Lilac

/Lilac/

Lilac

This may be a lilac but it's hard to be sure since the joining of the stems of the two largest leaves is hidden by a smaller leaf. If you could send us a photo of two pairs of leaves showing how the stems of those leaves attach to the main branch, we could tell for sure. Lilacs have leaves that are opposite - since so many plants have similar shaped leaves one way of telling one from another is how the leaves are arranged on the stem. Another is to have a photo of a flower, or the dried remains from an old flower.

If it is, lilacs produce fragrant trusses of flowers in blue, purple, pink, white in the spring. Lilacs need full sun (or light shade where summers are hot), and regular water. Prune just after flowers are spent to encourage new shoots and better flowering for the following year. Feed with a slow release or organic fertilizer formulated for blooming shrubs about once a year just as the buds are beginning to emerge.

By | 2016-02-14T11:40:17-08:00 February 14th, 2016|Shrubs|0 Comments
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Lichen

Lichen (pronounced “liken”) is a biological class of complex organisms (a fungus and alga or cyanobacterium) that have a symbiotic relationship. The green algae and cyanobacteria produce food by photosynthesis. The fungi cannot photosynthesize, but provide a protective exterior surface for the algae/cyanobacteria. This enables the algae/cyanobacteria to exist in full sun, thus maximizing its ability to produce food for both. Lichen gain water and mineral nutrients mainly from the atmosphere, through rain and dust. THis is not a disease and will not hurt the tree or shrub.

Lichen not only grow on plants but on the ground and on rocks. Lichens have a great deal of variability in color and form depending on the species. The color can range from white to green to yellow/orange/red, and some have black specks. Some are flat and others look like ruffles. Some look like small, leafless shrubs.

By | 2016-02-14T11:16:14-08:00 February 14th, 2016|Shrubs|0 Comments
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Dracaena Problem

There could be one or more of several reasons why the leaves are turning brown: make sure when watering (about once every 7 days) that the soil feels dry down to the first knuckle before watering again and that the water drains out without allowing the plant to sit in water (if there is a saucer under the plant and it is sitting in the water after watering, then this may lead to root rot); feed with a slow-release or organic fertilizer formulated for container plants; the potting soil should be a well-draining commercial potting soil or cactus potting soil (sterile and well-draining); needs bright, indirect light. Finally, if the leaves continue to brown, suggest you switch to steam iron water - many houseplants come from the rainforest and are sensitive to the salts in tap water. There could also be some disease issues. Here is more info: http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/qa-leaf-spots-on-dracaena/index.html

By | 2016-02-14T10:36:29-08:00 February 14th, 2016|House Plants|0 Comments
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Bonsai Crassula

A low growing shrub native to the eastern Cape Province to northern Transvaal in South Africa that gets to 2 feet tall with a fat gnarly trunk and stems with peeling bark bearing narrow green succulent leaves and attractive terminal flower clusters in summer. The flowers start as small pink flower buds that open to show off bell-shaped pale-pink flowers which, to some people, may smell of black currant jelly. Plant in full sun (except in hot inland desert climates) to light shade in well-drained soils and irrigate occasionally. This plant is considered one of the hardiest of Crassula, tolerating temperatures down to 10° F so it has long been cultivated throughout the temperate regions of the world. As it grows well indoors it can also often be seen in a windowsill garden in even colder climates. With the attractive branching, peeling bark and bare lower stems it resembles a small tree, which makes it a great succulent bonsai plant.

By | 2016-02-14T09:22:28-08:00 February 14th, 2016|Succulents|0 Comments
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Failure To Thrive

This does not look like a pest or disease but more a "failure to thrive" situation. There might be several things going on here. First of all, the level of the soil is very low. How deep is the soil in this box? It looks like it might only be four inches or so, and this isn't enough to support good plant growth. Be sure to fill all containers to within an inch of the top, and don't put anything else in the bottom: no rocks, shards, or other "filler" no matter what your mother or neighbor told you.

Secondly, are there drainage holes in this box? Every container should have holes for the excess water can drain out. Cosmos, which you have planted here, need good drainage.

Thirdly, was any time-release or liquid fertilizer used? Annuals need "fast food" so either a time-release product or synthetic liquid are important. Ask your local independent garden center for recommendations.

Finally, are these boxes in full sun? Cosmos need at least 5 hours of dead-on sun to flower well. If these boxes get less, use New Guinea Impatiens or begonias instead.

By | 2016-02-14T05:14:28-08:00 February 14th, 2016|Annuals|0 Comments
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Psyllid

The raised spots are likely the work of psyllids, common name plant lice, small insects that depending on the species are host-specific, that is one species of a psyllid will colonize on one particular plant. They become abundant when temperatures warm and host plants develop fresh growth. The psyllid sucks the nutrients out of the foliage, stems, etc. and galls form on the leaves or buds. They also have ecreta, known as honeydew which can lead to the development of black sooty mold. Most experts agree that the psyllid damage is primarily aesthetic, but if population is extensive and the plant is yellowing there are several options: Use yellow sticky traps, spray the plant with Neem or horticultural oil (will need to re-apply until the problem is controlled). Visit your local garden center for confirmation of the problem and appropriate remedy for pecan trees. Visit the following for additional information: Discover Entomology at Texas A&M University - Extension ...
https://insects.tamu.edu/extension/publications/epubs/e-397.cfm‎

By | 2016-02-14T02:24:26-08:00 February 14th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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Butterfly Bush

Butterfly bush is a sub shrub in your area and can die back to the ground during cold winters. This by itself is not a problem because many people cut it back to the ground in spring. There are two reasons why they might not make it through the winter. One, the soil might be getting too cold. Provide winter protection such as a mound of chopped leaves around the base of each plant. They should be hardy in your area and such protection shouldn't be necessary, but perhaps it is windy there. Two, the soil could be too wet during the end of winter when snow melts, causing the roots to rot. It is very difficult to correct drainage problems after plants are in the ground. Applying an organic mulch around each plant at least as wide as the shrub, and maybe wider, will eventually improve drainage as the mulch rots each year and adds organic matter to the soil. You may want to consult a cooperative extension agent or the horticulturist at a local garden center in case there is a local problem with these shrubs that we don't know about.

By | 2016-02-14T01:19:10-08:00 February 14th, 2016|Shrubs|0 Comments
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Hazel Alder Smooth Alder

We believe this is the tree Alnus serrulata; Hazel Alder or Smooth Alder. The "Hazel" embedded in the common name is a play on the very similar looks of the leaf shape and presence of catkins, as Hazelnut ( Corylus avellana, Corylus colurna) have, BUT the Hazelnuts have a very odd, small female flower in very early spring, ( tiny strap-shaped petals recurved backwards, really tiny) then maturing seed is "nested" like a small quail egg in the center of what looks like parrot tulip petals, very beautiful.

The solid, green seed pod of Alnus and, the catkin (old and passed but still remnant) and the leaf shape are the key i.d. components. The Alders are in general overlooked as ornamentals, but several species tolerate poor drainage/swampy soils, and are small in mature stature; both valuable attributes in certain landscape situations.

We are not certain of this identification, because the image is a bit blurry. If you get a chance, we'd like to see a close up of the fruit/nut. Thanks.

By | 2017-09-11T15:49:24-07:00 February 13th, 2016|Trees|0 Comments
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Insect Damage On Tomato Leaf

This looks like insect damage from a bug with a piercing mouthpart although without seeing the entire plant in person it's impossible to be sure from a photo alone. The most common on indoor grown veggies are whitefly and aphids - look for tiny white insects flying, or white/gray insect "litter" on foliage (very small and dirty looking) or green, white or tan tiny insects on the new growth. The reason we suspect this is because when such insects suck the plant juices they pierce the cell with their mouthpart and this causes the cells to then grow in a bumpy or distorted manner. You can use insecticidal soap on this problem - not dish detergent! ask for insecticidal soap at your garden center and use it according to directions, spraying under the leaves. Insects like new growth because it's tender, so watch there. Additionally, putting a fan on the plants periodically during the day will stimulate them to grow stronger and be less attractive to insects.

By | 2017-09-11T15:49:24-07:00 February 13th, 2016|Vegetable Plants|0 Comments
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Edema On Schlumbergera

Your Thanksgiving/Christmas cactus may have Edema, also called Oedema. This leaf condition happens on plants for a variety of reasons, and to discover why it might be going on do the following: 1. This sometimes happens when a plant is root bound and the roots are now clogging the drainage hole, or the potting mix has gotten very compact and broken down. If your plant has been in the same pot for awhile it probably needs a new pot with new potting mix. Be sure the pot has a drainage hole and don't put any rocks, shards etc in the bottom of the pot.
2. If this plant is sitting in a saucer of water frequently it may be happening because it's being kept too moist. Edema often occurs when plants are taking up more moisture than they respire - it can be an issue in the winter if the plant is in a cool room as well.
3. Plants in soil that is low in potassium and calcium are more prone to edema - fertilize with a good, all round houseplant fertilizer used according to directions.

By | 2016-02-13T22:29:58-08:00 February 13th, 2016|House Plants|1 Comment
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