Iresine

/Iresine/

Iresine

Your Iresine, possibly I. herbstii. is part of a genus of flowering plants in the amaranth family, Amaranthaceae. It contains 20 to 25 species, all of which are native to the American tropics. In the north, they are considered houseplants and like good light, medium temps and even watering.

It may be getting too much water.

Smaller plants tend to thrive in partial shade, but as they grow they can tolerate more light. They are margin plants by nature, meaning they grow on the edge of forests and can withstand varied light levels.
Water: Regular moisture is essential. They aren't water plants, so don't waterlog them, but plants without adequate moisture will begin to develop brown leaf margins and dropping leaves. We recommend watering over the kitchen sink, letting the water run through, then letting the soil dry out a bit, especially on top.

Soil: Any good, fast-draining potting soil will likely do.

By | 2016-02-22T14:34:44-08:00 February 22nd, 2016|House Plants|1 Comment
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Moth Orchid Care Notes

This is a moth orchid and here are a few tips for caring for your orchid (Phalaenopsis species). This is a very drought tolerant orchid. Because it's leaves are succulent, it can also tolerate normal household humidity. Moth orchids bloom once or twice a year. In between they'll produce a few new leaves. Don't expect them to bloom continuously. How often are you feeding them? In winter (slow growth time) they don't really need food. If your orchids are potted in bark, once a week watering is good. If they are potted in long grain sphagnum moss, then push your finger into the moss and if it feels dry an inch down, it's time to water. Feed with a slow release or organic fertilizer formulated for blooming container plants and provide bright, indirect light indoors. Do not allow the plant to sit in water as this may lead to root rot. It is best to water in the sink, flush out any excess salt build-up, allow to drain out completely before setting it back on a saucer.

By | 2016-02-22T14:31:24-08:00 February 22nd, 2016|House Plants|0 Comments
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Rieger Begonia

Widely sold as potted flowering plants, this makes a great patio plant when weather is mild. This plant comes in many colors including orange, red, yellow and pink. Avoid hot direct sunlight, and go for more filtered or shaded light outdoors. Indoors place in bright, indirect light. Should be in well-draining potting soil in a container with drainage holes. Likes regular moisture, but not soggy conditions. When watering, take out of the decorative cover pot if there is one, water in the sink and allow to drain out before setting it back in the cover pot. Do not allow plant to sit in water as this may lead to root rot and feed with a slow-release or organic fertilizer formulated for blooming container plants. They will die back in the winter and although treated as an annual in many places they can be brought back in milder climates. They can be restarted by cutting them back to within 3" of the crown, reducing water and keeping them in a cool location. Increase water in spring. New shoots may be used as cuttings as well.

By | 2016-02-22T13:59:14-08:00 February 22nd, 2016|Annuals|0 Comments
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Aphids On Leafy Vegetables

These look like aphids. They will typically feed on the newest plant growth. You can identify Aphids (with a magnifying lens) by the two "cornicles" (structures that look like tiny tailpipes) extending from the rear. If you see the cornicles, you will want to control these insects with a pesticidal soap, available at your local garden center or wash off with a strong stream of water. These insects reproduce rapidly (giving live birth, rather than laying eggs), so you can also narrow the possible insect species down if you see that some of them are smaller versions of the larger ones. Sometimes an adult will develop wings and they look a bit different than the rest, but they'll still have the "tailpipes". Also, the white bits are probably the cast-off exoskeletons of aphids, while the green or grayish moving creatures are the aphids themselves.Here is a link that you might find helpful: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/QT/aphidscard.html

By | 2016-02-22T13:39:53-08:00 February 22nd, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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Euonymus

Burning Bush, the plant you intended to purchase, is a Euonymus alatus. The shrub you brought home appears to be Euonymus forunei, or Winter Creeper. Because of their similar names it's possible the plant tags were somehow switched or misplaced in the nursery or box store where you purchased your plant. If your plant is Winter Creeper, it can grow 10’ high x 20’ wide. It will grow in full sun to semi-shade. It is shrubby by nature but occasionally trailing or even climbing by its aerial rooting. It has a habit of flattening out or elongating its upright growth during heavy winter snowfalls; this gives it the name of winter creeper. It can be sheared at any time for hedges, espaliers, or border specimens. The inconspicuous creamy-colored flowering during late spring develops into 1/2 inch spherical capsules with pink-toned seeds capped by an orange dome.

If this description doesn't match your plant as it develops and blossoms, send us another picture when it's in bloom and we'll try again!

By | 2016-02-22T11:40:02-08:00 February 22nd, 2016|Shrubs|0 Comments
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Tomato Disorders

This may or may not be an infectious disease, but disorders caused by cultural care practices and environmental issues can cause similar problems, and may make the plant weak and more susceptible to attack by pest and diseases. We often see tomato stems and leaves curl downward after flooding of soils around the root system. This disorder is called Epinasty and is a result of ethylene production by the plant in response to the lack of air in the soil. This same issue could be caused by a lack of water deep in the soil, causing roots to grow shallow, in the upper surfaces of the soil. In short, there are several visible abnormalities in leaf color, size, and curling that can all be accounted for by inconsistency in watering, compact soils, soils with high clay content, soils low in organic matter, or too much air around the root system. We've included a weblink with information about tomato culture and common pests, diseases, and disorders.
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/VEGES/tomato.html

By | 2016-02-22T09:46:20-08:00 February 22nd, 2016|Plant Diseases|0 Comments
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Tomato Disorders

This may or may not be an infectious disease, but disorders caused by cultural care practices and environmental issues can cause similar problems, and may make the plant weak and more susceptible to attack by pest and diseases. We often see tomato stems and leaves curl downward after flooding of soils around the root system. This disorder is called Epinasty and is a result of ethylene production by the plant in response to the lack of air in the soil. This same issue could be caused by heavy soils that restrict deeper root growth. In short, there are several visible abnormalities in leaf color, size, and curling that can all be accounted for by inconsistency in watering, compact soils, soils with high clay content, soils low in organic matter, or too much air around the root system. We've included a weblink with information about tomato culture and common pests, diseases, and disorders.
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/VEGES/tomato.html

By | 2016-02-22T08:52:01-08:00 February 22nd, 2016|Plant Diseases|0 Comments
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Brick And Butter Vine

A bit more information for you. Thunbergia mysorensis (Brick & Butter Vine) is a tropical evergreen vine covered with glossy, dark forest green lanceolate foliage but the most spectacular characteristic are the rich red and yellow, two-lipped flowers that hang down the foliage. Endemic to India, where winter climates are mild, will bloom off and on throughout the year. Does best in full sun or part shade and because of its vigor, provide a sturdy support such as a pergola so that the elongated, pendant blossoms can be easily seen. Needs regular water. Hummingbirds and other pollinators are attracted to its sweet nectar.This plant is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful vines in the world and received the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit in 1993. Other common names including Indian Clock Vine, Mysore Clock Vine, Lady Slipper Vine and Dolls Shoes. Enjoy!

By | 2016-02-22T07:22:19-08:00 February 22nd, 2016|Vine Plants|1 Comment
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Constances Spring Parsley

There are two species of this plant that are difficult to discern. The photo is not quite close enough for us to make a positive identification between bulbosus and constancei. But we are including a link to a site that may help you decide. Note the name was changed in 2012. Constance’s spring parsley is a low growing herbaceous perennial that is typically found in open areas of woodlands Soon it will have low pale pink blossoms. This small plant produces a taproot that may be several inches long, the lower half of which is often enlarged. Each plant produces only a few stems that may bear one or two leaves but are usually leafless. Most of the leaves are basal (not attached to an upright stem) with the largest leaves growing only 4 - 6 inches long. The leaves are light gray-green in color, somewhat fleshy, and divided many times into leaflets that in turn are divided into sub leaflets giving the leaves a distinctive fern-like appearance. The leaf stalks (petioles) are also fleshy.

By | 2016-02-22T06:18:43-08:00 February 22nd, 2016|Perennials|0 Comments
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Euonymus

Cause The fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides has been found a few times by the OSU Plant Clinic and is considered an occasional problem in BC. It is a problem on Euonymous japonica and E. fortunei including the very susceptible cultivars Canadale Gold, Emerald Gaiety and Emerald 'n Gold. Favored by warm temperatures and long wet periods.

Symptoms Small leaf lesions with white, gray or tan centers and dark or reddish boarders. Centers of lesions frequently fall out, giving the leaf a "shot-hole" appearance. Stem cankers are small, oval and may be raised and scabby. Larger cankers may girdle the stem causing dieback and defoliation.

Cultural control

Grow less susceptible cultivars.
Remove fallen leaves and other plant debris from production areas.
Do not overwater, and irrigate when leaves can dry quickly.
Remove and destroy heavily infected plant parts.
Improve air circulation with increased plant spacing.
Grow under high shade intensities, rather than full sun or light shade.

By | 2016-02-22T06:11:26-08:00 February 22nd, 2016|Plant Diseases|0 Comments
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