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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月09日
In the UK Chicory is only common in southern England, although it is also found in parts of South Wales.
In the Mediterranean this plant is common, particularly in the west, but it becomes less evident as you travel further east. Chicory is grown there as crop, and the cultivated forms have larger flowers. Cultivated plants frequently become naturalised, adding to the difficulty of accurately identifying truly wild plants.
The pleasantly bitter-tasting young leaves of Chicory are used in salad dishes, but sometimes the shoots are forced and blanched. The roots, when dried, are powdered and then added to coffee - in the UK we became familiar, out of necessity, with this (much disliked) form of instant coffee during WWII, but in France chicory is still added to some instant coffees today.
Chicory is a member of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). The wildflower grows in fields, waysides and on waste ground and flowers from May to August. The bright blue flowers are very eye-catching, and perfect examples are very pretty.
Chicory is found in many European countries including Slovenia where we saw it frequently on roadsides in the Triglav Narodni National Park.
In the Mediterranean this plant is common, particularly in the west, but it becomes less evident as you travel further east. Chicory is grown there as crop, and the cultivated forms have larger flowers. Cultivated plants frequently become naturalised, adding to the difficulty of accurately identifying truly wild plants.
The pleasantly bitter-tasting young leaves of Chicory are used in salad dishes, but sometimes the shoots are forced and blanched. The roots, when dried, are powdered and then added to coffee - in the UK we became familiar, out of necessity, with this (much disliked) form of instant coffee during WWII, but in France chicory is still added to some instant coffees today.
Chicory is a member of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). The wildflower grows in fields, waysides and on waste ground and flowers from May to August. The bright blue flowers are very eye-catching, and perfect examples are very pretty.
Chicory is found in many European countries including Slovenia where we saw it frequently on roadsides in the Triglav Narodni National Park.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月09日
Whereas Lesser Celandines are members of the Buttercup family, the Greater Celandine is in fact a relative of the various poppies.
Identification
Usually 30 to 90cm tall but occasionally well over a metre in height, this sparsely-hairy plant is characterised by greyish-green pinnate leaves with lobed margins. The branching stems are topped with loose cymes of typically three to five yellow flowers, 15 to 25mm across, with four oval petals.
Distribution
This perennial wildflower is fairly common throughout Britain and Ireland and can also be found in many parts of mainland Europe and Asia. Greater Celandine was introduced and is now quite widely distributed in North America.
Habitat
Chelidonium majus is most often seen in urban hedgerows, beside woodland paths, and on sheltered tree-lined riverbanks, but occasionally this plant occurs on disturbed scrubby waste ground too.
Blooming Times
In Britain and Ireland the first flowers of Greater Celandine appear in April, but it is usually June or even July before these lanky plants make much of a show; they continue blooming until at least the middle of October.
Uses
The orange sap within this plant contains toxins which, in appropriate amounts, may have medicinal value - and in the past this plant was used as the basis for many herbal remedies including the treatment of toothache.
Identification
Usually 30 to 90cm tall but occasionally well over a metre in height, this sparsely-hairy plant is characterised by greyish-green pinnate leaves with lobed margins. The branching stems are topped with loose cymes of typically three to five yellow flowers, 15 to 25mm across, with four oval petals.
Distribution
This perennial wildflower is fairly common throughout Britain and Ireland and can also be found in many parts of mainland Europe and Asia. Greater Celandine was introduced and is now quite widely distributed in North America.
Habitat
Chelidonium majus is most often seen in urban hedgerows, beside woodland paths, and on sheltered tree-lined riverbanks, but occasionally this plant occurs on disturbed scrubby waste ground too.
Blooming Times
In Britain and Ireland the first flowers of Greater Celandine appear in April, but it is usually June or even July before these lanky plants make much of a show; they continue blooming until at least the middle of October.
Uses
The orange sap within this plant contains toxins which, in appropriate amounts, may have medicinal value - and in the past this plant was used as the basis for many herbal remedies including the treatment of toothache.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月09日
Honeywort, a member of the family Boraginceae, is mainly found on the coast; it is a curious-looking plant with a leaf and flower stem which gradually uncurls. The flowers shown above are creamy-yellow, but there is also a deep purple form, shown below. Both colour forms are found in Portugal.
Identification
Typically 2o to 40cm in heightbut occasionally growing to 70cm, Honeywort in an annual and produces tubular flowers typically 22mm long and 6mm in diameter. Young flowers have a sweet scent.
Leaves of Cerinthe major are alternate, spatulate (spoon shaped) and stalkless.
Habitat
Generally favouring river valleys and other depressions that provide a degree of water retention, Honeywort is also seen on some dry roadside verges.
Distribution
This plant is common and widespread throughout the Mediterranean region and parts of North Africa, and its range extends eastwards at least as far as Turkey.
Taxonomy
Cerinthe comes from the greek Keros, meaning wax, and anthos, meaning flower. The implication is that bees were thought to take wax from these flowers. The specific epithet major means greaer; it refers to the large size of the flowers compared with those of other Cerinthe species.
Identification
Typically 2o to 40cm in heightbut occasionally growing to 70cm, Honeywort in an annual and produces tubular flowers typically 22mm long and 6mm in diameter. Young flowers have a sweet scent.
Leaves of Cerinthe major are alternate, spatulate (spoon shaped) and stalkless.
Habitat
Generally favouring river valleys and other depressions that provide a degree of water retention, Honeywort is also seen on some dry roadside verges.
Distribution
This plant is common and widespread throughout the Mediterranean region and parts of North Africa, and its range extends eastwards at least as far as Turkey.
Taxonomy
Cerinthe comes from the greek Keros, meaning wax, and anthos, meaning flower. The implication is that bees were thought to take wax from these flowers. The specific epithet major means greaer; it refers to the large size of the flowers compared with those of other Cerinthe species.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月09日
A walk on the wild side is not necessary if you want to enjoy the sight of masses of Red Valerian, because this wildflower is very much at home in urban settings too.
Identification
A perennial plant with braching stems and opposite grey-green lanceaolate leaves, stalked near the base of the plant and unstalked further up, Red Valerian grows to a height of 80cm. Stems are topped by dense panicles of red, pink or white flowers. (White and red forms often grow together - there is an example further down on this page.)
Individually the flowers are 8-10mm long and comprise a corolla in the form of a slender tube with five lobed petals of unequal length and a small spur at the base.
Distribution
Originally a wildflower of the Mediterranean region, this European wildflower has been introduced into the wild in northern Europe, mainly via garden escapes. In parts of Australia and North America where Red Valerian occurs it is an introduced alien species.
Habitat
Between the stonework of walls, bridges and other vertical surfaces seem to be very attractive to this pretty wildflower, which is most commonly seen in coastal districts. Red Valerian is a common sight on railway embankments and coastal paths and on some reservoir dam walls.
Blooming Times
The flowers first appear towards the end of May, andyou will find red valerian (which also has a white variety, as shown above) in flower right through to the end of September and in sheltered places right through to the end of the year.
Uses
The leaves of Red Valerian and roots can be eaten - the leaves either fresh in salads or lightly boiled, and he roots boiled in soups. Opinions differ as to whether either makes particularly good eating. Although Red Valerian is reported by some sources to have medicinal properties, this is probably due to confusion with Common Valerian, Valeriana officinalis.
Identification
A perennial plant with braching stems and opposite grey-green lanceaolate leaves, stalked near the base of the plant and unstalked further up, Red Valerian grows to a height of 80cm. Stems are topped by dense panicles of red, pink or white flowers. (White and red forms often grow together - there is an example further down on this page.)
Individually the flowers are 8-10mm long and comprise a corolla in the form of a slender tube with five lobed petals of unequal length and a small spur at the base.
Distribution
Originally a wildflower of the Mediterranean region, this European wildflower has been introduced into the wild in northern Europe, mainly via garden escapes. In parts of Australia and North America where Red Valerian occurs it is an introduced alien species.
Habitat
Between the stonework of walls, bridges and other vertical surfaces seem to be very attractive to this pretty wildflower, which is most commonly seen in coastal districts. Red Valerian is a common sight on railway embankments and coastal paths and on some reservoir dam walls.
Blooming Times
The flowers first appear towards the end of May, andyou will find red valerian (which also has a white variety, as shown above) in flower right through to the end of September and in sheltered places right through to the end of the year.
Uses
The leaves of Red Valerian and roots can be eaten - the leaves either fresh in salads or lightly boiled, and he roots boiled in soups. Opinions differ as to whether either makes particularly good eating. Although Red Valerian is reported by some sources to have medicinal properties, this is probably due to confusion with Common Valerian, Valeriana officinalis.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月08日
This lovely sunflower forms largeattractive clumps up to a metre in height. The easiest way to distinguish Arrowleaf Balsamroot from other sunflowers is by the silvery-green arrow-head-shaped leaves.
Distribution
The range of the plant extends from British Columbia and south to Colorado and central California. It is one of many sunflowers found in the Rocky Mountains.
Habitat and Blooming Times
Arrowleaf Balsamroot grows on well-drained soil in open woodland sites exposed to plenty of sunshine. It blooms from late May to July and grows
Uses
American Indians used the seeds to make a kind of flour called pinole.
Etymology
Balsamorhiza, the genus name, means 'balsam root'. The specific epithet sagittata means 'arrow shaped' - a reference to the leaves of this plant, which are shaped like arrowheads.
Distribution
The range of the plant extends from British Columbia and south to Colorado and central California. It is one of many sunflowers found in the Rocky Mountains.
Habitat and Blooming Times
Arrowleaf Balsamroot grows on well-drained soil in open woodland sites exposed to plenty of sunshine. It blooms from late May to July and grows
Uses
American Indians used the seeds to make a kind of flour called pinole.
Etymology
Balsamorhiza, the genus name, means 'balsam root'. The specific epithet sagittata means 'arrow shaped' - a reference to the leaves of this plant, which are shaped like arrowheads.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月08日
It's always fun as well as very interesting to find growing in the wild a plant that we buy when back at home in order to have it in the gardens! Aubrieta is one of our favourites. It manages to bloom early, even in gardens in the UK, and this is because, in the wild, it grows high up in the mountains and is used to inhospitable conditions like the English spring, which punishes so many of the other early-flowering plants.
Distribution
This neat plant with its beautiful m\uve flowers can be found in Crete, where the plants shown on this page were photographed. We have also seen wild Aubrieta in the Gargano Peninsula in Italy.
Habitat and Blooming Times
Aubrieta deltoidea grows in rocky habitats high up in the mountains, where it forms pretty cushions of flowers from March to early June.
Distribution
This neat plant with its beautiful m\uve flowers can be found in Crete, where the plants shown on this page were photographed. We have also seen wild Aubrieta in the Gargano Peninsula in Italy.
Habitat and Blooming Times
Aubrieta deltoidea grows in rocky habitats high up in the mountains, where it forms pretty cushions of flowers from March to early June.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月08日
This low-growing sea daisy forms dense patches of colour along cliff tops and beside coastal paths.
Identification
The lush-looking dark green leaves are grey-green and leathery, and they seem at odds with the arid conditions in which the plant flourishes. Its yellow flowers are typically 2 to 4cm across and have long petals with double nitched (three-lobed) tips.
Distribution
This is a mediterranean species whose range extends from the Canaries, Greece to coastal regions of southern Spain and Portugal and southwards into some parts of northern Africa.
Blooming times
Yellow Sea Daisy flowers from March until May in the Algarve.
Identification
The lush-looking dark green leaves are grey-green and leathery, and they seem at odds with the arid conditions in which the plant flourishes. Its yellow flowers are typically 2 to 4cm across and have long petals with double nitched (three-lobed) tips.
Distribution
This is a mediterranean species whose range extends from the Canaries, Greece to coastal regions of southern Spain and Portugal and southwards into some parts of northern Africa.
Blooming times
Yellow Sea Daisy flowers from March until May in the Algarve.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月08日
This gorgeous wildflower certainly lives up to its common name - Showy Milkweed. 'Showy' it most certainly is, and it is hard to miss if you catch sight of it growing along roadsides which is one of its favourite habitats.
The plant grows to well over a metre in height and has large, handsome dark green leaves which have conspicuous veins. The lovely pink flowers open in a perfect globe, and close inspection reveals their unique structure.
Unlike other members of the Milkweed family, Asclepias speciosa is not poisonous and has been used both as food and for its medicinal qualities. During the Second World War the soft downy seeds of Showy Milkweed were collected for use in military bouyancy aids and also as insulating material for flying-jackets.
Showy Milkweed grows in both dry and moist habitats and you are equally likely to find it in roadside ditches as well as along riverbanks. It flowers from May through to August.
The plant grows to well over a metre in height and has large, handsome dark green leaves which have conspicuous veins. The lovely pink flowers open in a perfect globe, and close inspection reveals their unique structure.
Unlike other members of the Milkweed family, Asclepias speciosa is not poisonous and has been used both as food and for its medicinal qualities. During the Second World War the soft downy seeds of Showy Milkweed were collected for use in military bouyancy aids and also as insulating material for flying-jackets.
Showy Milkweed grows in both dry and moist habitats and you are equally likely to find it in roadside ditches as well as along riverbanks. It flowers from May through to August.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月08日
Arum italicum is a common wildflower throughout the Mediterranean region, but is also frequently seen in gardens in Britain and other more northerly European countries where it has been cultivated.
Like other arums, this plant has long-stalked, heart-shaped leaves which are deeply veined in white or cream. The tiny flowers of arums are found on the thickened central axis of the plant, called the spadix, which is tightly wrapped in a large fleshy sheath, called the spathe. As the plant develops, the spathe opens to reveal the spadix.
The fruiting spike of Large Cuckoo Pint is long, up to 15cm, and the spadix, when revealed, is pale yellow. The spathe is pale green but sometimes flushed with purple, towards its base, on the outer side.
Like Arum creticum, the Cretan endemic, Arum italiucm flowers in April and May. It grows in moist and generally shaded habitats making it an ideal plant for the edges of woodland streams and marshes.
Like other arums, this plant has long-stalked, heart-shaped leaves which are deeply veined in white or cream. The tiny flowers of arums are found on the thickened central axis of the plant, called the spadix, which is tightly wrapped in a large fleshy sheath, called the spathe. As the plant develops, the spathe opens to reveal the spadix.
The fruiting spike of Large Cuckoo Pint is long, up to 15cm, and the spadix, when revealed, is pale yellow. The spathe is pale green but sometimes flushed with purple, towards its base, on the outer side.
Like Arum creticum, the Cretan endemic, Arum italiucm flowers in April and May. It grows in moist and generally shaded habitats making it an ideal plant for the edges of woodland streams and marshes.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
When you transplant a spiny cactus such as Easter lily cactus (Echinopsis oxygona), hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11, safety is a consideration. For small cactuses, the best handling tool is a pair of kitchen tongs. Leather gloves give some protection, but spines easily penetrate cloth gloves. Because cactuses have succulent stems and roots, they need different transplanting methods from those used for leafy plants.
Digging Garden Cactus
Transplant garden cactuses during warm months rather than in winter. Wear leather gloves. First, mark the cactus' south side with a small paint spot. Dig around the plant about 6 inches out from the stem. With the shovel under the cactus, sever the bottom roots. Gently lever the cactus loose. For cylindrically shaped cactuses such as golden barrel (Echinocactus grusonii), hardy in USDA zones 8 through 11, put a loop of rope or hose around the stem for a handle. For columnar cactuses, use a strip of blanket or burlap for broader support so the stems don't break. Lift the cactus from the hole.
Moving and Transplanting Cactus
Remove the soil from the roots. Trim away damaged roots with pruning shears dipped in rubbing alcohol to sterilize them. The roots need to heal, so put the cactus on its side in the shade for a few days. Dig a hole in the plant's new location slightly larger than the existing roots. Place the cactus in the hole, putting the marked side to the south. Gently work fill dirt around the roots to replant it. Keep the soil level the same. Water the cactus thoroughly. For columnar cactuses such as Mexican fence post (Stenocereus marginatus), hardy in USDA zones 9b through 11, stake the plant if it is more than 5 feet tall until it has rooted back in.
Unpotting Cactuses
When the roots come through the drainage holes or the cactus stem fills the pot, transplant it. In northern areas, transplant in the spring. For the arid Southwest, transplant in spring, summer or early fall. The new pot should be about 2 inches larger than the old one. Handle the cactus with kitchen tongs. If the roots won't slide out of the pot, lay the potted cactus on its side on a hard surface and tap the pot. Rotate it a quarter turn and tap again, repeating until the cactus is loose. After unpotting the cactus, remove the old soil. Trim the roots with pruning shears dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Repotting Container Plants
Center the cactus in the new pot, keeping it at the same soil level. Add cactus potting mix, occasionally shaking the pot to settle the soil. Don't water it for a few days so the roots can heal. Then water the pot thoroughly until water comes out the drainage holes. These directions apply to cactuses in arid regions. Tropical soft-stemmed cactuses such as Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), hardy in USDA zones 10 through 12, bloom best when potbound. Repot them approximately every three years right after they flower in late winter, using a mixture of 1 part perlite, 1 part potting mix and 2 parts peat moss.
Digging Garden Cactus
Transplant garden cactuses during warm months rather than in winter. Wear leather gloves. First, mark the cactus' south side with a small paint spot. Dig around the plant about 6 inches out from the stem. With the shovel under the cactus, sever the bottom roots. Gently lever the cactus loose. For cylindrically shaped cactuses such as golden barrel (Echinocactus grusonii), hardy in USDA zones 8 through 11, put a loop of rope or hose around the stem for a handle. For columnar cactuses, use a strip of blanket or burlap for broader support so the stems don't break. Lift the cactus from the hole.
Moving and Transplanting Cactus
Remove the soil from the roots. Trim away damaged roots with pruning shears dipped in rubbing alcohol to sterilize them. The roots need to heal, so put the cactus on its side in the shade for a few days. Dig a hole in the plant's new location slightly larger than the existing roots. Place the cactus in the hole, putting the marked side to the south. Gently work fill dirt around the roots to replant it. Keep the soil level the same. Water the cactus thoroughly. For columnar cactuses such as Mexican fence post (Stenocereus marginatus), hardy in USDA zones 9b through 11, stake the plant if it is more than 5 feet tall until it has rooted back in.
Unpotting Cactuses
When the roots come through the drainage holes or the cactus stem fills the pot, transplant it. In northern areas, transplant in the spring. For the arid Southwest, transplant in spring, summer or early fall. The new pot should be about 2 inches larger than the old one. Handle the cactus with kitchen tongs. If the roots won't slide out of the pot, lay the potted cactus on its side on a hard surface and tap the pot. Rotate it a quarter turn and tap again, repeating until the cactus is loose. After unpotting the cactus, remove the old soil. Trim the roots with pruning shears dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Repotting Container Plants
Center the cactus in the new pot, keeping it at the same soil level. Add cactus potting mix, occasionally shaking the pot to settle the soil. Don't water it for a few days so the roots can heal. Then water the pot thoroughly until water comes out the drainage holes. These directions apply to cactuses in arid regions. Tropical soft-stemmed cactuses such as Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), hardy in USDA zones 10 through 12, bloom best when potbound. Repot them approximately every three years right after they flower in late winter, using a mixture of 1 part perlite, 1 part potting mix and 2 parts peat moss.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Christmas Cacti are notoriously difficult to root. This article might help you in rooting pieces for new plants or just rooting another in the same pot with the parent plant.
Root A Christmas Cactus House Plant
Step 1
Sometimes a large Christmas cactus will start to fall apart. In this case you can take the large parts that have fallen apart from the big plant and root them. You can also try cutting a large part off of a big cactus and rooting it. In any case, you need a big piece of cactus to root a new plant. The picture of the cactus is one that I rooted. It is in the pot with the parent plant. The piece I rooted is about 10" wide and 7" tall. Smaller piece usually don't root.
Step 2
Place the piece of cactus in a really good potting soil for indoor plants. Use new, store bought, potting soil. Place the piece into the pot with the soil and lightly pack the soil around the stem until the piece will stand up on it's own. Always take a cutting that has at least three leaves for the stem. Bury at least one leaf under the soil. The stem needs to be long enough to grow roots from.
Step 3
Keep the soil moist, but not wet. Christmas cactus are succulents and not a true cacti. They grown on the floor of forests and in tree hollows and arms where it is moist. So don't let the soil dry out completely.
Step 4
The cutting will wilt and shrivel and look like it is going to die. This always happens. The cutting might die, but just keep caring for it.
Step 5
When the cutting finally starts to take root, it may have been two months or so. You will notice that the stalk or stem has greened up. The outer leaves will still be shriveled and wilted. Just keep watering the plant. Just leave the wilted leaves alone even though you may want to cut them off. The leaves are alive and as the root system grows they will green up and puff up into healthy leaves.
Root A Christmas Cactus House Plant
Step 1
Sometimes a large Christmas cactus will start to fall apart. In this case you can take the large parts that have fallen apart from the big plant and root them. You can also try cutting a large part off of a big cactus and rooting it. In any case, you need a big piece of cactus to root a new plant. The picture of the cactus is one that I rooted. It is in the pot with the parent plant. The piece I rooted is about 10" wide and 7" tall. Smaller piece usually don't root.
Step 2
Place the piece of cactus in a really good potting soil for indoor plants. Use new, store bought, potting soil. Place the piece into the pot with the soil and lightly pack the soil around the stem until the piece will stand up on it's own. Always take a cutting that has at least three leaves for the stem. Bury at least one leaf under the soil. The stem needs to be long enough to grow roots from.
Step 3
Keep the soil moist, but not wet. Christmas cactus are succulents and not a true cacti. They grown on the floor of forests and in tree hollows and arms where it is moist. So don't let the soil dry out completely.
Step 4
The cutting will wilt and shrivel and look like it is going to die. This always happens. The cutting might die, but just keep caring for it.
Step 5
When the cutting finally starts to take root, it may have been two months or so. You will notice that the stalk or stem has greened up. The outer leaves will still be shriveled and wilted. Just keep watering the plant. Just leave the wilted leaves alone even though you may want to cut them off. The leaves are alive and as the root system grows they will green up and puff up into healthy leaves.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
The blue agave (Agave tequilana) is a large plant, up to 6 feet high with broad and stiff leaves forming an erect rosette. The leaves have a bluish tinge, giving the plant its name. Blue agaves produce a flower spike up to 15 feet high after between five and eight years of growth. Its hearts are used to make tequila, and it makes an excellent landscape plant in USDA Zones 9b and above.
Potted Agaves
Blue agave flower spike
Step 1
Place a potted blue agave plant outdoors in the sunniest available spot. Blue agaves thrive in full sun and are vulnerable to rot in shady or cool conditions.
Blue agave
Step 2
Water your agave during the warmer months of the year only when its soil is almost completely dry. Reduce watering to a minimum during the winter. Do not keep potted agaves on a dish as any excess irrigation water must be allowed to drain away. Fertilize only infrequently using a slow release granular fertilizer.
Blue agave detail
Step 3
Replant your agave in a bigger pot when its roots completely fill its container or it becomes top-heavy. Use a potting compost formulated for succulents or a standard potting compost mixed in with 33 percent sharp sand. A heavy clay container will prevent agave plants from toppling over.
Garden Agaves
Blue agave growing wild
Step 4
Grow blue agaves in a sunny spot with well drained, preferably sandy soil. A minimum of six hours of sunshine a day is ideal, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension. Plant on a raised mound in areas prone to flooding.
Agave in a garden setting
Step 5
Water garden agaves only during summer during periods of drought or just after planting. Garden-grown agaves rarely need fertilizing but do benefit from mulching with organic matter such as bark chips.
Agave flower spike
Step 6
Propagate agaves from offsets or pups which appear around the base of the parent plant. Separate the pups once they have developed their own root systems. You can also propagate blue agaves from seeds collected from the flower spikes.
Potted Agaves
Blue agave flower spike
Step 1
Place a potted blue agave plant outdoors in the sunniest available spot. Blue agaves thrive in full sun and are vulnerable to rot in shady or cool conditions.
Blue agave
Step 2
Water your agave during the warmer months of the year only when its soil is almost completely dry. Reduce watering to a minimum during the winter. Do not keep potted agaves on a dish as any excess irrigation water must be allowed to drain away. Fertilize only infrequently using a slow release granular fertilizer.
Blue agave detail
Step 3
Replant your agave in a bigger pot when its roots completely fill its container or it becomes top-heavy. Use a potting compost formulated for succulents or a standard potting compost mixed in with 33 percent sharp sand. A heavy clay container will prevent agave plants from toppling over.
Garden Agaves
Blue agave growing wild
Step 4
Grow blue agaves in a sunny spot with well drained, preferably sandy soil. A minimum of six hours of sunshine a day is ideal, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension. Plant on a raised mound in areas prone to flooding.
Agave in a garden setting
Step 5
Water garden agaves only during summer during periods of drought or just after planting. Garden-grown agaves rarely need fertilizing but do benefit from mulching with organic matter such as bark chips.
Agave flower spike
Step 6
Propagate agaves from offsets or pups which appear around the base of the parent plant. Separate the pups once they have developed their own root systems. You can also propagate blue agaves from seeds collected from the flower spikes.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Agave plants (Agave spp.) thrive in desert gardens and in sandy soils with little moisture. They grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, depending on the variety. Although agaves die after flowering, they have a long flowering cycle and can live for eight to 60 years. These desert succulents transplant well and tolerate disturbance, so you can move the plants to a new area at any time during the spring and summer growing season.
Safety First
Most agave varieties have sharp spines along the edges of the leaves. The sap is also a common skin irritant and can cause allergic reactions. Before handling the agave, protect your skin and eyes. Heavy leather gloves, long sleeves and long pants provide skin protection. Wear eye protection so sap doesn't get into your eyes. Protecting the plant is also necessary. Disinfect any knives, shears or spade blades you will use to prune and cut through the plant to minimize bacterial soft rot and other disease problems. Wiping them with a cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol kills any disease pathogens or pests.
Plant Preparation
Small plants, called pups or offsets, often grow up around the base of the main mother plant. Each of these pups grows into a new agave if you separate it from the mother. Cut these off just below the soil surface with a knife or the edge of the spade. Removing the outer leaves of a large agave plant lessens the weight during transplanting and results in a healthier looking plant. Peel the outer ragged leaves off the plant and dispose of them, leaving only the intact, healthy looking rosette of leaves in the center. Tie a string loosely around a remaining leaf on the west side of the agave to mark it, but avoid tying it too tightly and cutting into the leaf.
Digging Right
A shovel lifts the entire plant and keeps you well away from the spiny foliage. Insert the shovel blade into the soil around the outer perimeter of the root zone, working around the plant until the soil is loosened. Slide the shovel under the root system and pry the agave out of the ground. Some roots will break, but this doesn't cause any long-lasting harm. After lifting the agave, dust any exposed wounds with sulfur powder to ward off infection. The wounds on any removed pups also benefit from a sulfur dusting before you replant them.
Transplanting Success
A site with sandy, fast-draining soil that receives all-day sunlight provides the best location for an agave or agave pup. Transplant at the same depth the agave was growing at previously and set it so the string-marked side is facing west. Planting agave so it faces the same direction prevents the side used to shade from sun damage. Spacing requirements vary depending on the agave variety, so leave enough room between plants so they can reach their full size without crowding. If you can't transplant right away, set the agave in a shaded location for two or three days and let any wounds dry over. After planting, cover the agave with a shade cloth to protect it from the direct sunlight as the roots establish in the new site, but remove the cloth as soon as new growth becomes apparent. Watering isn't usually necessary, but you can water just enough so the soil is barely moistened if the soil is completely dry and the plant has resumed growth.
Safety First
Most agave varieties have sharp spines along the edges of the leaves. The sap is also a common skin irritant and can cause allergic reactions. Before handling the agave, protect your skin and eyes. Heavy leather gloves, long sleeves and long pants provide skin protection. Wear eye protection so sap doesn't get into your eyes. Protecting the plant is also necessary. Disinfect any knives, shears or spade blades you will use to prune and cut through the plant to minimize bacterial soft rot and other disease problems. Wiping them with a cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol kills any disease pathogens or pests.
Plant Preparation
Small plants, called pups or offsets, often grow up around the base of the main mother plant. Each of these pups grows into a new agave if you separate it from the mother. Cut these off just below the soil surface with a knife or the edge of the spade. Removing the outer leaves of a large agave plant lessens the weight during transplanting and results in a healthier looking plant. Peel the outer ragged leaves off the plant and dispose of them, leaving only the intact, healthy looking rosette of leaves in the center. Tie a string loosely around a remaining leaf on the west side of the agave to mark it, but avoid tying it too tightly and cutting into the leaf.
Digging Right
A shovel lifts the entire plant and keeps you well away from the spiny foliage. Insert the shovel blade into the soil around the outer perimeter of the root zone, working around the plant until the soil is loosened. Slide the shovel under the root system and pry the agave out of the ground. Some roots will break, but this doesn't cause any long-lasting harm. After lifting the agave, dust any exposed wounds with sulfur powder to ward off infection. The wounds on any removed pups also benefit from a sulfur dusting before you replant them.
Transplanting Success
A site with sandy, fast-draining soil that receives all-day sunlight provides the best location for an agave or agave pup. Transplant at the same depth the agave was growing at previously and set it so the string-marked side is facing west. Planting agave so it faces the same direction prevents the side used to shade from sun damage. Spacing requirements vary depending on the agave variety, so leave enough room between plants so they can reach their full size without crowding. If you can't transplant right away, set the agave in a shaded location for two or three days and let any wounds dry over. After planting, cover the agave with a shade cloth to protect it from the direct sunlight as the roots establish in the new site, but remove the cloth as soon as new growth becomes apparent. Watering isn't usually necessary, but you can water just enough so the soil is barely moistened if the soil is completely dry and the plant has resumed growth.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
The spineless tropical cactus night-blooming cereus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) produces spiderlike fragrant flowers that open in the evening. It grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11 and it doesn't tolerate any frost, but it grows well as a houseplant or as a potted outdoor plant that's overwintered indoors in colder climates. Night-blooming cereus requires only basic care and it is a relatively low-maintenance plant, whether grown outdoors or inside.
Step 1
Set potted night-blooming cereus plants in an area that receives all-day, filtered sunlight, bright but indirect sunlight, or morning sun and afternoon shade. Place the plants outdoors if temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. In warm, frost-free climates, grow the cactus in a well-drained, slightly sandy garden bed that receives some shade.
Step 2
Water the night-blooming cereus when the soil surface looks dry, but before the soil dries out completely. Sprinkle the water on the soil, keeping the cactus leaves dry, until excess water drains from the bottom of the pot or until the top 6 inches of soil feel moist in a garden bed. Water regularly from spring through early fall. Garden-grown and fully mature potted plants don't require winter watering. Water young pot-grown plants only when the soil dries in completely in winter. Properly watered cactus plants rarely suffer from stem rot or fungal problems.
Step 3
Mix 1/4 teaspoon of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, such as a 15-15-15 blend, or of a bloom-inducing fertilizer, such as a 7-9-5 blend, with 1 gallon of water. Water the night-blooming cereus with the fertilizer solution once weekly during the active spring and summer growing season. Check the label because rates vary among brands and use one-fourth of the recommended concentration.
Step 4
Cut back any overgrown or damaged leaf stems after the cactus finishes flowering. Wipe a sharp knife with a rag soaked in rubbing alcohol to disinfect it before making a cut. Cut through leaf stems cleanly, cutting them back to the desired height but removing no more than one-third of their length.
Step 5
Bring potted plants indoors before the temperature drops below 40 F in fall or early winter. Temperatures below 35 F can kill the plant. Place the pot near a sunny window and water sparingly when the the soil dries completely. Move the pot back outdoors in spring after frost danger has passed.
Step 6
Inspect the leaves for white cottony masses that can indicate a mealybug infestation, the primary pest of night-blooming cereus. Remove the mealybugs by hand or dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it onto the bugs to kill them. Monitor the plant daily and remove or kill any new mealybugs until the pests are gone.
Step 1
Set potted night-blooming cereus plants in an area that receives all-day, filtered sunlight, bright but indirect sunlight, or morning sun and afternoon shade. Place the plants outdoors if temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. In warm, frost-free climates, grow the cactus in a well-drained, slightly sandy garden bed that receives some shade.
Step 2
Water the night-blooming cereus when the soil surface looks dry, but before the soil dries out completely. Sprinkle the water on the soil, keeping the cactus leaves dry, until excess water drains from the bottom of the pot or until the top 6 inches of soil feel moist in a garden bed. Water regularly from spring through early fall. Garden-grown and fully mature potted plants don't require winter watering. Water young pot-grown plants only when the soil dries in completely in winter. Properly watered cactus plants rarely suffer from stem rot or fungal problems.
Step 3
Mix 1/4 teaspoon of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, such as a 15-15-15 blend, or of a bloom-inducing fertilizer, such as a 7-9-5 blend, with 1 gallon of water. Water the night-blooming cereus with the fertilizer solution once weekly during the active spring and summer growing season. Check the label because rates vary among brands and use one-fourth of the recommended concentration.
Step 4
Cut back any overgrown or damaged leaf stems after the cactus finishes flowering. Wipe a sharp knife with a rag soaked in rubbing alcohol to disinfect it before making a cut. Cut through leaf stems cleanly, cutting them back to the desired height but removing no more than one-third of their length.
Step 5
Bring potted plants indoors before the temperature drops below 40 F in fall or early winter. Temperatures below 35 F can kill the plant. Place the pot near a sunny window and water sparingly when the the soil dries completely. Move the pot back outdoors in spring after frost danger has passed.
Step 6
Inspect the leaves for white cottony masses that can indicate a mealybug infestation, the primary pest of night-blooming cereus. Remove the mealybugs by hand or dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it onto the bugs to kill them. Monitor the plant daily and remove or kill any new mealybugs until the pests are gone.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Cacti are angiosperms. Although cacti grow slowly, their life cycles are the same as for any other flowering plant. Cacti reproduce sexually through flower and seed production, or asexually by the fragmentation and rooting of stems.
Germination
Cactus seeds are often distributed by birds, which are attracted to the fruit. Germination occurs in the presence of sufficient water and warm temperatures.
Vegetative Growth
After seed germination it can take several months for the basic barrel shape of the cactus seedling to become visible. It takes five to 10 years for small species to reach flowering size.
Flowering
If there has been sufficient rainfall, flowering occurs in most species during the spring, once temperatures are warm enough.
Pollination
Most cacti are self-sterile, requiring pollen from a different individual plant. Depending on the cactus species, bees, wasps, beetles, butterflies, moths, birds and bats can pollinate cactus flowers.
Fruit Formation
Cactus fruits are seed-filled berries. They form at the base of the flowers and are often brightly colored and sweet to attract birds.
Forced Flowering
In cultivation, cactus plants can sometimes be induced to flower by keeping them in a dark place for up to six weeks and then providing light and water.
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