 |
|
|
|||||
|
|
November 30, 2006 Hortiscope
Q: I have a Christmas cactus that is full of buds, but the soil is very dry. I am afraid to water it because last year I gave it a nice drink and the buds started to fall off. Should I give it a drink? (e-mail reference)
Q: We planted a honey crisp apple tree about six years ago. We had a few apples last year and a ton this year. However, many of the apples have what appears to be bug or worm damage. What a disappointment after waiting all these years for the tree to bear fruit. I overheard someone in a grocery store say that honey crisp apples cost more because they are hard to grow. I would be interested in hearing your views and whether others have had the same problems with their apples. Honey crisp apples are the best tasting apples we have raised. Do we need to spray next spring to avoid the problem? Also, we have two Hazen trees that we are thinking of taking out. They are heavy bearing, but the apples don't keep and actually get soft while on the tree. What would be a good replacement? Thanks. (Fessenden, N.D.)
Q: I bought a jade plant while I was visiting my mother-in-law two years ago. Sadly, she claimed the plant when she spotted it in the back of our truck. I went to visit her today and found the poor plant in a horrible state. I was so angry I took the plant home with me. She has not watered it for at least seven months. Most of the leaves have fallen off, the stalks are beginning to shrivel and the dirt has turned to dust. Surprisingly, there are a few green leaves, although they are paper thin. Is there anything I can do to save this poor plant? (e-mail reference)
Q: Is it OK to use cedar mulch with crabapple trees? I heard there is a possibility of cedar apple rust infection. If so, what would you recommend? (e-mail reference)
Q: I have several Gerber daisy plants. The blossoms have been great, but suddenly four of my plants have turned a grayish color and the blooms are not doing well. Is there something that I can do or should I cut them back? Any information would be greatly appreciated. (e-mail reference)
Q: I love your column and read it weekly. What should I do with my hibiscus plant during the winter months? Should I keep it in a south window and continue to water or should it go to a cool room so it can rest? (Valley City, N.D.)
Q: Can you advise me on how often to water a China doll plant I just purchased? My plant has been dropping leaves at night. My daughter thinks I’m not watering the plant enough. I have the plant sitting where it receives afternoon sun for a couple of hours a day. I only use heat to warm up the house in the morning (propane).We have spider mites in our house, so I put granules on the plant. Was that the wrong thing to do? (e-mail reference)
Q: I have a Colorado blue spruce that was planted this spring. The bottom branches turned brown, so I had it replaced, but the same thing happened. It gets plenty of water. Ever heard of this problem? (e-mail reference)
Q: We inherited a ficus tree from the previous owners of our house. It was doing well outside. However, after we moved it inside, the leaves fell off and the branches became brittle. The bark is green underneath, so I don't think it is dead. Prior to all the leaves falling off, my friend pointed out that there was a white substance underneath the leaves which indicated overwatering. He told me there is a spray that I could buy to help. Any advice about this spray (my friend didn't know the name of it) or advice on how to save my tree would be appreciated. (e-mail reference)
Q: I found your Web site while looking up information on how to salvage my schefflera. My question is similar to those on the site, but I'm confused (I know nothing about plants). What do I do with the long stalks that don't have leaves? Does cutting the thick stalks induce branching and foliage? If I cut them off, will new growth start? (e-mail reference)
### Source: Ron
Smith, (701) 231-8161, ronsmith@ndsuext.nodak.edu |
Market Advisor: |
|
North Dakota State University |
