/18/2008
Q: Nick, I have two majesty palms, a travelers palm, a king and a king kong palm. I fertilize every ... A: I need to know how old these palms are, and when they were planted; this will determine the amount ...
indoor palm tree	5/17/2008
Q: My palm tree plant seemed to be doing fine until recently. I've re-potted it at least 3 times over ... A: when you repotted it did you line the bottom of the container with some kind of drainage medium? ...
mandevilla	5/16/2008
Q: I was cutting my vine from a wood trellis to put it on a old metal trellis and accidentally cut a ... A: actually, take a tip cutting from that piece and it will root; put it in a container with moist ...
Hardiness of Dwarf Cavendish	5/16/2008
Q: I have 3 dwarf cavendishs and have been reading about the hardiness zones for them. I have heard ... A: I would love for you to be able to grow beautiful lush, tropical (I emphasize "tropical") Bananas, ...
Foxtail Palm Tree	5/16/2008
Q: We will be moving soon and wanted to take them with us. They are only 1 meter high and were in the ... A: depending on how many roots were damaged when your husband dug them up will determine if or when ...
Christmas Tree Palm	5/15/2008
Q: My palm tree was knocked over by severe wind and the tree snapped where the fronds meet the tree ... A: if it was completely severed, then there is nothing you can do, but if it is still attached then ...
peace lilly	5/15/2008
Q: can you put a peace Lilly in a pond outside? A: no you can't, they need good drainage and only enough water to keep them hydrated, they will let you ...
Palm Tree - Branches Breaking	5/15/2008
Q: I would kindly like to know if you know of any reason why my palm branches are breaking off. It ... A: I spoke with my local Cooperative Extension Service Agent, and he never heard of this happening here ...
Palm Tree - Branches Breaking	5/14/2008
Q: I would kindly like to know if you know of any reason why my palm branches are breaking off. It ... A: are the fronds being snapped off, or chewed, and what kind of palms are they? it is normal for lower ...
sea grape tree	5/14/2008
Q: I honeymooned in Jamaica and my wife and I just fell in love with the sea grape trees on the beach ... A: first of all, congrats to you and your bride, that said, Sea Grapes are large and take a lot of root ...
dying Bouganvilla	5/14/2008
Q: I just planted my bouganvilla against the house about a month ago, and it seems to be dying already. ... A: Bougs are one of those rare plants that require extremely low water intake; believe it or not, you ...
majesty palm	5/13/2008
Q: I have just purchased two majesty palms...and did not realize that they will grow 40x20. I wanted to ... A: absolutely, Majestys can grow that big in the ground, but I have had one in the ground for 5 years ...
bouganvillea	5/13/2008
Q: I brought a bougainvillea home a couple weeks ago, my 1st. After I got it home, I realized that the ... A: .that was damage already done by either caterpillars or slugs, as long as the culprits are not still ...
Planting and Growing Ixora coccinea In North Texas	5/13/2008
Q: I am wanting to plant some different colored Ixoras in our shrub garden that was planted when we had ... A: you could try by mulching them heavily (covering most of the plant) when a freeze threatens; but if ...
Planting and Growing Ixora coccinea In North Texas	5/12/2008
Q: I am wanting to plant some different colored Ixoras in our shrub garden that was planted when we had ... A: you didn't allude to your climate zone, Ixoras are tropical plants and need a zone 9a at least; they ...
Mandevilla	5/12/2008
Q: I got this beautiful plant for mother's day. I have cats and dogs are these plants toxic in anyway ... A: It is considered in the list of poisonous plants, but allegedly its toxicity is very low, and no ...
royal palm tree	5/11/2008
Q: we planted 3 royal palm and two foxtail palm trees last saturday. leaves are turning very dark and ... A: Fill the berm once in late morning, that will suffice, and again make sure it is draining off in a ...
banana plant fruit	5/10/2008
Q: I am from Shreveport, La. and I love tropical plants. I cut my banana plant back to the last leaf ... A: good news and bad news, yes you will get a bunch to develop from that inflorescence; the bad news is ...
Cotton Palm Trees dying after re-location	5/10/2008
Q: We have 2 much loved Cotton Palms (Washingtonia robusta ‘Washington’ Palms), 6ft tall, that we ... A: the rootball is the entire root structure, save the lateral roots that can span out as far as 6-15 ...
royal palm tree	5/10/2008
Q: we planted 3 royal palm and two foxtail palm trees last saturday. leaves are turning very dark and ... A: this is a common occurrence, it could just be transplant shock, but at this stage you have to assume ...
Cotton Palm Trees dying after re-location	5/9/2008
Q: We have 2 much loved Cotton Palms (Washingtonia robusta ‘Washington’ Palms), 6ft tall, that we ... A: sorry to hear this, I need more info to properly help you out here; crucial is "transplant ...
hardy banana tree	5/8/2008
Q: I see someone has asked you about their banana tree so I'm giving my question a shot. I have the ... A: you won't see growth from that actual stump, it will come from the "corm" that its attached to; let ...
silver queen palm	5/8/2008
Q: I have a silver queen withh three very healthy fronds, but the spike in the middle is bent over and ... A: ..usually crown rot can be blamed on either too much moisture in the root system, or the palm being ...
silver queen palm	5/8/2008
Q: I have a silver queen withh three very healthy fronds, but the spike in the middle is bent over and ... A: it sounds like it has "crown rot", and if so, it is in fact doomed (there is no correcting it); wait ...
pineapple(s)	5/7/2008
Q: McCann : I have two pineapple plants that have pineapples the size of a "Softball", maybe ... A: when they begin to turn yellowish brown in color, they are at their optimum size; this is directly ...
jacaranda tree	5/7/2008
Q: I stared my jacaranda tree from a seed 10 years ago. It is huge probably 20' high but no flowers ... A: I researched any reason why your Jacaranda isn't blooming and can find no viable reason for it; one ...
Windmill Palms	5/6/2008
Q: We live in North Carolina, and last year planted 3 windmill 1-2' plams, two in the ground and one in ... A: They don't go dormant, and if you neglected to water them through the winter, they probably ...
jacaranda tree	5/6/2008
Q: I stared my jacaranda tree from a seed 10 years ago. It is huge probably 20' high but no flowers ... A: the seeds are flat and mahogany colored, I am assuming you are sure you have grown a "jacaranda"; it ...
damaged foxtail trunk	5/6/2008
Q: I was transplanting some 12-15 ft. foxtails and I skinned and knicked up the trunks on them from ... A: as long as the cuts are superficial and no deep penetrations occurred, you will be fine; the ...
Majesty Palm	5/5/2008
Q: Can i place a majesty palm on the bgack of my patio with direcxt southern sun? of under a porch ... A: Majestys do better in a morning sun exposure; mine is in a dappled shady area and the fronds are ...
hibiscus & bougainvillea together	5/5/2008
Q: I bought a bougainvillea plant and a hibiscus "tree" to plant in the same large pot. I wanted to ... A: well, there is a limited amount of root space (as Grandma had said), so I would stick with just the ...
hibiscus & bougainvillea together	5/4/2008
Q: I bought a bougainvillea plant and a hibiscus "tree" to plant in the same large pot. I wanted to ... A: well Grandma is partially right,but a more important problem with doing this is the irrigation each ...
Foxtail Palm	5/4/2008
Q: I have 4 Foxtail Palms that are about 2 years old. This past winter, the temp dripped into the ... A: if that center emerging spear pulled out then it is indeed gone:(.....(crown rot)..the cold, damp ...
anthurium outdoors	5/3/2008
Q: I just got an anthurium plant and would like to know if it is ok to put it outside in summer. I ... A: do not put it in direct sunlight, keep your flamingo flower in a container that will compact the ...
King Palm - Brown/dead leaves	5/3/2008
Q: 6 weeks ago I planted 8 King palms - 6' tall - They get full sun. Several of the leaves are ... A: many palms go through a transplant shock when first planted, its the existing fronds that will show ...
twisted hibiscus trees	5/3/2008
Q: I bought 2 small (1 gallon) twisted hibiscus trees. I planted them by the deck of my pool. My ... A: you can put your husbands fears to rest, Hibiscus have a very small root system, in fact, they are ...
areca palm trimming	5/3/2008
Q: i have a 6 foot areca palm in my yard. i've read they can grow up to 20 feet tall. as it gets ... A: Hey Jeff, yes but you need to do it correctly so as not to ruin its tropical flare; don't just cut ...
Propagating Japanese Aurelia	5/3/2008
Q: How do I propagatemy Japanese Aurelia? Would "tip stem cutting" work? The plant has done wonderful ... A: yes, stem cuttings is the method used to propagate them, be careful not to touch newly developed ...
crown rot in pygmy date palms	4/30/2008
Q: I am losing two of my three trunk pygmy date palms and it seems to be crown rot. I would like to ... A: crown rot is usually caused by too much moisture, especially when too much mulch is piled at the ...
saga palms	4/30/2008
Q: I have several saga palms that are suffering from frostbite. If I cut the ends off where they have ... A: The Sago Palms will grow new fronds from the top, new growth will emerge (they will grow from the ...
pygmy date palm	4/29/2008
Q: My friend had a pygmy installed by a landscaping company 5 months ago. 1/3 of the root ball is ... A: any palm should be planted with the top portion just above the soil line, but the tale of the tape ...
scheffelera (Umbrella Tree) wilt	4/29/2008
Q: Nick, I live in So FL and noticed my tree that has been in my atrium (gets very little sun) forever ... A: how long has it been in the container? this could be the problem; a build up of salt from ...
Red banana tree is coming up this season with holes in the leaves	4/29/2008
Q: We purchased a red banana tree last year and it grew so well, so fast. But now that it is starting ... A: looks like the slugs have found your banana, put some "slug bait" around the base of your plant; ...
sago palm help	4/28/2008
Q: I relocated my sago from the back to the frontyard 3 weeks ago. I planted it properly but it's ... A: thats just transplant shock, snip off any brown or snapped down fronds, then back off the watering, ...
Queen Palm Tree Seed Pods	4/27/2008
Q: We have 9 palm trees planted around our pool. Some but not all grow what can turn into large seed ... A: if there was a way, the palm trimmers down here in south Florida would be in the unemployment line; ...
bougainvillea cuttings	4/26/2008
Q: How do I take cuttings from the bougainvillea..put it in water and after it grows roots, plant it? ... A: take firm tip cuttings (3 inch) dip them in a rooting hormone and then place them in a container of ...
Propagation of bougenvilli and lantana	4/26/2008
Q: My bougainvillea and lantana are growing wildly. I would like to trim them and use the cutting for ... A: both can be propagated from firm tip cuttings, place them in a container with damp sand with a tray ...
Sea grape tree	4/26/2008
Q: I have a sea grape tree planted in a concrete planter box between the pool and the hot tub. ... A: Its very possible that it is the cause of the cracks, can you change this by pruning it back? no, ...
white bird of paradise	4/25/2008
Q: Nine years ago I planted a white bird of paradise in my yard in Pasco Co. Florida. I didn't realize ... A: underground is what looks like a big potato, this needs to be cut out to stop it from forming new ...
House plant	4/25/2008
Q: Can you prune (cut back) a fictus elastica rubber tree house plant? A: sure, they are very resilient, use a very sharp knife or pruning shears and be careful because they ...
Foxtail yellowish green instead of full color	4/24/2008
Q: I planted a Foxtail last February that has a trunk diameter of about 9 inches at the base. It grew ... A: what you have done is sufficient to get the required nutrients into the palm, the existing pale ...
mulching around a bananna tree	4/22/2008
Q: Is pine straw ok for mulching a banana tree. I live in northeastern North Carolina, have just ... A: anything organic on Bananas is perfect, they like anything that will break down and enrich the soil; ...
broken limbs on a banana tree	4/22/2008
Q: I recently planted my banana trees back outside (I grew them in pots during winter months), and ... A: don't be concerned about the broken leaves, this is common with bananas in windy conditions, mine ...
hawaiian ti plants and mandevilla outdoor planting	4/21/2008
Q: We live in New Orleans La, and have decided to go tropical with all landscaping,most of which is in ... A: well they are both tropical by nature for sure, and a winter had freeze would do them in; I'm not ...
Another mussaenda question from SOFLA	4/20/2008
Q: I, too have a mussaenda plant, but I neglected to cut it back last fall. It still has no leaves ... A: it probably is just looking ratty, cut out the dead leaves and trim it back if you like (they are ...
mandevilla	4/17/2008
Q: When it started getting cool I cut the plant down to the dirt. I also put a layer of mulch over it ... A: If it is still viable it will show growth in a week or so but don't water it so much, the roots will ...
mandevilla	4/17/2008
Q: When it started getting cool I cut the plant down to the dirt. I also put a layer of mulch over it ... A: John Mandevilla aren't like a bulb, they can't be put in a dark area to rest and then replanted the ...
caffeinated corn plant	4/15/2008
Q: A coworker and I both have corn plants - mine has been about the same size for many years, and ... A: if your coffee is with cream, then you are adding a tad of calcium to the soil, the coffee itself ...
aucalaspis scale on sagos	4/15/2008
Q: We have to two sagos with the white scale you mentioned before in response to a question in 2007 ... A: try to find an oil called "ultra-fine oil" , make sure you apply it per instructions during the ...
Too cold?	4/14/2008
Q: I bought some potted palms so I could dress up the yard for an upcoming wedding in May. The weather ... A: you didn't mention what type of palms they were, but palms are tropical by nature and Maryland? I ...
Banana Trees	4/14/2008
Q: I live in Corpus Christi, TX. I moved into a home 3 years ago that has a stand of banana trees in a ... A: ok, time for banana 101, First of all one bunch per stalk and then after you cut the bunch off, you ...
palm fronds on sego palm	4/14/2008
Q: Our landscape people cut every last palm frond off our 20 years old sago palm with nothing left but ... A: albeit it wasn't the wisest thing for your landscaper to do, if it was infested with acalaspis scale ...
kentia palm dying?	4/13/2008
Q: I bought a tropical plant (a kentia palm, I believe) at Walmart at the end of the summer. I ... A: Kentias do indeed like a dappled shade, but it seems from what you are telling me that you are ...
care of ficus tree	4/13/2008
Q: I just got a ficus tree that is about 25 years old. I need general info on how to care for it. It ... A: ...that will do just fine, Ficus is not fussy but mist it occasionally to keep spider mites at bay; ...
care of ficus tree	4/13/2008
Q: I just got a ficus tree that is about 25 years old. I need general info on how to care for it. It ... A: well you inherited probably the easiest tree to care for, it is one of most resilient of foliage ...
bouganvilla	4/12/2008
Q: I have a beautiful bougainvillea (or had) and this week the leaves are drooping..starting to get ... A: a ground drench used for eliminating bushes and shrubs will act on any root it encounters; roundup ...
Banana tree	4/12/2008
Q: Our plumber has told us one of our banana trees needs to be removed as it's roots are going into ... A: the root system is like a huge potato with fibrous roots, you need to kill this "corm" (as it is ...
Tropical Plants	4/11/2008
Q: I live in Alabama and am wanting to know what kind of plants will survive around our pool? ANSWER: ... A: depending on what part of Alabama you are in, climate zone wise, as long as you don't experience a ...
queen palm transplant shock	4/9/2008
Q: I dug up 3 10-15 queen palms from across town. Cut through most roots but left about 8-16" on all of ... A: Jeff, not a good sign that most the existing fronds turned brown, they would have wilted somewhat ...
Outdoor potted ficus	4/9/2008
Q: We're in south Louisiana. In Nov. 07, we inherited, from previous homeowners, a large(6ft) potted, ... A: it sounds like it froze back to ground level, but the roots are still viable; I would cut back all ...
bougainvillea	4/9/2008
Q: Our bougainvillea is being eaten by something. We can see anything on it but the leaves look like ... A: Kathy, more then likely its slugs, albeit could be night feeding catepillas also, in either event, ...
Easter Lily	4/9/2008
Q: I received a very healthy & blooming Easter Lily this Spring and although it has quit blooming, it ... A: Elizabeth, they are grown from bulbs and the ones you have will eventually die back to ground level, ...
Seagrape Trimming	4/8/2008
Q: Nick, I live in a condo in Palm Beach Co, on the beach. One owner wants all of our Seagrapes trimmed ... A: I could tell you how to propagate your sea grapes, but I have a suggestion for you, go to your local ...
damaged ponytail palm	4/8/2008
Q: I have a 30+year-old ponytail palm that has been kept in small pots so its about 3 ft. tall. It has ... A: as long as the root ball is intact, it should refurbish itself; it is going to be stressed, needless ...
washingtonia fan palm	4/7/2008
Q: I have a fan that is actually 3 plants all together. They have been in a ceramic container for ... A: the answer is yes, however, you must be careful when separating them that you don't deplete any of ...
Majestic Palms and Inside Ivy plant	4/6/2008
Q: #1.) I purchased 3 majesty palms at work and they are so pretty, what i want to know is I'm hearing ... A: ok, Majestys do just fine inside as long as you know how to care for them; they like low light and ...
Banana Tree I think	4/6/2008
Q: one of the reasons Im not sure exactly what type of plant this is is that I cannot find it online. ... A: bananas need a moist soil at all times, (not wet, but damp), they can't dry out or the symptoms you ...
Quenn Palms Rescue	4/5/2008
Q: Two issues: Most recently- I have 4 queen palms planted two years ago that have recently become ... A: ...I'm just telling what I know, and that is spikes won't cut it, the reason being, is that there ...
Quenn Palms Rescue	4/5/2008
Q: Two issues: Most recently- I have 4 queen palms planted two years ago that have recently become ... A: its hard to tell without actually seeing the deformation, what I am going on is the possibility that ...
Quenn Palms Rescue	4/5/2008
Q: Two issues: Most recently- I have 4 queen palms planted two years ago that have recently become ... A: what you have done is cardinal sin number one with palms or trees/bushes, that is cover the junction ...
Anthurium not looking good	4/4/2008
Q: I have an anthurium growing on a piece of lava rock that seems to be wilting. The leaves are ... A: you say you have it growing on a piece of lava rock, hmm, I did some research on the potting medium ...
Bird of Paradise	4/3/2008
Q: I live in southwest Florida and I have a large Bird of Paradise plant potted. It wasn't getting ... A: I don't think sun exposure is your problem, I have seen them in sun and shade and do just fine ...
pygmy palm fonds caught the cold	4/3/2008
Q: our pygmy palm was in touch with and unusual cold snap. when frost time was completely over i cut ... A: your friend couldn't be more wrong, the palm relies on its fronds for photosynthesis (eating); the ...
pony tail palm	4/1/2008
Q: my pony tail palm just developed white powdery things in the center. the new leaves are light ... A: ok its an insect problem, you need to get a horticultural oil (either "ultra-fine" or "organocide", ...
pygmy date palm	4/1/2008
Q: We bought a pygmy date palm a few days ago. We've located it adjacent to a south window. It's ... A: tell me, is it in a container? if so, I hope a large enough one and I hope you put a couple of ...
identification	4/1/2008
Q: My wife bought a large(5ft+ tall)broad leaf plant. The stems seem to "fan" out, sliming from the ... A: they say a picture is worth a thousand words, in this case I really need it to tell you exactly what ...
dying foxtail	3/31/2008
Q: i have 2 large and tall foxtail trees in my yard. i live in Louisiana, well this winter we had a ... A: First thing is they are indeed reacting to a cold stress, the brown fronds and the delay in ...
Ponytail Palm	3/31/2008
Q: Do you have knowledge with what to do when the top crown of a 7 foot tall ponytail palm dies off but ... A: I wouldn't cut the crown off, but I would take off the dead fronds without actually cutting the top ...
yellow alamanda	3/30/2008
Q: Nick can I grow a yellow Alameda in south east Alabama without bringing it inside if I cover with ... A: its a risk, but if you can prevent the root ball from freezing, come a hard freeze, then yes, if you ...
bananna tree	3/30/2008
Q: I have a banana tree that fruited last year and this year the same stalk is not leafing out as the ... A: that particular stock needs to be cut back to ground level; the ensuing stalks will each in turn ...
Suggestions for a potted tropical	3/30/2008
Q: I have two large pots, both with drainage and both larger than 15 gallon. I live in San Diego and ... A: the lady palm likes shady conditions, and its rootball is suited to container growing, just be ...
Suggestions for a potted tropical	3/29/2008
Q: I have two large pots, both with drainage and both larger than 15 gallon. I live in San Diego and ... A: there are numerous choices, but I need you to narrow it down for me, what type of tropical effect ...
sago palm losing fronds	3/28/2008
Q: I have two sago palms that are about 5 feet tall. They were transplanted last summer and were doing ... A: this is really strange, sago fronds will snap off if given a good tug, but I have to admit, I have ...
adonidia pest in miami	3/28/2008
Q: something is eating the center stalk only of my Adonidia palms at night. It is not a bird it seems ... A: I don't know what type of creature this could be, but I know that when I was having trouble losing ...
Zebra Plant	3/26/2008
Q: My sister has basically killed her Zebra plant. All of the limbs have had to be cut off. I believe ... A: hmm..sounds like its roots have been damaged from too much irrigation, hence the inability to ...
recovering plants	3/26/2008
Q: I have a variety of indoor/outdoor potted plants and I had to move in with my mom for a while. She ... A: you have done just about all you can do at this point, the rest is up to the plant; don't water it ...
no blooms on 2 yr. old angel trumpet plant	3/26/2008
Q: Please tell me what to do or what I may be doing wrong. I have an angel trumpet plant that I ordered ... A: ..(hmm that sounds funny addressing myself)..ok, back to business, is it a Brugamansia or Datura? ...
Ponytail dying	3/26/2008
Q: I have a large ponytail tree, about 2.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. We went on vacation for 5 days, I ... A: ...therein lies the problem, you must take that pan away, Ponytails need very little irrigation; I ...
Ponytail dying	3/25/2008
Q: I have a large ponytail tree, about 2.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. We went on vacation for 5 days, I ... A: its not from lack of irrigation, for Ponytails have a reservoir (that big bulbular bottom), which is ...
WATERING TROPICAL PLANTS	3/25/2008
Q: WE LIVE IN FRESNO CA, LAST SUMMER WE HAD PLANTED TROPICAL PLANTS- BANANNA TREES, QUEEN PALMS, ... A: the Bananas will take all the irrigation they can get, the Birds almost as much, but the Sagos and ...
Majesty Palm	3/25/2008
Q: .. i purchased this plant, 'Majesty Palm' from a home improvement store (OSH) this past Saturday. ... A: Majestys are the most common indoor palm, and are really very easy to care for as long as they ...
Bougainvillea	3/25/2008
Q: my daughter is getting married in August in southern California. She loves bougainvillea and I am ... A: I have never heard of anyone successfully keeping them fresh even for a short period of time, they ...
Bougenvillia won't bloom	3/24/2008
Q: I have had a bougenvillia as an indoor tropical plant here in Canada for about 4 years and it ... A: Bougs like bright light and heres the secret "very little water", yes, the more drought stressed ...
Watering a potted tree	3/24/2008
Q: Is it beneficial or harmful to water an outdoor potted tree by watering through the reservoir it ... A: watering a plant with a reservoir (and I'm assuming that is a container under the pot that holds ...
Adonidia palm	3/23/2008
Q: this is a general question but I live in central New Jersey and i have a good sized adonidia palm ... A: thats pretty common with Christmas Palms, I have an 8 footer growing outside (south Florida), and it ...
Banana Trees	3/23/2008
Q: Nick, I have two potted banana trees that have survived two winters outdoors in Vancouver, B.C. I ... A: well first of all congratulations for even being able to keep the corm alive (the underground ...
dying royal palm trees	3/23/2008
Q: We planted 5 new royal palms about 2 weeks ago and were told to water them 30 min per day, which we ... A: the 30 minutes a day is way too much for new palms, the roots are saturated and root rot is setting ...
Queen Palm	3/23/2008
Q: I have notice that several of my Queen Palms are experiencing the loss of a new frond. The frond ... A: what you describe is known as crown rot, usually caused by a fungal disease in the crown, but you ...
bouganvilla	3/23/2008
Q: How close to the house or pool deck can I plant a bouganvilla? Is there any way to control root ... A: hey Doug, Bougs don't have a very extensive root system, go ahead and plant it anywhere you want, ...
tropical plants for shady beach areas	3/22/2008
Q: need suggestions on a colorful plant to put there. We have drip irigation A: I would put in a mass planting of "Aboricola Trinnette", its a beautiful green/yellow leafed bush ...
Majesty Palm	3/22/2008
Q: i read your comments and i also read comments from a number of other "authorities" why is there so ... A: Scott, the Majesty is a palm that can be grown either way, it would do better outside in the ground, ...
Bird of Paradise	3/21/2008
Q: My huge, 15 yr. old Bird of Paradise has a black moldy looking "fungus" on most of its leaves and ... A: it sounds like "sooty mold" which is an innocuous fungus that feeds on the secretions of insects ...
Dying palm	3/20/2008
Q: I have a palm, not sure what kind. I believe it has started to die. I have been trimming away all ... A: I'm assuming its in a container (being in Canada, LOL)..it is probably a Majesty Palm, they are the ...
mini palm	3/20/2008
Q: my friend got me a mini palm tree from the bahamas, how do i take care of it? watering? lighting? ... A: well I'll give you advice on caring for a Majesty palm, which is the most common indoor/outdoor palm ...
bannana trees	3/19/2008
Q: It looks like something is eating the leaves on my outdoor bannana trees. What is the best ... A: what you are describing is the tell tale results of a leaf cutter bee, which takes snips of leaves ...
indoor palm	3/19/2008
Q: I have an indoor palm that has grown too tall. It has reached the ceiling and is continuously ... A: Ok Maria, I'm 80 percent sure you have a Dracaena, they only thing you can do is cut it about 2 feet ...
Blue Java Banana Tree	3/19/2008
Q: I recently purchased a small blue java (about 4ft). Is there any way I can keep this plant fairly ... A: this is known as an Ice Cream Banana and grows upwards of 12 feet with an extensive root corm; It is ...
Foxtail palm yellow and brown fronds	3/17/2008
Q: I have 3 foxtails-my favorite-and 2 are doing great and growing fast. The smallest is looking bad ... A: I need more info to help you, where when and how they are/were planted, comparisons between the ...
My Palm Tree Dies/Died?	3/17/2008
Q: I have one of them small palm tree in the house and I had it for about 2 years, it was fine till I ... A: It sounds like the neglect may have done it in Matt, but what you have done is correct, now it is up ...
Young Queen Palm	3/17/2008
Q: I bought a baby queen palm and noticed that no instructions for re-potting came with it.I want to do ... A: pop it out of its nursery container with as much soil attached to the roots as possible and pot it ...
bottle palm, browning and yellow leaves	3/16/2008
Q: i have a bottle palm that i planted about a year ago and some of its leaves have brown and yellow ... A: Hey Brian, Bottles don't need to be fertilized but 3 times a year with a well balanced "palm ...
Boganvillia	3/16/2008
Q: my 2ye old boganvillia plant has started getting new leas and had some new flowers but before they ... A: ahh , ok, its either insect damage (night feeding slugs or caterpillars) or you are giving it too ...
Queen Palm	3/16/2008
Q: My queen palm has some sort of clear sticky substance on it. It looks like a clear bebe. Do you ... A: ....it is definitely a tissue excretion, palm trunks are actually tissue not bark like a tree, and ...
indoor palm	3/15/2008
Q: I have an indoor palm that has grown too tall. It has reached the ceiling and is continuously ... A: oooo, thats a toughy! you can't top it, for that is where the crown forms new fronds, and you would ...
Hibiscus Bushes	3/15/2008
Q: I planted a number of hibiscus bushes last spring. However, I am afraid with the unusually cold ... A: unfortunately all the tropical hibiscus varieties are just that, cold sensitive; There is a hardy ...
Palm Tree	3/15/2008
Q: I don't know what kind - but my neighor bought 2 at Home Depot - probably in the indoor plant area ... A: it sounds like it could be mealy bugs or even scale; use household Isopropyl alcohol, put it in a ...
Sago palm	3/14/2008
Q: Both my sago palm's have got a yellow dry spots on them, they were planted about 2 months ago into ... A: Bradley, it sounds like a fungal problem, spray them down with a copper fungicide and the new ...
Bugs on Bird of Paradise	3/12/2008
Q: I am having trouble with the blooms on my Bird of Paradise. It seems that when they start to ... A: it sounds like slugs, they feed at night hence the absence of them when you see the damage during ...
wintering a hibiscus	3/11/2008
Q: I have a hibiscus plant in a large pot that I brought in for the winter. Should I cut it back this ... A: Hibiscus responds very well to pruning, but its not a plant that goes into dormancy, so pruning it ...
Queen Palm Help	3/11/2008
Q: We have 15 queen palms throughout our front and back yard. A few of them we have noticed small brown ... A: ok, lets take it one step at a time here, first the whitish "stuff" on the fronds is probably scale, ...
Jade plant	3/10/2008
Q: I have a ~5 ft jade plant in my backyard (SF, CA) which could be 40-50 yrs old. The small branches ... A: Jades don't need pruning per se, but you are advised to pinch back when they start becoming top ...
Lakeview Jasmine	3/10/2008
Q: My Lakeview Jasmine tree has small, red, fruit like berries. Are these seeds that can be sown and ... A: the sure fire way to propagate any of the Jasmine family is by semi hardwood cuttings; take about a ...
majesty palms in containers	3/8/2008
Q: I purchased several majesty palms to use as patio palms in containers. All had roots growing out ... A: Majestys like humid conditions and low light, the brown edges are from lack of humidity (which can ...
Zebra plant care	3/8/2008
Q: I just purchased a zebra plant to keep indoors. The flowers have brown edges and look like they need ... A: ok, first of all keep it out of direct sun, they don't do well in it, second, they like a humid ...
plumbagos	3/8/2008
Q: i recently moved from south florida to south georgia, and in fla i had plumbagos in my gardens, so ... A: Plumbagos are considered a tropical plant, and Georgia may be a tad to cold for them; that said, ...
brown on ends of indoor palm	3/8/2008
Q: ..have a fan palm...most of the large leaves on all brown on the tips about 4 to 5 inches up the ... A: John, the fan palm likes a humid location, and low light, it seems the low light is being provided, ...
ponytail palm	3/7/2008
Q: We have a large ponytail palm in a big pot outdoors in CA. It gets alot of afternoon sun and was ... A: sure, snip them off, it won't hurt the mother, the Ponytail may be looking dim because of too much ...
Banana Palm	3/7/2008
Q: I live north of Dallas, TX. I have banana palms in my backyard near the pool. I was told to cut ... A: Hey Sam, ok, lets start from the beginning, they are banana plants (not palms),,actually a big herb; ...
Pygmy Date Palm	3/7/2008
Q: I purchased a beautiful triple trunk pygmy date palm. I had to drive 45 minutes to get it home. Tied ... A: the palm is assuredly stressed from the cold, so its ok to prune off the completely brown fronds, ...
Majesty Palm tree(Ravenea rivularis)	3/5/2008
Q: My husband bought me this palm tree to plant in our yard. We live in Lexington, South Carolina. ... A: you are in a zone 6 or 7 I'm thinking (not knowing exactly where in South Carolina you are located) ...
bird of paradise	3/5/2008
Q: do bird of paradise need repotting or divided A: the operative word here is "need", and the answer is not unless it has outgrown its container and is ...
Indoor Tropical Plant	3/4/2008
Q: I bought an indoor tropical plant about a week ago. At first it seemed to be in perfect health, I ... A: .yellow leaves is over watering, brown tips are not enough humidity (dry indoor heat will do this); ...
Australian tree fern	3/4/2008
Q: My two trees have gotten too big. The winter killed off the fronds and the center part, but there ... A: I have to admit, I had to do some research on this one, but I got the information needed; you can ...
Ponytail palm	3/4/2008
Q: Hola Nick: My Palm is getting the leaves dry at the points and is loosing the bottom leaves. It has ... A: Ponytails need very little water first of all, your question leads me to believe you may be ...
indoor palm	3/3/2008
Q: the leaves are sticky, leaving sticky film around the pot as well A: sounds like a spider mite infestation, they leave a secretion when feeding that is like that; get ...
kentia palm	3/3/2008
Q: I was careful not to over water , but I noticed the tips of some of the leaves were brown so I ... A: like the Majesty Palm, Kentias like low light situations; they will tolerate direct sun but will ...
sago palm is turning brown	3/2/2008
Q: my sago palms are planted in large pots, they are turning brown and look unhealthy, my neighbor has ... A: it sounds like they have been in those containers too long without being changed out (soil change); ...
ailing potted palm	3/2/2008
Q: My smallish potted palm is dying and I don't know what to do. The top leaves are just all dried out ... A: Ok, we got to change it out of that pot, especially if there isn't any drainage holes! often those ...
ailing potted palm	2/29/2008
Q: My smallish potted palm is dying and I don't know what to do. The top leaves are just all dried out ... A: hmmm, it still sounds like the problem is definitely in the root ball, the drying crown leans me in ...
ailing potted palm	2/29/2008
Q: My smallish potted palm is dying and I don't know what to do. The top leaves are just all dried out ... A: ok lets see if we can turn this little guy around, first I need more info, how long in that ...
how to take care of my plant	2/28/2008
Q: I have a TROPICAL BROMELIAD PLANT how do i water it and how much. I have heard to put warm water on ... A: the top of the bromeliad is called the "cup" and you need to put half a cup of water into it and ...
white bird of paradise	2/26/2008
Q: I live in southwest florida and recently purchased a large white bird of paradise(it is potted). I ... A: is it still in the nursery container you purchased it in? if so, it needs to be changed out to a ...
musa	2/26/2008
Q: thanks si A: Hey Simon, sure let them grow and when they get several leaves on them, they can be separated from ...
musa banana plant	2/25/2008
Q: could you tell me why the leaves retain beads of water? on them.and should i water them from the top ... A: Bananas are 70 per cent water, and its natural for the water to manifest itself on all parts of the ...
Ginger plants	2/24/2008
Q: Over a year ago i got 3 beautiful ginger plants, and was told they did not like sun ... so i ... A: they do like shade, but has happened to yours is they received too much water/irrigation, this ...
organic solution for pests on my night blooming jasmine	2/20/2008
Q: One of the great joys of living in south Florida is the profusion of fragrant flowers - one of the ... A: it is indeed night feeding caterpillars or even slugs, and they only way I know to deal with them is ...
palm tree browning	2/20/2008
Q: i kept it under a solarium which has indirect bright light but i watered it once a week only ... i ... A: ok, first of all I hope you kept your receipt, because home depot has a one year guarantee on their ...
help with my baby banana plants	2/19/2008
Q: i bought some baby banana plants from a nursery that cami in a box the roots was wrapped in plastic. ... A: ....sorry, plant them right where the pseudostem meets the roots and then mulch them about an inch ...
help with my baby banana plants	2/19/2008
Q: i bought some baby banana plants from a nursery that cami in a box the roots was wrapped in plastic. ... A: don't be concerned, they will be fine, bananas look pretty bad when shipped via mail, but they are ...
Young Queen Palms	2/19/2008
Q: Late summer or