Old Leaves

/Old Leaves/

Old Leaves

The leaves that are dying are juvenile foliage that naturally dies as the plant grows and matures. There in nothing wrong with the plant and this process is normal. Plants have the ability to abscise foliage that is no longer needed. Most plants will stop sending water and nutrients to the bottom leaves as new leaves higher up on the plant begging to grow and require more of the plants energy than the older leaves. These leaves will slowly yellow and dry until they fall from the plant (or remain and be unsightly on some species). When a plant first produces it first set of leaves this foliage is called "juvenile". This type of leaf is actually the oldest growth and the first to die as a plant grows. This is what is happening with your plant.

By | 2016-03-18T12:18:29-07:00 March 18th, 2016|Vegetable Plants|0 Comments
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Nandina Heavenly Bamboo

The Nandina family has a wide array of plants. Though named "Heavenly Bamboo" they are actually related to the Barberry family of shrubs. This is an evergreen shrub that has cultivars that can grow to 6-8 feet (smaller dwarf varieties exist). Many have clusters of small white flowers are followed by bright red berries. Foliage turns red or purplish in colder months, and new growth also has cool coloration. Appreciates some shade in hotter climates.
Proper pruning technique keeps this wonderful shrub looking great. Prune a few of the older woody canes at ground level about every 3-5 years, do not prune the top growth. Fertilize with an all purpose slow release organic fertilizer in spring to encourage the most colorful growth.

By | 2016-03-18T11:51:19-07:00 March 18th, 2016|Shrubs|0 Comments
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Small Aloe

Your plant appears to be one of the smaller species of Aloe but it is difficult to be sure at this time. Aloes change their appearance quite a bit as they mature, and it looks like yours needs a little different culture to make it really appear as it should. Suggestions would be to move it to a just slightly larger pot, and get it up to the pot rim so that it is not sitting down inside a dark hole like it is now. Move it to a location that gets at least a half day of sunshine. Make sure the potting soil drains well, and allow it to dry out slightly between waterings. This should help it to color up and make it more recognizable. Send us some new photos after it has had a time to get healthier and we'll be happy to make another attempt. The Garden Compass Team.

By | 2016-03-18T11:37:52-07:00 March 18th, 2016|Succulents|0 Comments
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Houseplant Problem

We can't tell for sure in the photo but this may be the result of insufficient light. Most houseplants need bright, indirect light, regular water, and feed with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for container plants (to avoid salt build-up resulting in leaf tip and edge burn). And make sure the potting soil is well-draining. If the foliage continues to fall off, suggest you show some of the leaves and your photo to a horticulturist at your local garden center for a hands on identification of the problem. Also look for signs of insects such as aphids, mealybugs or scale. They suck the nutrients out of leaves and stems causing the leaves to fade in color, distort the foliage or cause the foliage to fall off. If so, there are systemics for houseplants to help control them.

By | 2016-03-18T11:15:37-07:00 March 18th, 2016|House Plants|0 Comments
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White Tophoary Cress

Considered an invasive species in several western states, whitetop is a perennial broad leaf weed that stands up to 2 feet tall and has a creeping rhizome root system that can reach up to 6 feet deep. It has a distinctive bloom of small white four petal flowers that bloom in early spring. The leaves are alternate, gray-green, and the upper leaves clasp the stem. The seeds can remain viable for up to 4 years and can be transported great distances by animals or flowing water.
Whitetop invades rangelands throughout North America and is a highly competitive weed once it becomes established. Whitetop spreads primarily by extremely persistent roots and will eventually eliminate desirable vegetation and become a large colony or monoculture.

By | 2017-09-11T15:49:18-07:00 March 18th, 2016|Weeds|0 Comments
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Spirea

Cylindrosporium Leaf Spot

Spirea leaves with both surfaces exhibiting light-yellow lesions that darken over time suffer from Cylindrosporium filipendula leaf spot. Inspecting their undersides reveals yellowish, waxy spore masses. On heavily infected plants, the tiny, round leaf spots merge into large dead patches. Extensive summer leaf drop may follow. Splashing water spreads Cylindrosporium spores from leaf litter and contaminated plants.
Leaf Spot Control
Spireas tolerate mild leaf spot with no serious damage. Removing infected leaves and debris eliminates the spores they harbor. Watering the shrubs from beneath in the morning minimizes foliage moisture, reducing the risk of infection. Cylindrosporium seldom requires fungicidal treatment.

By | 2016-03-18T08:45:34-07:00 March 18th, 2016|Plant Diseases|0 Comments
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Clematis

Your plant appears to be a lovely Clematis. Clematis is slow to get established. Often it can be three years before they really start to climb and flower. Clematis grow and flower best in full sun, with their roots mulched or shaded and their faces in the sun. Water regularly and feed with a slow-release or organic fertilizer formulated for blooming plants. If brought indoors during the winter months, provide as much bright light as possible and keep moist but not soggy. Do not allow plant to sit in water as this may lead to root rot. Take outdoors when weather is not longer frosty.
Consult a garden center knowledgeable about clematis or visit: International Clematis Society Homepage
clematisinternational.com/‎ for more information on clematis.

By | 2017-09-11T15:49:18-07:00 March 18th, 2016|Vine Plants|0 Comments
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Houseplant Palm Problem

Your palm appears to be a Chamaedorea popular as a house plant because of its graceful form. Indoors it needs bright indirect light, regular water, and feed with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for container plants. Yellowing or browning of the fronds may be the result of: insufficient light or insect/disease problem. If you do not see any signs of insect infestation, then perhaps there is a watering problem. If the plant is in a saucer, do not allow the plant to sit in the water as this may lead to root rot and make sure the plant is in well-draining soil - palms do not like soggy soil conditions. Also fertilize only with a slow-release or organic food formulated for container plants. Hope this helps you keep your palm healthy and happy.

By | 2016-03-18T08:14:50-07:00 March 18th, 2016|House Plants|0 Comments
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Caterpillar Damage

The holes may be the result of caterpillars. Some caterpillars are little trouble and we tolerate others because they are the larvae of butterflies and moths. When they are eating desirable plants as this one is, suggest you physically remove all you can see or spray with an organic control such as Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis is a contact spray only), or another organic control formulated with Spinosad (has a 7-10 day residual) available at your local garden center. If spraying with Spinosad, do so in the early evening after the bees have returned to their hives. Once the spray has dried it is safe for beneficials. Before you do this, however, cut open the damaged tomato to see if there is a larva/caterpillar inside. If not, then the damage may be due to birds or rats.

By | 2016-03-18T06:25:57-07:00 March 18th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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Rose

Unfortunately we cannot identify the cultivar or species of rose because there are over 150 wild species of shrubs and climbers native to Asia, Europe, North Africa and North America, plus thousands of different garden forms of varying growth and flower types divided into two broad categories Old Garden Roses and Modern Roses. However, you could contact your local rose society or a horticulturist at your local garden center that specializes in roses and hopefully they can identify further for you. Also there are many helpful websites including: www.helpmefindroses.com as well as your local rose society. All roses do best in full sun with regular water and feed with a slow release or organic fertilizer formulated for roses.

By | 2016-03-18T06:08:24-07:00 March 18th, 2016|Shrubs|0 Comments
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