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			<title>Index</title>
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			<title>Animals and Wildlife</title>
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			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2020 15:14:47 PDT</pubDate>
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			<title>Flowers, Fungi, Plants, and Trees</title>
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			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2020 15:14:38 PDT</pubDate>
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			<title>Cacti and Other Succulents</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/listing/3/cacti-and-other-succulents.html</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2018 17:04:38 PDT</pubDate>
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			<title>Flowering House Plants</title>
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			<pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2018 17:04:05 PDT</pubDate>
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			<title>Foliage House Plants</title>
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			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2018 14:07:19 PDT</pubDate>
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			<title>Rain Garden</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/22/rain-garden.html</link>
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				Synonymes bioretention facilitiesGeneral FeaturesRain gardens, also called bioretention facilities, are one of a variety of practices designed to increase rain runoff reabsortion by the soil. They can also be used to treat polluted stormwater runoff. Rain gardens are designed landscape sites that reduce the flow rate, total quantity, and pollutant load of runoff from impervious urban areas like roofs, driveways, walkways, parking lots, and compacted lawn areas. Rain gardens rely on plants and natural or engineered soil medium to retain stormwater and increase the lag time of infiltration, while remediating and filtering pollutants carried by urban runoff. Rain gardens provide a method to reuse and optimize any rain that falls, reducing or avoiding the need for additional irrigation. A benefit of planting rain gardens is the consequential decrease in ambient air and water temperature, a mitigation that is especially effective in urban areas containing an abundance of impervious surfaces that absorb heat in a phenomenon known as the heatisland effect.Rain garden plantings commonly include wetland edge vegetation, such as wildflowers, sedges, rushes, ferns, shrubs and small trees. These plants take up nutrients and water that flow into the rain garden, and they release water vapor back to the atmosphere through the process of transpiration. Deep plant roots also create additional channels for stormwater to filter into the ground. Root systems enhance infiltration, maintain or even augment soil permeability, provide moisture redistribution, and sustain diverse microbial populations involved in biofiltration. Microbes help to break down organic compounds including some pollutants and remove nitrogen.Rain gardens can improve water quality in nearby bodies of water and recharge depleted groundwater supply. Rain gardens also reduce the amount of polluted runoff that enters the storm sewer system, which discharges directly to surface waters and causes erosion, water pollution and flooding. Rain gardens also reduce energy consumption by decreasing the load on conventional stormwater infrastructure.Rain gardens are beneficial for many reasons they improve water quality by filtering runoff, provide localized flood control, create aesthetic landscaping sites, and provide diverse planting opportunities. They also encourage wildlife and biodiversity, tie together buildings and their surrounding environments in integrated and environmentally advantageous ways, and provide significant solutions to important environmental problems that affect many aspects of life.HistoryThe first rain gardens were created to mimic the natural water retention areas that developed before urbanization occurred. The rain gardens for residential use were developed in 1990 in Prince George's County, Maryland, when Dick Brinker, a developer building a new housing subdivision had the idea to replace the traditional best management practices BMP pond with a bioretention area. He approached Larry Coffman, an environmental engineer and the county's Associate Director for Programs and Planning in the Department of Environmental Resources, with the idea. The result was the extensive use of rain gardens in Somerset, a residential subdivision which has a 300400sqft 2837m2 rain garden on each house's property. This system proved to be highly costeffective. Instead of a system of curbs, sidewalks, and gutters, which would have cost nearly 400,000, the planted drainage swales cost 100,000 to install. This was also much more cost effective than building BMP ponds that could handle 2, 10, and 100year storm events. Flow monitoring done in later years showed that the rain gardens have resulted in a 7580 reduction in stormwater runoff during a regular rainfall event.Some de facto rain gardens predate their recognition by professionals as a significant LID Low Impact Development tool. Any shallow garden depression implemented to capture and filter rain water within the garden so as to avoid draining water offsite is at conception a rain gardenparticularly if vegetation is planted and maintained with recognition of its role in this function. Vegetated roadside swales, now promoted as bioswales, remain the conventional runoff drainage system in many parts of the world from long before extensive networks of concrete sewers became the conventional engineering practice in the industrialized world. What is new about such technology is the emerging rigor of increasingly quantitative understanding of how such tools may make sustainable development possible. This is as true for developed communities retrofitting bioretention into existing stormwater management infrastructure as it is for developing communities seeking a faster and more sustainable development path.
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			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2022 13:44:10 PDT</pubDate>
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			<title>Copper Plant</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/21/copper-plant.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Acalypha wilkesianaSome common names for this plant are Copperleaf, Fire Dragon and Jacob's Coat. The copperred foliage is the hallmark of the Copper Plant however, there are dozens of cultivars, such as Varieties with leaves streaked, splashed and edged with pink, red, bronze, purple and green. Mooreana has deeply veined maroon leaves with serrated edges. Marginata features bronze leaves edged with red. Can Can is a popular variety splashed with dark pink and creamy white.Those vibrant leaves can grow up to 5 in 13 cm long, often with sawtoothed edges.  Acalypha wilkesiana is a vigorous grower, you will have a large shrub before you know it so it's a good idea to prune it back by half every Spring. Pruning encourages growth of new stems and leaves.Care TipsOrigin Java and New GuineaHeight Up to 6 ft 1.8 m if not cut backLight Bright light is essential for good leaf color, take care to protect your plant from the hot midday sun which may cause brown scorch marks on the leaves.Water Keep the soil evenly moist yearround, but take care not to overwater as Soggy soil will cause this plant to wilt. Be sure to use a pot with a drainage hole.Humidity Moderate to high above 50 humidity. You can use a coolmist humidifier or pebble tray to raise the humidity.Temperature Average to warm 6580F 1827C, though the Copper Plant will tolerate temps as low as 60F 16C.Soil Goodquality potting mix.Fertilizer Feed every 2 weeks Spring through Fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted in half.Propagation Take 3 in 8 cm stem tip cuttings in the early Spring and pot them in equal parts coarse sand and peat moss. Use a heat mat to maintain a steady 75F 24C.Troubleshooting Bright Light Put your plant where it'll get plenty of light, but take care to keep it out of the direct sun filtered light from a South or West facing window will give it the light it needs. Prune You can keep your plant compact and full by pruning it back by half in the Spring. Do not pinch off growing tips, though this plant branches out naturally. Repot in the Spring Move the plant up one pot size when its roots fill the pot. Pests Check for mealy bugs and spider mites if you see any signs of pests, isolate your plant and treat any infestation immediately.
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			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Sep 2018 09:35:03 PDT</pubDate>
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			<title>Coleus Plant</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/20/coleus-plant.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Coleus blumei or Solenostemon scutellarioidesThe Coleus plant, also known as the Painted Nettle, is often grown outdoors as an annual because it is frosttender but it iss easy to grow indoors if you can provide bright light.  With its distinctive leaf shapes, intricate patterns, and rich colors rival some of the showiest of foliage plants.Encourage Growth  Coleus plants can get leggy, so pinch growing tips often to encourage them to branch out and stay bushy and full also pinch off any flower spikes as soon as you notice them, because they will detract from the beautiful foliage.Moist Soil  Coleus leaves will wilt and may fall off if the soil is too dry you'll have a much healthierlooking plant if you keep the soil moist at all times. Use a pot with drainage holes and water thoroughly. Need a container Check out some of the selfwatering pots that are currently on the market.Coleus VarietiesCountless varieties of Coleus are available. Foliage colors include red, maroon, brown, cream, yellow, orange and green in many combinations and designs. Leaf edges may be scalloped or ruffled and have a contrasting color.With all of the stunning new hybrids on the market, the possibility of choosing just one is nearly impossible. The Coleus plant is easy to find in most garden centers, and it is easy to grow from seed. It's also quite easy to propagate a plant just cut off a stem and stick it in a glass of water.Care TipsOrigin Southeast AsiaHeight Up to 2 ft 60 cmLight Bright light, but some direct sun is okay, except for direct sun in the summer since the intense summer sun which will scorch the leaves. If your Coleus receives too little light, your leaf colors will dull, and it may cause leaves to drop.Water Keep soil evenly moist, as the Coleus leaves will wilt if thirsty and try to avoid getting the velvety leaves wet. Hard water will cause permanent white spots which won't come off. Always use roomtemperature water when watering houseplants.Humidity Moderate humidity. Check out these easy ways to increase humidity for your tropical house plants. Don't mist coleus leaves because tap water will leave spots.Temperature Average room temperatures between 6575F 1824C leaves may wilt or fall off if the plant is exposed to temperatures below 55F 13C.Soil Any goodquality potting mix Fertilizer Feed every 2 weeks in the Spring and Summer, with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted in half.Propagation Sow any Coleus seeds in the Spring, or take 3 in 7 cm cuttings from the Coleus stem during the Spring or Summer any cuttings from the stem tip should root easily in water or moist soil.Troubleshooting Dropped leaves Low light, dry soil, or cold air can cause leaves to drop. Don't worry, however the Coleus is a vigorous plant, and will grow new leaves when its aliments have been alleviated. Aphids like to attack new growth so treat your plant for them right away, and isolate it to avoid contaminating your other plants.
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			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Sep 2018 09:49:02 PDT</pubDate>
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			<title>Coffee Plant</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/19/coffee-plant.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Coffea arabicaThe coffee plant is the source of the world's most popular breakfast beverage not many realize, however, that it makes a beautiful house plant that is easy to grow.This member of the Rubiaceae family is one of 90 in the Coffea genus. Coffea arabica is believed to be the first species of coffee to be cultivated, being grown in southwest Arabia for well over 1,000 years. It is an evergreen shrub that has glossy, darkgreen leaves with ruffled edges on willowy stems.Coffee plant can reach heights of over 15 ft its native tropical habitat, but will stay much smaller when confined to a pot you can also trim it back to control its size.Prune the coffee plant back in the Spring to keep it bushy and full pruning will also give it an attractive shape. Use clean pruning shears to cut the stem at a 45 angle, 14inch above a leaf axil the junction where a leaf attaches to the stem. Prune off any top growth to keep your coffee plant at a manageable size.Repot in the Spring, moving to a pot 1 size larger use a pot with a drainage hole to avoid soggy soil.After 3 or 4 years the Coffea arabica plant will produce starshaped, sweetly scented, white flowers. These flowers are followed by green fruits, which change to red then to almost black as they ripen a process that takes several months. Inside each ripened fruit are 2 seeds or beans that when properly roasted can be ground and made into coffee.Growing coffee plants indoors is easy, as they are vigorous growers and are have a long lifespan they make attractive house plants, just don't expect them to offer a morning cup of coffee, as it could take a few years before you see many fruit.You can find Coffea arabica at several online nurseries, but if you're looking for a more compact plant, you should look for the cultivar Coffea arabica Nana.Care TipsOrigin Southern Asia and Tropical AfricaHeight Up to 6 ft 1.8 m grown indoors, ifconfined to a pot. You can prune Coffea arabica quite a bit in the Spring to keep it at a manageable size.Light Keep in bright light, shaded from the direct sun.Water Keep soil thoroughly moist in the Spring and Summer, but keep barely moist in Autumn and Winter always use tepid water for watering your houseplants.Humidity Requires moist air, you can use a cool mist humidifier for best results.Temperature Average room temperatures between 6575F 1824C. Coffea arabica can withstand cooler temperatures in the Autumn and Winter when growth slows down, but it's not tolerant of freezing temperatures.Soil Peat moss based potting mix with horticultural sand added to provide good drainage.Fertilizer Feed every 2 weeks during the Spring and Summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted in half.Propagation Sow fresh seeds in the Spring cuttings can be difficult to propagate, but you'll have the best chance at success by taking young stems before they have hardened.
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			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Sep 2018 17:14:00 PDT</pubDate>
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			<title>Clubmoss</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/18/clubmoss.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Selaginella kraussianaSelaginella requires high humidity, so unless you live in the tropics, you'll want to put this plant in a terrarium to keep it lush and green.Its mounding habit is made up of creeping stems that spread quickly across the soil, forming a dense mat of foliage Selaginella adds a wonderful texture to any plant grouping. Its unusual, branching foliage gives it another common name, spike moss.There are many types of Selaginella are available on the market variegated and gold varieties will add beautiful contrast to your collection.You'll want to prune back your Selaginella in the Spring to keep this spreading plant under control. You can prune up to half of the plant, as its a vigorous grower, it will fill out again. Take care not to toss out stem cuttings, as they root easily for more plants.Repot in spring when necessary, a shallow pot will do.Care TipsOrigin South AfricaHeight Spreads out rather than up, you can keep any variety small by pruning it back.Light Indirect light, with no direct sunlightWater Aim to keep the potting medium lightly moist at all times, but don't allow the plant to sit in water remember to always use roomtemperature water for tropical houseplants.Humidity Selaginella prefers high humidity levels, above 50 relative humidity. If the air is dry you'll want to mist the plant every morning, or stand the pot on a tray of wet pebbles. Keeping Selaginella in a terrarium will maintain humidity around it, or keep it in a Wardian Case.Temperature Average room temperatures between 6575F 1824C try to maintain a consistent temperature, as Selaginella doesn't like it too cold or too hot, especially drafts. Keep this plant away from doorways and air vents.Soil Peat mossbased potting mix with perlite or horticultural sand added for good drainage.Fertilizer Feed monthly spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.Propagation Take stem tip cuttings in spring or summer. Just give the stems contact with the soil and they'll take root as they grow, forming a spreading mat.Troubleshooting Brown, shriveled leaves are the result of dry air. Put this humidityloving plant in a terrarium or mist the foliage every day with roomtemperature water to give it the moist air it craves.
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			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Sep 2018 16:17:32 PDT</pubDate>
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			<title>Christmas Palm Tree</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/17/christmas-palm-tree.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Veitchia merrilliiThe Christmas Palm Tree looks like a miniature of the Royal Palm the giant palm trees that you see lining the boulevards in South Florida and California.It grows from a single trunk, which supports a crown of arched, pinnate leaves at the base of the crown, clusters of flowers emerge. In autumn, these flowers are turn into 1 in 2.5 cm green fruits that ripen to a bright red around the end of December they look reminiscent of red Christmas lights, which give this tree its common name.This Southeastern Asia native is surprisingly tolerant of growing in a pot and will thrive indoors as long as it gets plenty of sunshine throughout the year.You can move this palm outdoors to the patio for the Summer, but you'll want to bring it back inside if the temperature drops near 40F. This tropical palm doesn't like the cold at all.Repot in the Spring only when the palm becomes severely rootbound. Pots should be deep enough to give roots room to grow be sure to use a heavy pot as this palm will eventually get tall and become topheavy.Try your best to keep this palm clean as the palm fronds tend to be dust catchers. To clean, move your palm outdoors on a warm day and spray it with tepid water and allow it to dry outdoors in a semishaded spot, which is protected from the wind.Christmas Palm was formerly known as Adonidia merrillii and is sometimes still referred to by this name. It's rare and difficult to find outside of Florida, but you can buy Christmas Palm Trees online.Care TipsOrigin Philippine IslandsHeight Up to 6 ft 1.8 m indoorsLight Bright light with some direct sun.Water Water regularly, but don't allow soil to get soggy as it can cause root rot always use a pot with drainage holes.Humidity Moderate humidity. If the relative humidity drops below 50, use a humidity tray or room humidifier.Temperature Average room temperature 6075F 1624C yearround.Soil Use a peat mossbased mix that drains well. Mix 1 part sand to 3 parts African violet mix.Fertilizer Most indoor plants like a steady diet of liquid plant food, but not palms. Palms are slowgrowing, especially indoors, and don't need much fertilizer. Feed with a slowrelease fertilizer, such as Jobe's Indoor Palm Fertilizer food spikes once in spring and again in summer it contains the micronutrients that palms need to keep them healthy, lush and green.Propagation Christmas Palm seeds can take months to germinate, so be patient. Sow the seeds in Spring or Summer, covering them lightly with soil be sure that you keep them warm, between 7580F 2427C and moist.
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			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Sep 2018 14:09:17 PDT</pubDate>
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			<title>Chinese Evergreen</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/16/chinese-evergreen.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Aglaonema hybridsChinese Evergreen is a member of the Aroid family Araceae, known for easytoplease foliage house plants.  It is known to be a very adaptable plant, and tolerates low light, and dry air, better than most other house plants. Though, one thing it doesn't like is cold air. Be sure to keep your plant away from drafts and air conditioning vents and it'll do just fine.With large, pointed, darkgreen leaves that grown between 610 inches 1525 cm long, 3 inches 7.5 cm wide, and heavily marbled with white, cream or silver and white. New hybrids and cultivars are developed constantly, giving us more beautiful choices than ever before.There are many varieties to choose fromSilver Queen and Silver Spear have silvery variegation that makes them stand out among group plantings.Emerald Star has brightgreen foliage speckled with white.Silver Bay is generously splashed with creamy white.Firecracker is boldly mottled with fiery red.As your Chinese Evergreen ages you can expect some of the lower leaves to drop off, making it look spindly. Newer varieties of this plant grow in thicker clumps, so mature plants stay compact and bushy.  Small flowers may appear in the Summer, followed by red berries. The berries and sap of this plant are poisonous.Care TipsOrigin Subtropical forests of Southeast AsiaHeight 23 ft 6090 cmLight Keep this plant in low light as too much light may cause its leaves to fade.Water Keep potting mix evenly moist, and don't allow it to get so dry that its leaves wilt. Water thoroughly and empty the drainage tray.Humidity Average indoor humidity levels, but will tolerate low humidity. Don't mist, which will cause spots on its leaves.Temperature Normal room temperatures between 6575F1824C. This plant has no tolerance for the cold and will suffer when exposed to temperatures below 55F13C. Cold air may cause grayishyellow patches on its leaves. Put your plant in a spot where it won't be exposed to cold drafts from doorways or windows.Soil Any goodquality potting mix. Small plants can be grown in water.Fertilizer From Spring through Summer, feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer diluted in half.Propagation Easy to propagate by stem cuttings or root division. You can root them in water or moist potting mix.SupportWater regularly, consistently moist soil will keep this plant happy it can even grow in water alone.Don't prune, all new growth is from the crown of the plant, so don't prune it back or you'll kill it. If it begins to look leggy plant pothos, or some other lowlight plant, in the same container to cover the bare stems.Repot in Spring when it outgrows its pot. Aglaonema likes to be slightly rootbound, so it's a good idea to move to a pot that's slightly larger. Use a container with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
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			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Aug 2018 14:43:56 PDT</pubDate>
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			<title>China Doll Plant</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/15/china-doll-plant.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Radermachera sinicaThe China Doll plant is fairly new as a house plant. Introduced to garden centers in the 1980s, it quickly became popular because of its tolerance to the warm, dry, air of heated homes. Lush, emeraldgreen canopy of leaves cover this tropical beauty yearround. If you're adding one to your collection you should look for plants with stems that are covered with leaves from top to bottom.A small evergreen shrub, the China Doll plant has long, bipinnate leaves with glossy, deeply veined, leaflets that are about 2 in 5 cm long. Young plants are compact with branching, woody stems. Fastgrowing, this plant will quickly become leggy if not pruned back.  Pruning your China Doll plant will keep it compact and beautiful.In its native habitat of subtropical Southeast Asia, mature plants will produce fragrant, yellow bellshaped flowers. But plants grown indoors rarely flower.  The keys to success with this China Doll house plant are plenty of bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. Yellowing leaves usually mean it has been overwatered.Repot in Spring, only when its roots have filled the pot. Use a container with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.Care TipsOrigin China and TaiwanHeight Up to 4 ft 1.2 m indoorsLight Bright, indirect sunlightWater Keep the soil evenly moist yearround, but don't allow the soil to become soggy, or dry out as either condition will cause the plant to drop its leaves. Yellow leaves are a symptom of overwatering.Humidity Try to maintain 4050 relative humidity around your plant. Mist your plant to increase humidity, or use a humidity tray.Temperature Average room temperatures 6575F1824C. It will tolerate a minimum of 50F10C.Soil Peat moss based mix, such as African violet potting mix.Fertilizer Feed every 2 weeks Spring through Fall with 101010 liquid fertilizer diluted in half.Propagation Take 4 in 10 cm stem tip cuttings in Spring or Summer.
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			<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jul 2018 15:35:23 PDT</pubDate>
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			<title>Cat Palm Tree</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/14/cat-palm-tree.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Chamaedorea CataractarumCat palm tree makes a dramatic house plant and is easy to grow if you give it what it needs.This lush, tropical palm will thrive in bright light, and would thrive in a sunroom, or in front of a sunny window. Give your palm a quarter turn once a week so that all sides are exposed to sunlight a large plant can be placed on a plant caddy to make it easier to move.Cat palm trees grow in stemless clumps, and the pinnate leaves have leaflets that will reach up to 1 ft 30 cm long and 1 in 2.5 cm wide.This palm needs more moisture than others, be sure to water enough to keep the soil evenly moist, but never soggy. Palms are not desert plants as some people believe, so regular watering will help to prevent fronds from turning brown.Repotting your palm is needed only every 3 years or so. Keeping the roots crowded helps to limit the plant's size, so use a pot that's only 1 size larger than the old pot. Don't pot the palm too deeply  try to keep it at the same depth as it was in the old pot. Also, don't try to spread out those roots. Palm roots are brittle, so keep the root ball intact as much as possible.Cat palms are among the most common palm house plants. You'll sometimes find them for sale with the tag Indoor Tropical Palms stuck in the pot. Look for the botanical name Chamaedorea cataractarum to be sure you're getting this palm.Care TipsOrigin Southern MexicoHeight Up to 6 ft 1.8 m indoorsLight Bright lightWater Keep soil moist all year long. Place the Cat Palm Tree in a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil Palms don't like their feet wet.Humidity Moderate humidity, if the relative humidity drops below 50, use a humidity tray or room humidifier.  Palms also loves to be misted. Temperature Average room temperature 6075F1624C yearround.Soil Use a peaty mix that drains well. Mix 1 part sand to 3 parts African violet mix.Fertilizer Feed once in spring and again in summer with a timerelease fertilizer. Jobe's Indoor Palm Fertilizer Spikes contains micronutrients that palms need to keep them lush and green. Propagation Palms can be grown from seeds, but seeds are slow to germinate and seedlings so slowgrowing, you'll wait several years for them to grow into trees. Although Cat palms grow in clumps, I wouldn't try to divide them. Cat palm tree roots are fragile and are easily damaged by pulling apart the root ball.SupportBrown leaf tips can be caused by dry soil, dry air, or tap water that contains fluoride. Increase humidity around the palm, if the air is too dry. Use distilled or rain water to water your palms.  Salts Palms are sensitive to salts that accumulate in the soil. This build up of soluble salts come from the chemicals in tap water and fertilizers. They can damage foliage and roots. Fortunately, getting rid of excess salts is easy.
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			<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jul 2018 23:49:12 PDT</pubDate>
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			<title>Cast Iron Plant</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/13/cast-iron-plant.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Aspidistra elatiorAs its common name suggests, Cast Iron Plant is tough it will survive low light, infrequent watering, and extreme heat that would be deadly to most plants. In fact, it practically thrives on neglect. Take care to not overwater, as the Cast Iron Plant doesn't like soggy soil. Also, don't repot it very often, as the Cast Iron Plant doesn't like to be disturbed.This plant grows slowly in clumps of 6 inch 15 cm stems which have glossy, darkgreen, leaves that can grow to be 24 inches 60 cm long and 4 inches 10 cm wide. You can keep the shiny leaves dustfree by wiping them with a damp cloth.Many varieties of the Cast Iron Plant are availableStarry Night has leaves which are speckled with yellow.Milky Way has leaves which are speckled with white.Variegata has leaves which have creamy stripes which go down the leaves.Small, unattractive, purplebrown flowers may appear at the plant's base in spring but, don't expect them as they don't appear very often, and they're hardly noticeable.Care TipsOrigin ChinaHeight Up to 3 feet 90 cmLight Low to moderate light with no direct sun direct sunlight can cause brown scorched marks on leaves.Water In the Spring and Summer seasons you'll want to water thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Be sure to water less in Autumn and Winter. Yellow leaves are often a sign of overwatering.Humidity Average humidity. Will tolerate dry air, but keep plant out of drafts.Temperature Adaptable to changing temperatures ranging from 5085F 1029CSoil Any allpurpose potting mix.Fertilizer Feed monthly Spring and Summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Do not feed at all in fall and winter, as plants grow very little during this time.Propagation Divide in the Spring, but only when it gets overcrowded in its pot. A slowgrower, it probably won't need divided more often than every 5 years. It's best to remove any new shoots, with roots attached, and pot them separately, rather than to repot an old plant.SupportSplit and damaged leaves may be caused by too much fertilizer. If leaves are starting to split, skip feeding for a month then resume feeding with a diluted amount. You can cut off any badly damaged leaves at the base. It's also a good idea to flush the soluble salts that build up in the soil from fertilizers.Watch for spider mites that may invade this plant you'll notice their faint webbing between leaves. Treat any infestation immediately.
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			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jul 2018 13:51:59 PDT</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/13/cast-iron-plant.html</guid>
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			<title>Cardboard Palm Tree</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/12/cardboard-palm-tree.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Zamia furfuraceaThe Cardboard Palm Tree only looks like a palm it is a Cycad, native to Mexico, and is much easier to please indoors than a real palm because of its tolerance of dry air.Place your Zamia furfuracea in a sunny spot, and you'll find it needs little attention to thrive. Turn the plant regularly in front of a window so that it will grow evenly otherwise, the stems will grow toward the sunlight, creating a lopsided plant.This shrublike plant is a semisucculent that holds water in its thick trunk, so it won't mind if you occasionally forget to water. Don't allow the soil to get too dry though, or this plant may drop its leaves.This potted palm is about as lowmaintenance as you could hope for. You'll never need to prune, because it grows in a rosette from the trunk creating a full, leafy plant, from the base to the top. The stems can grow several feet long and are covered with thick, fuzzy leaves that feel dry and papery like cardboard.Male or female conelike structures will form on separate Zamia furfuracea plants but don't bother collecting the seeds, because they're not viable.Repot in the Spring when the plant becomes rootbound. Use a heavy container to prevent toppling over, as plants can get topheavy. Older plants can be topdressed instead by replacing the top 23 in 57.5 cm of soil with fresh soil.Unfortunately, the seeds of this beautiful plant are extremely poisonous keep the plant away from children and pets.Care TipsOrigin Eastern MexicoHeight Grows slowly, but can reach up to 6 ft 1.8 m indoorsLight Bright light to full sunWater Water thoroughly then allow top 2 in 5 cm to dry out before watering again. Put in a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Cardboard palm grows the most from Spring through Autumn, so cut back on water in the Winter months.Humidity Average to low humidityTemperature Average room temperatures between 6075F 1624C yearround. It's coldhardy down to 25F 1C, but prefers to be warm.Soil Equal parts goodquality potting mix and sand for good drainage.Fertilizer Feed once in the Spring, and again in the Summer with a timerelease fertilizer.Propagation Buy goodquality seeds. Any seeds collected from a mature plant are not fertile unless they are crosspollinated. Seeds are slow to germinate and seedlings are slowgrowing. Be patient, it'll take years for them to grow tall. All seeds are poisonous and can be lethal to pets.
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			<pubDate>Sun, 01 Jul 2018 13:28:04 PDT</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/12/cardboard-palm-tree.html</guid>
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			<title>Cape Sundew</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/11/cape-sundew.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Drosera capensisThis carnivorous plant grows in a rosette. The long, narrow leaves are covered with bright red hairs, or tentacles, which secrete a sticky juice which lures flies and other insects.Fooled into mistaking the glistening liquid for nectar, bugs are attracted to them as soon as the bug lands it is stuck, and the leaf folds up to hold the insect. Sundew produces a digestive enzyme that breaks down protein from insects so that it can be absorbed by the plant.You'll get dozens of blooms from a healthy, mature, plant in the early summer a plant will reach maturity in about a years time. Each flower stem carries several buds that will open in succession, from the bottom to the top. The small, pink, flowers are attractive though shortlived, only lasting a day.Sundews will need to eat to survive and grow, and they get their nourishment from the insects that they capture and digest. Since a carnivorous plant is unlikely to catch flies or other insects in the house, you'll want to feed it yourself.Native to a subtropical climate, Cape Sundew prefers higher humidity than most homes provide. It's a good candidate for a terrarium or Wardian case, which will help to maintain humidity.This perennial won't go dormant in winter as long as its culture stays the same. However, lower light levels and cooler temperatures can cause this carnivore to go dormant. If this happens, don't give up on it. It'll grow new leaves and flowers when it is no longer dormant.Care TipsOrigin Subtropical Cape region of South AfricaHeight Up to 3 in 8 cmLight Bright indirect lightWater Aim to keep the potting medium evenly moist, it is best to use rain or distilled water.Humidity Moderate to high if the relative humidity drops below 50, you'll want to raise the humidity for your plant.Temperature Average room temperatures between 6075F 1624C. It will tolerate a wider range, but cold air may cause dormancy so it's best to maintain normal room temperatures yearround.Soil Live sphagnum moss or a 5050 mix of peat moss and horticultural sand.Fertilizer Don't use fertilizers because they will burn the roots, and may kill the plant. Since Sundews are unlikely to catch insects in the house, you can feed it dead flies spring through fall. Don't use flies that have been exposed to any insecticides as they will hurt the plant.Propagation Propagate from seeds, or through division. Collect seeds from the flowers that have dried, and sow the fresh seeds in peat moss keeping moist at all times. Place the pots in a warm window or under fluorescent lights. Seeds will germinate in 24 weeks. To divide, separate any new rosettes that form around the parent plant.
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			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Jun 2018 14:36:10 PDT</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/11/cape-sundew.html</guid>
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			<title>California Pitcher Plant</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/10/california-pitcher-plant.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Darlingtonia californicaThe California Pitcher Plant is a carnivorous plant that grows in bogs in its native habitat of Northern California and Oregon. Because it is unable to get the nutrients it needs from the soil, it has developed a way to feed from the insects it traps.The long, tubular green leaves have prominent purplered veins, made more prominent when exposed to bright light. They arch at the top, so that the opening faces downward like a hood. Hanging from these hooded tubes are forked leaves that look like serpents tongues. The upright hooded tubes, together with the tongues, resemble cobras ready to strike, giving this menacing plant another common name, Cobra Lily.This carnivorous plant lures insects inside its hooded opening with an intoxicating nectar. Once inside, insects are trapped by tiny hairs that point downward in the tube, making it almost impossible for the prey to escape.Once you understand its background, you'll understand California Pitcher Plant care. Provide the moist, nutrientdeficient soil and humid air like its natural habitat to keep it healthy. This is one of the few plants I know that doesn't mind cold water. In fact, it enjoys a cold drink. Growing in a bog in the Northwest, it's watered by cold mountain streams and grows best when its roots are cold. If you like, you can water by placing ice cubes made from distilled or rain water on top of the soil.This is a perennial that can be kept from year to year. The California Pitcher Plant will go dormant in winter for about 34 months. When it dies down, cut off all of the dead pitchers, leaving a few young pitchers. Keep the plant lightly moist and cool during dormancy, with temperatures between 4045F 47C. Moving it to a garage or basement for the winter may be ideal, just make sure that it gets some indirect light and the temperatures don't go below freezing.New leaves will appear in early spring. You can divide and repot the plant when it starts coming out of dormancy, but be sure to do this before vigorous new growth begins.Care TipsOrigin Northern California and Oregon USAHeight Up to 12 in 30 cmLight Bright light, but no direct sun. Plants grow well under fluorescent lights.Water Keep soil evenly moist yearround. Because this plant is sensitive to chemicals in tap water, use only distilled or rain water. Take care to not allow the soil to dry out if leaves become limp, it means that the soil is too dry. Water thoroughly, although the plant may not recover.Humidity Moderate to high at least 40 relative humidity. Mist the plant every day or set the pot on a tray of wet pebbles.Temperature Average room temperatures between 6075F 1624C. In the winter, a cold dormancy period is needed with temperatures between 4045F 47C.Soil Use a nutrientpoor medium because rich potting mix will harm its roots. You can plant it in live sphagnum moss, or if that is not available, mix 1 part peat moss with 1 part perlite or sharp sand.Fertilizer Don't fertilize the plant as it makes its own food through photosynthesis when there are no bugs around. Propagation Divide in spring when new growth begins. Can be grown from seed, but the germination rate is slow.
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			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Jun 2018 12:43:00 PDT</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/10/california-pitcher-plant.html</guid>
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			<title>Caladium</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/9/caladium.html</link>
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				Botanical Name CaladiumThe paperthin, heartshaped leaves of this tropical native are spectacularly decorated, enough to rival even the showiest flowering plant.Masses of magnificent leaves grow above tall, slender stems. Leaf patterns and colors can vary widely, from white with green veins and borders, to a blush of rose pink, to spotted and marbled red, pink, green, and white. There are hundreds of varieties to choose from one of the most popular is White Queen.Although you can buy the plants at garden centers and floral shops, growing a Caladium bulb, also known as a tuber, is simple. Buy tubers in the Spring and you'll have gorgeous leaves unfurling within weeks.There are hundreds of Caladium hybrids to chose from White Christmas has striking white foliage with green veins, blending beautifully among your green foliage plants. Florida Cardinal is a standout with vivid red leaves. Pink Beauty is a perennial favorite among gardeners. Rosebud adds instant beauty to a container garden. Thai Beauty is one a stunning variety.Grow Caladiums in the Summer. These South American beauties love the warmth and long daylight hours. Plant the tubers in 46 inch 1015 cm pots, covering with just 1 inch 2.5 cm of potting mix. Give them a a healthy watering and keep them in a warm spot with indirect light. You can expect those colorful leaves to unfurl within a few weeks.This tuberousrooted hybrid dies down in fall and remains dormant through the Winter.  In the fall, allow the pots to dry out, and cut off all of the withered leaves then store the pots between 6570F 1821C, in a dark place. Repot the tubers in fresh potting mix in spring and continue with care. Tubers usually can be grown for 2 years before their quality diminishes.Care TipsOrigin South AmericaHeight Up to 2 ft 60 cmLight Bright light, but keep out of direct sun because it will cause leaf burn.Water Keep potting mix constantly moist throughout the growing season as these plants can drink a lot.Humidity Requires moist air set the pot on a tray of wet pebbles.  You can use a room humidifier for best results.Temperature Warm, between 7085F 2129CSoil Peat mossbased potting mixFertilizer Feed every 2 weeks spring and summer with a highnitrogen liquid fertilizer diluted in half.Propagation Division when repotting you can break off small tubers and pot them separately. Put each tuber in a 4inch pot about 1inch deep.
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			<pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2018 17:07:52 PDT</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/9/caladium.html</guid>
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			<title>Button Fern</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/8/button-fern.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Pellaea rotundifoliaThe Button Fern is a dependable plant that grows well indoors with little care.Arching fronds densely covered with small, round leaflets makes this New Zealand native an eyecatching accent for any brightly lit room. Place this fern on a plant stand among other tropical plants or put it in a hanging basket and allow the trail of leathery, buttonshaped leaflets to cascade over the side.You may find iPellaea rotundifolia in garden shops in the Spring and Summer, although it's not as easy to find as other types of ferns. With good care you'll enjoy it for a long time.Caring for button fern is easy. Unlike most ferns, Pellaea tolerates fairly dry conditions but this fern won't tolerate soggy soil.Repot in the Spring when the roots have filled the pot. Move the fern to a pot that's only slightly larger, and be sure to use a pot with a drainage hole, to prevent soggy soil this is a great time to divide the fern.Keep this evergreen in bright, indirect light and at a constant room temperature. It won't go dormant, and with consistent care, it will grow yearround.Care TipsOrigin New ZealandHeight Up to 1 ft 30 cmLight Bright light, but no direct sunWater Water thoroughly, then allow the top 1 in 2.5 cm of soil to dry out slightly before watering again. Fronds that are yellow and wilted are a sign of overwatering. Cut back on water and trim off any damaged fronds. Check the plant's roots to see if they have rotted if they're mostly black, get rid of it.Humidity Moderate to high humidity. Raise the humidity around your fern with a room humidifier or set the plant on a humidity tray.Temperature Normal room temperatures between 6075F 1624CSoil Peat moss based potting mix with added perlite or sand to help drainage.Fertilizer Feed monthly yearround with a 202010 liquid fertilizer diluted in half.Propagation Division in the Spring divide the plant into 2 or 3 sections with a sharp knife and place them in pots. Be sure to get roots with stems attached. Fern spores can be propagated, but germination takes a few months and is not always reliable.SupportBrown leaf tips are caused by high temperatures, above 75F 24C, or dry air. Trim off dry leaflets and raise the humidity around your plant.
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			<pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2018 16:59:18 PDT</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/8/button-fern.html</guid>
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			<title>Brake Fern</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/7/brake-fern.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Pteris creticaBrake Fern adapts well to average indoor conditions, earning it another common name, Table Fern.Many different varieties are available and they vary in leaf shapes and variegation's. There are dozens of cultivars to choose from. Pteris Cretica Albolineata sports creamy white stripes down the center of its leaves. Pteris Cretica Victoriae has silvery white stripes, giving it the common name Silver Brake Fern. Pteris Cretica Cristata has frilly tips.This fern is easier to please indoors than some other ferns. It does require bright light, so don't put it in a dark corner set it on a table or plant stand near a window to give it the sunlight it craves. The fronds are somewhat fragile, so it's a good idea to keep this fern where passersby won't brush against its foliage.Repot in the Spring, only when it gets too crowded. The Brake Fern is slowgrowing and prefers to be potbound. Keep the crown of the plant above the soil line when repotting, and use a pot with a drainage hole to avoid soggy soil.Keep it compact by cutting off tall fronds at the base. New ones will grow to take their place.Keep it cool cool nights, and moist air, will keep this small fern healthy indoors. Hot, dry, air will make the fronds turn yellow. Cut off any yellow fronds at the base.This decorative fern is longlived and gaining in popularity as a house plant. Its interesting fountain shape and unusual foliage make it a beautiful addition to any brightly lit room.Care TipsOrigin Southern MediterraneanHeight 6 in  2 ft 15 cm  60 cm, depending on the varietyLight Give your fern bright indirect light yearround. It also thrives under fluorescent light.Water Keep the potting mix lightly moist at all times. This Mediterranean fern needs slightly less water than its rainforest cousins, so take care not to overwater.Humidity Prefers 50 relative humidity. Set pot on a tray of wet pebbles and mist foliage regularly with roomtemperature water when humidity drops in winter.Temperature Cool night temperatures between 5055F 1013C, and warm day temperatures between 6070F 1621C will make this fern feel at home.Soil Any goodquality potting mix with added perlite for good drainage.Fertilizer Ferns aren't heavy feeders, but they do need a regular week liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Feed every 2 weeks spring through fall with a balanced house plant fertilizer diluted in half.Propagation Division divide large plants in the Spring only when crowded this fern is slowgrowing and rarely needs divided.
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			<pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2018 16:53:34 PDT</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/7/brake-fern.html</guid>
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			<title>Boston Fern</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/6/boston-fern.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Nephrolepis exaltataThe Boston fern is the most popular of the fern species that originated in Central America, and became a fast favorite in parlors and porches in North America during the Victorian era.Long, arching fronds densely covered with leaflets, called pinnae, makes this lush, graceful house plant ideal for a pedestal or a hanging basket.Caring for Boston ferns is easy, as long as you meet their need for high humidity. Ferns are native to tropical rain forests, where the relative humidity stays well above 70. Short of turning your home into a misty rain forest, there are a few things you can do to raise the humidity for your plant.Buying Boston FernsGarden centers display hanging baskets of ferns in spring and summer, and you may find ferns for sale at online flower shops. Look for a fern with new fronds unfurling from the center, which is a sure sign of a healthy plant.There are several new cultivars that are getting a lot of attention, includingFluffy Ruffles with curly fronds and a dwarf variety.Timii that makes an elegant table accent.Care TipsOrigin Central AmericaHeight Fronds are generally 13 ft 3090 cm long.Light Moderate to bright light with no direct sun. Give the plant a quarter turn every week or so to expose all sides to light.Water Keep soil constantly moist, but not soggy. Watch large ferns and hanging basket ferns because they can dry out quickly.Humidity High humidity. Use a room humidifier for best results. You can mist with roomtemperature water a few times a day.Temperature Normal room temperatures between 6075F 1624CSoil Peat mossbased potting mix, such as African violet potting mix. Or halfhalf mixture of peat moss and allpurpose potting mix.Fertilizer Feed every 2 weeks yearround with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted in half.Propagation Through division you can cut away new plants that grow outside the main root ball and pot them separately, or divide a large root ball into smaller clumps with a sharp knife and pot them.SupportBrown leaflets or pinnae are often caused by dry air avoid placing your fern near a heat or AC vent because fluctuations in temperature can shock the plant and also cause browning of leaflets. Some browning of frond tips is normal, you can trim brown leaflets with scissors to keep it looking neat. Older, lower fronds will naturally turn brown when they die and should be cut off.Fronds that are yellow and wilted are a sign of over watering reduce the amount of water, and trim off damaged fronds. Use a container with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Check the plants roots to see if they have rotted if the roots are mostly black, get rid of it.Repot in Spring, when the roots have filled the container. Move the fern to a pot that's only slightly larger. If you want to control its size, remove the fern from its container and prune off about 14 of its roots, then repot it in the same pot it was in before. This is also a good time to divide the fern, if you'd like.A couple pests bother this fern be on the lookout for scale, that look like small, brown discs on leaflets. Sometimes the brown spores on the undersides of leaflets are mistaken for scale insects you'll recognize the spores because they appear in two rows under each pinnae. To remove scale insects, scrape them off with your fingernails. Don't use insecticides on ferns because they are easily damaged by chemicals.Spider mites are less common, but can cause more damage a fine webbing between fronds are a sure sign of this destructive pest. Cut off badly affected fronds, but do not use an insecticide which can damage fronds. If it's warm enough, you can take your fern outdoors to wash it off with tepid water to dislodge these mites. Otherwise, place your fern in the shower.Misting your fern regularly will prevent an invasion of spider mites that prefer drier conditions, and your fern will love the humidity.
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			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2018 15:36:02 PDT</pubDate>
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			<title>Bird Nest Fern</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/5/bird-nest-fern.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Asplenium nidusBird Nest Fern is one of the easiest types of ferns to grow. This tropical native is fastgrowing and will live for many years with good care.In its natural habitat, it grows as an epiphyte a plant that grows on trees in the warm, moist, tropical rain forests. Despite its tropical beginnings, it adapts well to being a house plant. Place your potted fern where it is out of direct sun and away from drafts, which can scorch the fronds. Provide humidity and you'll keep it healthy.This unique fern grows in the form of a deep rosette of large, shiny, spearshaped fronds. New fronds unfurl from the center of the plant. Its fronds are fragile, so I'd put this fern where passersby won't brush up against it.As Bird Nest Fern ages, the oldest, outer fronds will turn brown. This is normal. You can cut them off at the base to keep the plant looking neat.Those upright fronds tend to be dustcatchers. Keep the broad, shiny fronds dustfree by spraying with water and gently wiping them with a damp cloth. Never use leafshine products on ferns because it can severely damage their delicate fronds.Repot young plants in spring, every couple years or when the roots fill the pot. If you find that the roots are attached to the pot, run a knife around the inside to loosen them before you can remove the rootball. You may need to break the pot to remove it. It's a good idea to use a container with drainage holes to avoid soggy soil. Take care not to pack down the potting mix this fern likes a loose mixture. This fern's problems are few. Watch for scale insects, that look like small, brown discs on fronds. If you find an invasion of these pests, spray with soapy water followed by clean water. Don't use insecticides on ferns because they are easily damaged by chemicals.Care TipsOrigin Southeast Asia and Tropical AustraliaHeight 2 ft 60 cm in a container indoorsLight Moderate to bright light, with no direct sun which can scorch the fronds. Give the pot a quarter turn each week for even growth.Water Keep soil evenly moist. Water the potting mix, not the center of the rosette otherwise it can easily rot. Water less in winter. Yellow fronds are often a sign of overwatering.Humidity Moderate. If the relative humidity drops below 50, use a humidity tray or room humidifier to add moisture to the air around the fern. Brown leaf tips are a sign of dry air.Temperature Slightly cool to average room temperatures between 6075F 1624C suit this tropical fern just fine.Soil peat moss based, such as African violet potting mix.Fertilizer Feed every 2 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted in half.Propagation This fern is propagated by spores, which is difficult to do for the home grower.
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			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2018 15:32:32 PDT</pubDate>
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			<title>Baby's Tears</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/4/babys-tears.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Soleirolia soleiroliiBaby's Tears plant gets its name from the tiny, round leaves cascading down slender, fragile stems.  Other common names for this plant include MindYourOwnBusiness and Irish Moss.This fastgrowing evergreen has a low, spreading habit that spills beautifully over the sides of a container. It won't grow far though, because the creeping stems need to have contact with the soil.Given enough light, it may produce tiny, single flowers in the leaf axils.Although this creeping plant seems wellsuited for the moist environment of a terrarium, it is invasive and will crowd other plants. Trim with scissors to keep growth under control.Repot Baby's Tears in the Spring when it outgrows its pot a wide, shallow, pot will work. Baby's Tears makes a beautiful ground cover when planted under tall potted plants however, it's a good idea to combine Baby's Tears with plants that prefer constant moisture.Buying Tips Baby's Tears is formerly known as Helxine soleirolii and is still sometimes labeled by growers with that name. Don't be afraid to buy a small plant, this will grow fast. Some colorful varieties are availableAurea has goldengreen foliage.Variegata has silvery green variegated leaves.Care TipsOrigin ItalyHeight Up to 6 in 15 cmLight Will grow in low light, but prefers bright, indirect light. Keep out of direct sun, which will scorch the leaves.Water Keep the potting medium moist at all times as Baby's Tears will not tolerate dry soil.Humidity This plant thrives in high humidity.Temperature Normal room temperatures of between 6075F 1624CSoil Any good potting mix African violet potting mix works well to maintain moisture which this plant craves.Fertilizer Feed every 2 weeks spring through summer with balanced liquid house plant fertilizer diluted in half.Propagation Divide plant into smaller clumps by gently pulling it apart.
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			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2018 15:27:31 PDT</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/4/babys-tears.html</guid>
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			<title>Asparagus Fern</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/3/asparagus-fern.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Asparagus aethiopicus syn. Asparagus densiflorusThe Asparagus Fern is not a true fern, but a member of the Lily family Liliaceae.  Long, arching stems densely covered with short, needlelike leaflets give this plant a delicate appearance.  It has natural cascading habits that makes the Asparagus Fern ideal for hanging baskets. The feathery foliage blends in beautifully with other humidityloving house plants. Mature plants will bloom in the Summer with small, whitetopale pink flowers, sometimes followed by clusters of green berries that turn red in the winter. These berries are poisonous if eaten.The Asparagus Fern is also a popular outdoor container plant in temperate climates. If planted in the ground, asparagus ferns are invasive. In their native habitat, these vigorous plants will spread across, and scramble up, other plants.Care TipsOrigin South AfricaHeight Trailing stems up to 3 ft 90 cm longLight Bright indirect light.Water Water thoroughly, allowing soil to dry out a little between watering. Water sparingly in winter, but do not allow soil to dry out completely.Humidity Prefers moist air. Dry indoor air will cause this plant to shed its small leaflets. Set pot on a tray of wet pebbles and mist leaves daily with roomtemperature water to keep the humidity high.Temperature Average room temperature of between 6075F 1624C. This plant will tolerate a minimum temperature of between 50F 10C.Soil Goodquality potting mixFertilizer Feed monthly spring through fall with a balanced house plant fertilizer diluted in half.Propagation This is an easy plant to grow from seeds. Divide overcrowded plants in spring. Ease the plant out of its container and divide the plant with a sharp knife, keeping as much of the roots attached as possible.SupportPrune it Back Trim off old stems in the spring to make room for new growth and to keep the plant looking neat.Repot in Spring Move to a pot only 1 size larger. Allow 12 in 2.55 cm from the surface of the potting mix to the rim of the pot. The fleshy, tuberous roots sometimes force the potting mix up as they grow.Leaf Drop is usually a symptom of too much sunlight, or, more likely, dry soil. Keep your Asparagus Fern where it'll get filtered light. Water regularly, but take care not to overwater. The plant's thick, tuberous roots store water and soggy soil can cause root rot.
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			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2018 14:37:43 PDT</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/3/asparagus-fern.html</guid>
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			<title>Arrowhead Plant</title>
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				Botanical Name Syngonium podophyllumThe Arrowhead Plant is a member of the Araceae family, along with the philodendron, and is just as easy to care for. Give it bright light, and lightly moist soil, and you'll find that it's fairly lowmaintenance.Commercial growers have made big improvements to this beautiful foliage plant in recent years, giving it a better resistance to disease. Today's plants offer more leaf colors with heavy variegation and a compact growth habit, adding to its appeal.As a young plant, the Arrowhead leaves start out heartshaped, then gradually become the shape of an arrowhead as it matures. The dark green leaves have silvery white or cream variegation, making this it decorative and popular house plant.There are many varieties to choose from, choose a plant based on the color and size. Some popular varieties are Butterfly features deep green leaves with creamy white veins. Pixie is compact with small leaves. Imperial White is stunning with green leaves marbled with white.Display your arrowhead plant along a group of other foliage plants, or add it to a dish garden. Small plants mix well with compact Peace Lilies and English Ivy because they require similar care.Young plants form clusters of upright stems, with climbing stems developing later. Use a moss stick to support older stems, giving aerial roots something to hold onto.To keep your Arrowhead Plant bushy and full, prune out the older climbing stems as they grow. Cut them back early in the Summer and you can propagate the stem tip cuttings.You'll want to Repot in spring every couple years, or when the plant becomes rootbound. Use a container with drainage holes.The sap in this plant contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to pets and people and can cause skin irritation.Care TipsOrigin South AmericaHeight Newer compact varieties grow to 2 ft 60 cm, some varieties climb to 4 ft 1.2 m or higher.Light Bright light, but no direct sun. Can tolerate low light, but the leaves may lose their variegation. Turn the pot in front of a window regularly for even growth.Water Keep the potting mix moist in the Summer, allowing the surface to dry out before watering again. Water less often in the Winter, letting the top half of the potting mix dry out.Humidity Try to maintain 4050 relative humidity around your plant. Brown leaf tips can be caused by dry air.Temperature Normal room temperatures between 6075F 1624C.Soil Peatmoss based potting mix, such as African violet mix.Fertilizer Feed every 2 weeks from Spring through Autumn with a balanced house plant fertilizer that has been diluted to half of normal strength. In the Winter you'll want to feed monthly.Propagation Take 34 in 7.510 cm stem tip cuttings early in the Summer. For best results, dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder, then stand the cutting in a pot of perlite or a 5050 mix of vermiculite and peat moss. Keep cuttings out of sunlight and maintain the humidity around them by covering the pot with a plastic bag. Cuttings should root in about a month.Support Dropped or shriveled leaves Arrowheads are always growing new leaves, but may drop them if the plant gets too dry. Cut off any dry or shriveled leaves, and aim to keep the potting mix lightly moist at all times. Brown, shriveled leaves could indicate chemical damage. Arrowhead's thin, delicate leaves are sensitive to leafshine products, pesticides, and pollutants. If the leaves are dusty, clean them with a fine spray of roomtemperature water. Before using any pesticides, read the label to be sure it is safe to use on this plant.
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			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2018 14:26:36 PDT</pubDate>
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			<title>Aluminum Plant</title>
			<link>https://agardenersforum.com/wiki/view/1/aluminum-plant.html</link>
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				Botanical Name Pilea cadiereiShowy, silversplashed leaves make the Aluminum Plant a stunning and popular house plant. It's easy to grow, as long as you can meet its need for humidity.Pilea cadierei is a fastgrowing perennial plant. It spreads rapidly in its tropical native habitat, where it grows as a ground cover. Tiny, light colored flowers will sometimes appear in the summer you can pinch them off if you'd like, they're insignificant compared to the foliage.The ovate green leaves are about 3 8cm long. Silvery streaks mark each leaf, adding a dramatic metallic design to its quilted texture. The unusual patterns give this plant another common name, the watermelon plant.Pinch any fleshy stems early, and often, to encourage them to branch out and to stay compact. Don't toss out any cuttings, they'll root easily.The Aluminum plant prefers humidity to wet soil. In fact, it won't tolerate soggy soil which causes root rot aim to keep the soil lightly moist during the growing season.Older stems will drop lower leaves. Cut back any older stems in spring when they become leggy. If your plant drops quite a few leaves, it's likely being over watered. Move the plant to a warmer spot and cease watering until the soil dries out.Repot your Aluminum Plant in the Spring, when it outgrows its pot be sure to use a pot with a drainage hole in order to provide good drainage.Care TipsOrigin VietnamHeight Up to 12 in 30 cmLight This plant thrives in bright light the foliage will lose its variegation if the light level is too low. It's a good idea to place your Aluminum Plant in bright, filtered, sunlight yearround.Water Keep the soil lightly moist from Spring through Autumn. Overwatering will cause leaves to wilt, or fall off completely use a pot with drainage holes, and allow soil to slightly dry out between watering. You'll want to keep the soil slightly drier during the Winter.Humidity Moderate to high humidity. To raise the humidity, place the plant on a tray of wet pebbles. The Aluminum Plant also loves to be misted with roomtemperature water, and will make an ideal terrarium plant.Temperature Average room temperatures between 6075F 1624CSoil Any good potting mixFertilizer Feed every 2 weeks in the Spring and Summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted in half.Propagation Take 3 in 7.5 cm stem tip cuttings in the Spring or Summer cut the stem just below a node, where a leaf attaches to the stem. Place the cut end in moist potting mix and cover the plant with a plastic bag to retain humidity. Any cuttings should root easily within a month.
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			<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2018 14:08:12 PDT</pubDate>
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