NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State
University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665
January 15, 1998
Ron Smith, Extension Horticulturist
North Dakota State University
Q. Enclosed please find a small consignment of potatoes I grew in my garden. They are a variety called Carole and the seed stock is sold by a seed company in Maine, Pinetree Garden Seeds. It is a medium-sized, yellow-fleshed potato and a German import. I have been raising this variety for several years now, and it appears to do well if provided sufficient moisture. The flavor is real good, especially if fried. However, none of the seed catalogues in this area (the Midwest) ever list it and nobody seems to know anything about it. So, I am sending you a sample so that you may try them out (i.e. eat them) and, if you wish, give me your evaluation. In any case, you have provided me and others with such useful information that it is now time that somebody gave you something. So, Merry Christmas and I hope to hear from you in the future. (Beulah, N.D.)
A. Wow—thanks! It was good to receive something that wasn't rotting or covered with insects! You bet the Smith family will enjoy them—probably for a special dinner.
Q. Enclosed is a leaf from my peace lily I received about a year ago. It was beautiful and bloomed for a long time, but recently it gets brown on the tip of the leaves and then they die one by one. I take care of it as well as I know how. Can you tell me what I can do to keep it alive? In my apartment, the plants get very little sunshine. Could that be the reason? I love the plant and hate to lose it. I will appreciate any help you can give me. Thank you. (Wishek, N.D.)
A. Your peace lily is showing classic symptoms of overwatering. Back off a little on this and allow the upper third of the container soil to become dry to the touch before watering.
As long as you move the plant near a window, that should be sufficient for this plant species. Thanks for writing.
Q. I have a green plant, and some leaves get dry tips and some get yellow. I am enclosing some leaves. Please let me know what to do to save my plant. (Aberdeen, S.D.)
A. I normally don't use questions without a name and return address, but in this instance I will, because of the nature of this problem.
The tip burn and marginal "firing" or "burning" of houseplant leaves could be the result of several factors, either singly or in combination:
- High salt accumulation in root zone
- Poor or no drainage in container
- Dry heat directed at the foliage
- High water pH: high fluoride content in water
- Overfertilization
Generally, repotting in a free-draining container will correct the problem.
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Source: Ron Smith (701) 231-8161
Editor: Barry Brissman (701) 231-7866