NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State
University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665
February 5, 1998
Ron Smith, Extension Horticulturist
North Dakota State University
Q. What is the variety of the enclosed cactus sample? Does it bloom? What care is needed? Why do leaves fall off? What with and when to fertilize? How can a new plant be started? Thank you. (Northwood, N.D.)
A. Your plant is known as Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera spp. Their response to flowering is tied in with shorter days in the fall and early winter. Basically, they should never be placed in direct sunlight since they are known as "jungle cacti," growing as a sub-canopy species in shade, or in filtered light at best. The soil should be kept moist at all times except for a resting period of about six to eight weeks after flowering.
Leaf drop from any house plant is the result of a sudden change in environment—drafts, cold water, new location, etc. Fertilization can be maintained during active growth with Schultz's House Plant Fertilizer or something similar. I suggest monthly applications. Propagate in spring or summer by taking two to three segments of the flattened leaves and sticking them in a peat-based potting soil mixture.
Q. I bought a hibiscus plant the summer of 1997. There were no directions. I had it on my deck on the west side of my house. It bloomed continuously. When it turned cooler, I brought it in the house and placed it in front of the patio doors. It still bloomed. I also sprayed it with an insecticide.
When it turned real cold, it stopped blooming and the leaves have died and dropped off. My questions are: Is this normal for this plant? Is it getting enough sunlight even though we have had many cloudy days?
I have always watered all my house plants and outdoor plants with tap water. We have received new rural water and it is very strong smelling and tastes of chlorine. Should I continue to water my plants with this water or would I have better results using distilled water?
Thank you. (Kulm, N.D.)
A. I will answer your last question first. Yes! No doubt about it—the distilled water will be better for the plants.
Hibiscus are sensitive to drafts, which cause leaf drop. This likely is a good thing since the plant needs a winter rest period, due mostly to the low light intensity from Mother Nature. Hibiscus are pretty tough and can provide the owners with years of beauty!
I am sorry you chose not to sign your name. I hope this letter gets to you, as I normally do not answer unsigned letters.
Q. How do you get your garden soil loose? I cannot grow any onions or carrots, and very few potatoes. I have put leaves and sheep manure to compost. Please write soon. (Brookings, S.D.)
A. If you have worked in leaves, manure and compost, and the soil still will not loosen up, then I don't know what to tell you.
At this stage, I would suggest a soil test. Get a reading for total salt, P, K, organic matter content and pH. Something must be chemically amiss if the soil isn't working up well, with all you have done to date!
Q. I live in the Fargo-Moorhead area and get seed catalogs from Gurneys and Fields. According to them, I should be able to grow sweet potatoes here. What are your thoughts on this?
Also, last year people gave me some seeds they had been given from Page Seed Company, Green, N.Y.; Michael-Leonard, Grant Park, Ill.; and Excel Seed, Chattanooga, Tenn. The Excel seeds are sold here dirt cheap. I had carrot and beet seeds. I planted extended rows with these seeds, and at harvest time you couldn't tell the difference. I buy either NK or Burpee, but that is a lot of difference from 10 cents a pack to $1.29 or more. Can you comment on this? Thank you. (Moorhead, Minn.)
A. Yes, you can grow sweet potatoes in Fargo. I have done it. Holland's in Moorhead handles varieties that would produce well in our area.
Packet seed prices are based on a number of factors. (1) Method of distribution—direct mail order, or through an in-store rack. (2) Whether or not the companies have a national advertising budget. (3) The fancier the packet, the higher the cost and fewer seeds, usually.
By law, all seed companies must meet certain purity and germination standards. When that minimum is met, differences between the companies on the same variety all but disappear!
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Source: Ron Smith (701) 231-8161
Editor: Barry Brissman (701) 231-7866