Seasonal & Indoor Plants - August 2008
Please Note: All recommendations are for central Maryland. Time frames shift two weeks earlier in Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore and two weeks later for Western Maryland. Check publications for further information.
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Culture
When repotting, cut the root ball with a sharp knife at 2-4 inch intervals and remove brown, dead roots. Repot into larger containers that have been carefully cleaned of any fertilizer salt residues. Use lightweight, well-drained soil less potting mixes. Tamp down the potting soil and water frequently. Continue fertilizing houseplants indoors and outdoors.
Moving houseplants in early will help them get acclimated to indoor conditions more easily.
If your African violet or Gloxinia has become leggy cut the rosette off, leaving a 2-3 inch stem. Repot into clean, moist potting soil, cover with a plastic bag sealed at the top and place the pot in diffused light. In about six weeks, new roots will form.
Take cuttings now for propagation.
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Insects
Keep houseplants well watered and monitor them for mealy bug, spider mites, aphids, whitefly and thrips. If spider mites are a problem consider spraying with a labeled horticultural oil or soap and pyrethrum mix. If the plants are large do your spraying outdoors. Fungus gnats are small, black insects that hover around plants. Prevent this problem by allowing your growing media to dry out between watering.
Get houseplants ready to bring back into the house by repotting and inspecting for disease and insect problems. Check plants for ants, earwigs, pillbugs and other pests.
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Disease
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Seasonal and Indoor Plants Tips - July 2008
Seasonal and Indoor Plants Tips - August 2008 |
