February 7, 2002

Hortiscope

Ronald C. Smith, Horticulturist
NDSU Extension Service

Q: How long can spider plant babies stay attached to the mother? At some point should I cut them off? Or are they okay growing attached to the mother? (E-mail reference)

A: They can stay attached forever, if you wish. They add to the attractiveness of the plant, so I would leave them on and remove them only when you wish to propagate more.

Q: I have a yucca plant which was doing very well and had lots of babies, which I cut off, repotted sold and gave away. The problem is that last summer I did the same thing and it seemed OK until about a month later. Four months later it seemed that its stalk below the soil rotted and dried up. Now the plant looks healthy but is just sitting above the pot on soil. Any advice on what I can do with this? (Fargo, N.D.)

A: The yucca plant you are referring to is really a Kalanchoe spp. that sprouts youngsters along the leaf edges that can root into new plants. It is a succulent like the yucca. I would suggest that you contact one of the folks you gave some away to earlier and see if they can return the favor so you can start anew.

Q: I read an article about compost contaminated by a herbicide called clopyralid killing garden and landscape plants. The state department of agriculture told me that this chemical is in lots of lawn products, plus herbicides used for sugarbeets. "Be careful where you get your compost," they said. This is very alarming. Is it true? (Bismarck, N.D.)

A: I did some checking, and here is my comment: The label of the product that contains clopyralid (Confront) clearly states that users should recycle the grass clippings back into the turf. The clippings should not be used for mulching or composting. Also, anyone with an older mower, which side discharges the grass clippings, should be careful to not have the clippings discharged into their flower or vegetable gardens. There is no need for alarm. When label directions are followed, problems seldom occur; when they are ignored, problems will develop. That's why a label exists; not for ornamentation, but for information, and it is considered the law. If you are having your lawn serviced by a lawn care company, ask what active ingredients are in their herbicides. If one of them happens to be clopyralid, either ask them to use an alternative material that does not contain that in it, and accept lower control of weeds, or simply don't compost or use the grass clippings as a mulch for that growing season.

Q: I am wondering how to get rid of fruit flies. Fly spray doesn't phase them. (Linton, N.D.)

A: Go to the source. This is usually over-ripe fruit or a sink garbage disposal that has some decaying vegetable or fruit matter in it. Dispose of the fruit and clean the disposal. Fruit flies are quite vulnerable to insecticidal soap but have a fantastic breeding cycle that will continue unless the source can be located and disposed of.

Q: Can you tell me where I may purchase dropmore honeysuckle? I bought one about four years ago and haven't seen any since. It grew wonderfully here in our severe climate. (Amidon, N.D.)

A: You might try garden centers or nurseries in Williston or Dickinson. Someone should have this popular plant for sale. It adapts so well to our region.

Q: What can a person use on Indian meal worms in a large quantity of garlic (in cold storage at about 45 degrees)? We need a product that will not have a residue. (Hettinger, N.D.)

A: There is nothing that is registered for this purpose that I can find. Best thing to do is throw them out into the snow for 24 hours to kill the worms and bring the bulbs back in. Otherwise the infested bulbs must be dumped.

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. Note to e-mail correspondents: please identify your location (city and state) for most accurate recommendations.

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Source: Ron Smith, (701) 231-8161, ronsmith@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Gary Moran, (701) 231-7865, gmoran@ndsuext.nodak.edu