NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665

March 18, 1999

Hortiscope

Ron Smith, Extension Horticulturist
North Dakota State University

Q: I've been using water from our sump pump to water my houseplants, and I was told recently that after water runs through the soil it is not good for plants. Is this true? (e-mail)

A: Typically, the water that comes through the sump pump is high in salts and could stunt or kill some house plants. I don't know how long you have been able to get away with it, but if you have no visible symptoms, then don't worry about it! I would suggest leaching the salts with distilled water about every four to six weeks.

Q: Could you give me some information on the indoor vine Tetra stigma voinierianum or Chestnut vine/Lizard plant? Is it deciduous? I realize it is a vigorous grower. (e-mail)

A: The plant is not deciduous in the botanical sense, but it does occasionally drop sections of growth with no harm to the plant. This is slowly replaced with new growth.

The plant needs plenty of light, but not direct sunlight; provide ample water during active growth, and it can be propagated with 9-inch stem cuttings whenever the spirit moves. Be sure to give the plant substantial support for its rampant growth.

Q: We are having a problem with woodpeckers making many holes in our two clumps of white birch trees. Can you tell me how to get them to stop before they kill the trees? (Hatton, N.D. e-mail )

A: I need at least a city and state for your question to be used in the column.

What your birch tree is likely being pecked at by is a sapsucker. Woodpeckers tend to make one large hole, whereas sapsuckers make rows of holes.

Now, so that you are not alone, they have been attacking my weeping birch for years, and the tree is now 14 years old. I at first worried about the damage being done, and attempted to control their activity by smearing tanglefoot (a sticky substance) near their active points. They simply moved to another spot on the tree. Consequently, I have since given up, and the tree seems to be OK. The holes they make early in the season do bleed, but by mid- to late-June, they seal up with new growth.

I know the tanglefoot works with woodpeckers, as they pretty much come back to the same spot, but I don't know what would spook the sapsuckers. You likely have nothing to worry about, if their behavior is similar to the ones that work on my birch.

Q: I have two ornamental crab trees in the back yard. In the fall when the apples fall it creates a mess and nearly kills the grass. Is there a spray that can be applied to prevent the apples from forming? If so, what is it and when and how should it be applied? (New Rockford, N.D., e-mail)

A: There might be sprays on the market that purport to eliminate apples, but I have not tested any and cannot vouch for their effectiveness.

The common insecticide, Sevin, is often used with success. A lot depends on the timing of the spray and the cultivar of the tree.

Make the application at about three-fourths full bloom, and about five to seven days later. Do the spraying in the early morning hours when the bee activity will hopefully be nil and the wind calm.

No guarantees on results! Good luck!

Q: I need some information on poppy seeds. My neighbor gave me some small spring plantings from her poppy. When they grew and produced their seed pods I kept them but have not been able to find any information if they can be used in baking muffins, cake etc. Other neighbors would like the seeds, too to start their own bed to supply their baking needs. (New Salem, N.D.)

A: Something must appear on TV, over the radio or in the newspapers once a year about poppy seeds, as that is about the only occurrence of my getting questions on the subject.

The only poppy seed that can be used in baking is the opium poppy, which of course, is illegal to grow without a permit or license. All other poppy seeds are considered to be toxic.

Feel free to give them to friends for ornamental purposes only! Not to use in baking.

Q: I received a cyclamen flowering plant from my daughter and would like to keep it growing after it's finished blooming. How do I care for it and will it bloom again? (Herreid, S.D.)

A: Some considerations:

• Provide bright, but indirect light.
• Keep at temps at 55 to 65F, if possible.
• Water plants from below by immersing the pot in a tub of tepid water; lift after 10 minutes and allow to drain freely.
• Fertilize every two weeks during active growth.
• Remove the entire flower stalk as the flowers fade.
• Allow the plant to die down this June, store the tubers in a cool location until fall and repot.

Q: I would like to have the soil tested in my garden and flower beds. Could you please let me know where to send the soil samples and also how much I need to send? (Anamoose, N.D.)

A: I've enclosed a soil test bag from our NDSU soils lab. Request the pH, N, P, K, organic matter, and EC (Electrical Conductivity). The cost will be about $20.

Q: I have an azalea that I think needs to be repotted, but I am not sure what kind of soil to use. (Mahnomen, Minn.)

A: Yes, azaleas need a soil with a low pH, so get a potting soil specifically designated for this species. If you cannot find any, then incorporate about 50 percent milled sphagnum peat moss with your potting soil when repotting.

Expect (and hope for!) once a year flowering on an indoor azalea.

Q: Can you tell me why my garden and houseplants are turning brown? (Mobridge, S.D.)

A: There can be many reasons for houseplants to have problems. Here is a listing of the more common ones:

• Being kept too wet.
• High salts in the water.
• Too low a light intensity.
• Poor, or no free drainage from the container.
• Over-fertilization.
• Plants in a draft location.

Q: I have a variegated Jade plant that is dropping small branches, and the new plants that are growing in the pot are rotting from the bottom up. It was repotted last spring and I would like to know what is wrong with it? (Tappen, N.D.)

A: Jade (Crassula spp.) are fussy about their winter temperatures. Yours is likely suffering from temperatures being too high this winter. They thrive at 50 to 55F temperatures during winter months, which would be too cold for most other indoor plants.

Most likely, you are over-watering the plants during this dormant season as well. They should be allowed to dry completely between waterings. Jade can be rooted from individual leaves or stem cuttings in a sandy potting mixture where they can receive filtered or dappled light.

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Do you have a gardening or houseplant question? Write to Hortiscope, Box 5051, NDSU Extension Service, Fargo, ND 58105 or e-mail to Ron Smith at ronsmith@ndsuext.nodak.edu.

Source: Ron Smith (701) 231-8161 ronsmith@ndsuext.nodak.edu

Editor: Dean Hulse (701) 231-6136