文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Just like any other plant, your cactus can develop a fungal infection. It is usually a fairly simple issue to get rid of cactus fungus, but if the fungus has grown as a result of a wound to the plant, you might have a tougher time eradicating the problem. Fortunately, cactus fungus is susceptible to natural methods and commercial fungicides, so it can usually be treated before it kills the plant.
Step 1
Remove exposed and infected plant material. If the cactus fungus is growing where a leaf has broken off, then you will need to cut off the infected area. Cut behind the infection so that you can throw the fungus away entirely.
Step 2
Swab the fungus with rubbing alcohol. In many cases, fungus on cacti is accompanied by secondary infections of mealy bugs or gnats. The rubbing alcohol will kill these invaders as well as weakening or killing the fungus. Make sure that you actually rub the fungus off the cactus when you are applying the rubbing alcohol.
Step 3
Treat isolated infections with cooking vinegar. If a single leaf has been infected, then cover the surface of the leaf with vinegar. This will kill the fungus and cause the leaf to drop off naturally so that you do not expose the interior of the cactus to additional infection.
Step 4
Dust the plant with Bordeaux mixture. This is a fungicide that is safe to put on the surface of the cactus as well as on exposed interior areas where you have been forced to cut. It will kill the fungus without hurting the plant。
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Cacti come in many shapes and sizes and do well in warm, sunny climates. Cacti in their natural habitats will flower seasonally, according to the type of plant. Cacti in the family of Mamillaria, Gymnocalycium, Parodia and Notocactus bloom even when planted indoors. Some cacti take 50 or more years before they mature enough to bloom, so check with a reliable expert before choosing a specific cactus. Cacti must have a dormant season to allow them to bloom. Indoor cacti may receive too little sun, too much warmth and too much water to allow the plant to achieve this dormant state.
Step 1
Plant the cacti in a medium-size planting pot to allow for several years of growth. Mix equal parts bird gravel, potting soil and leaf mold. Follow the planting directions for your specific type of cactus. Water the mixture thoroughly when transplanting.
Step 2
Feed the plant and water regularly from March through November, the active period for the plant. Water only until the top ¼ inch of the soil is wet.
Step 3
Withhold water or fertilizer for the cactus from November to March to allow the cactus to become dormant as it would in its natural environment. Place the plant in a location where the temperature does not rise above 50 degrees F at night but receives at least five hours of daily sunlight.
Step 4
Water the cactus again when the first blooms appear in the spring. Continue to feed and water regularly until August. Taper off the watering in August to prepare the plant for its next dormant season.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Dragon fruit originated in Central America. Also called pitaya fruit, this plant has been cultivated since the 13th century. Dragon fruit, like other cactus, needs warm growing conditions. When pitaya matures, it makes an excellent eating fruit or component for wine and flavorings. When consumed in fresh or dried form dragon fruit provides carotene, digestive fiber, protein, phosphorus, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3 and Vitamin C.
Step 1
Choose your plant. Dragon fruit can grow from seeds, but many people prefer a seedling so the cactus grows more quickly. Obtain the seedling from a reliable nursery. Those that sell cactus are the most likely to offer dragon fruit.
Step 2
Place some rocks in the bottom of a pot that's at least 2 feet deep and wide, followed by a 2-inch covering of sand for good drainage. Position a trellis in the middle and pour in good potting soil to hold it in place. Push the seedling down into the dirt so just the very top peeks through the soil.
Step 3
Add water to the soil. It should feel damp but not soggy. Dragon fruit is susceptible to root rot. Also, as a succulent it naturally holds a lot of water so you don't need to keep it overly wet.
Step 4
Cover the pot using a piece of clear food storage plastic with tiny holes poked through. A toothpick works nicely. Move the pot to a partly sunny window or in front of a grow light. Dragon fruit requires about 4 hours of direct sun daily, followed by partial light for another 4.
Step 5
Adjust the temperature of the room in which your dragon fruit grows. They like it around 100 degrees F. A heat lamp can provide the temperature desired.
Step 6
Move the seedling deeper in the soil. After about two weeks, the seedling should be about 3 inches tall. It's now ready to move further down into the soil so it doesn't become root-bound. Move it carefully, gently shaking the roots to move it out and then replacing it in the pot, leaving about 1 inch out of the soil. When the plant grows about 6 inches, tie it to the trellis for security. Your plant should begin flowering in about six to eight months.
Step 7
Get fruit by pairing Hylocereus undatus and Hylocerus polyrhizus seedlings and cross-pollinate them. Wait for the flowers of both to open, usually at night, then gather pollen from anthers of both plants with a cotton swab, transferring it to the stigma of the other plant. You've just done the work of bees and other pollinators.
Step 8
Once fruit develops, watch for signs of ripeness before picking the fruit. The skin will appear yellow or red instead of green, the fruit will easily release from the tree, a rich fruity aroma will emit from the dragon fruit, and the fruit will feel tender when squeezed.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Agave nectar is a natural sweetener that comes from the agave plant, the desert plant that is also used to make tequila. Agave nectar is sometimes used in place of sugar or honey as it has a neutral flavor with a low glycemic index rating. Vegans appreciate that it doesn't come from bees. Many raw food enthusiasts use agave nectar in their diet it is processed at a very low temperature, making it technically a raw food.
Step 1
Buy agave nectar at your local natural or health food store. It may be labeled as agave syrup. If the agave nectar is in a sterile squeeze bottle, it is fine to use from that bottle. If you have to purchase agave nectar in bulk, you must store it properly.
Step 2
Transfer the agave nectar to a sterile, air-tight glass jar, ensuring any spills are wiped off the sides of the jar. Like any sweet food, agave nectar can attract ants if not cleaned up.
Step 3
Store the agave nectar in a cool, dry place. Depending on the temperature of your home, a cool dry place could be the kitchen counter or in a cupboard. Agave nectar can be stored in the refrigerator, if desired.
Step 4
Store the agave nectar in this manner indefinitely. It can last for more than a year, like honey, but does not crystalize like honey.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
The Agave attenuata is a relatively rare plant from the mountains of central Mexico, although it is becoming very popular with gardeners in the U.S., especially those in the southern states. The Agave attenuata has no thorns or stickers, as most other members of the Agave family have, and grows faster than most other members of its genus. Still, it can take up to ten years for the Agave attenuata to bloom for the first time, although, unlike other Agaves, the attenuata does not die after blooming. The species is easy to propagate.
Step 1
Find an Agave attenuata plant with one or more small "pups" (small Agave plants) growing from the base of the parent plant.
Step 2
Cut off one of more of these small pups from the base of the parent plant with a sharp knife. Cut close to the base of the parent plant, keeping a few roots with the pup if possible (although this is not always possible).
Step 3
Allow the pup(s) to lay in the shade for 48 hours, drying out slightly.
Step 4
Soak the base of the slightly-dried pups in a pan of multicrop plant starter solution, available at any nursery or home improvement center. Soak overnight.
Step 5
Insert the base of the pup(s) into a container containing a mix of 1/3 potting soil, 1/3 sand and 1/3 organic manure. Water well until water drips from the base of the container, and then place the container in a partially-shaded area of the garden after all possibility of frost has passed. After the initial watering, water the pups only enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Your Agave attenuata plant should start growing within three to four weeks.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Aloe vera soothes burns and skin irritations and works as a moisturizer for dry skin. To get the most benefit from your plant, harvest all of the gel from a leaf at one time, and then refrigerate it and use as needed.
Storing Leaves
You can wrap whole leaves in plastic wrap or store them in sealable plastic bags and then refrigerate them for several days. Whole aloe vera leaves may also be wrapped and then frozen.
Storing Gel
Stand your aloe leaf cut side down in a glass for 15 minutes to allow the sap to drain naturally. Discard the sap. Place the leaf on a cutting board and cut your aloe leaf in half horizontally. Scoop out the gel with a spoon. Place the sap in a jar, seal the jar and store it in the refrigerator, using it as you need it.
Considerations
The gel will naturally turn brown over time. To prevent discoloration, cut a vitamin E gel capsule in half and squish the vitamin into the gel. Stir the substances together. If you're storing a whole leaf, the plant will wither and mold, so use it within a week.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Yucca cane plants grow as indoor houseplants and as outdoor ornamental plants in the garden. Yucca thrives at temperatures between 60 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit with partial shade. If you live in an area with freezing winters, plant your yucca canes in containers so they can be brought indoors during the cold months.
Repot the Plant
Step 1
Repot the yucca cane plant every two years. Choose a growing container at least 2 inches larger than the previous pot.
Step 2
Place 1 inch of pea gravel in the bottom of the growing container. This will help the water drain.
Step 3
Fill the container with a mixture comprised of three parts peat moss and one part sand.
Step 4
Remove the plant from the existing container and gently shake the soil medium from the roots.
Step 5
Dig a hole in the center of the container large enough for the root ball of the plant.
Step 6
Center the root ball in the hole and cover with the growing medium, packing the soil mixture around the stem and roots of the plant.
Step 7
Water the plant until water drains from the bottom of the container.
Other Care
Step 8
Place the yucca plant in a sunny window or an area that receives full light for part of the day.
Step 9
Water the plant only when the soil is dry. Insert a pencil or a chopstick 2 inches into the soil. Remove the pencil -- if it is completely dry, water the plant.
Step 10
Fertilize the plant using a 19-6-12 slow release fertilizer according to label directions every three months.
Step 11
Place the plants outdoors during the late spring and early summer.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Whether you transplant small 'Black' hens and chicks (Sempervivum 'Black') -- hardy from U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9 -- or a larger succulent such as a prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.) -- hardy from USDA zones 3b through 11, the keys to success lie in proper soil with good drainage. Therefore, you'll probably spend more time preparing the new growing area than you will transplanting your succulents. Also check each succulent's light requirements before you transplant because a succulent variety may need full sun or shade.
Cactus
credit: fotokate/iStock/Getty Images
Some succulents spread, and their growth habits indicate how much space they need.
Check Drainage
Many types of succulents exist, and what makes a plant a succulent is its ability to draw and store water in its tissues. Succulents also don't tolerate having wet roots, however. So the transplant location you choose for them should have good drainage. Avoid transplanting succulents to low spots.
Check a site's drainage by digging a hole in it when its topsoil is moist. Make the hole 12 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep. Fill the hole with water, and monitor its drainage. If water drains from the hole in fewer than three hours, then the soil has good drainage. If it takes three to 12 hours to drain, then the drainage is OK for most landscaping plants, but you still could improve the drainage. A hole that takes more than 12 hours to drain means the soil has poor drainage that definitely needs to be improved.
Fix Drainage in a Dry Climate
If you live in a dry climate, one way to improve soil drainage is to add a layer of gravel in the bottom of your desired planting area. Dig about 2 feet deep in the entire planting area. Place a 12-inch-thick layer of gravel in the excavated site, and follow it with a few inches of the soil you removed while digging. Over the top of the soil, place 6 to 8 inches of sharp sand. Afterward, the site will offer good drainage for succulents such as prickly pear.
Fix Drainage in a Wet Climate
If you live in a wet climate, create good drainage with an elevated "rock garden." On top of the current soil, set a layer of large, 8- to 12-inch-high rocks. Add coarse sand or pea gravel on the rocks, and then wet the site. Allow it to dry for a few days. Finally, add 3 to 4 inches of scree. A scree suggested by Urban Horticulture Program Assistant John McLaughlin, Ph.D., in an article on the University of Florida IFAS Extension website is a mixture that is 1 part Canadian sphagnum peat, 1 part potting soil, 2 parts course sand and 6 parts bonsai or poultry grit, which is small pebbles of porous granite or other stone. Mix the scree ingredients in a wheelbarrow, and then dump the mixture on top of the sand or pea gravel. Spread the scree evenly across the pile's top. Then cover it with a 1-inch-thick layer of 1/2-inch gravel.
Plant Properly
The temperature at transplanting time should be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit and not lower than 50 F, especially if you transplant small succulents. Wear a pair of thick, leather work gloves to avoid injuries from succulents' prickly points.
If a succulent you want to transplant is in the ground, then use a trowel or shovel to loosen the soil, sand or gravel several inches from the plant's perimeter, and gently remove the plant from the ground. Lightly brush soil from the roots.
Dig into the new planting site's soil material, making a hole deep and wide enough for the root spread of the succulent you want to put in the hole. Place the root part of the plant in the hole, and allow the fleshy or stem parts of the plant to remain above the soil line. Spread the roots, and cover them with the site's soil material, making the material even with the surrounding ground's surface. Tamp the soil. Allow the plant to dry out and to repair its roots for about one week before watering. Add water once each week thereafter. It's time to water when you stick your finger a few inches into the surrounding soil and find the soil is dry.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Many cactus plants have a sculptural quality to them, little hinting at the amazing show they put on when they bloom. Flowers are usually large for the size of the plant, most staying open just one day. The petals have a shimmering, silky sheen. Colors range from dazzling white to everything but true blue and black, sometimes with several colors in one flower. Most cactus bloom in the spring, opening during the day. A number are pollinated by bats or moths and open at night.
Spring Blooms
Springtime sees most cactus blooming, because temperatures aren't too hot yet, the plants are actively growing after resting all winter and spring rains give them enough water for their extravagant floral display. Even if rains are sparse, cactus draw upon their stored water to flower, but not as abundantly. In Arizona's Sonoran Desert, cactus begin to bloom in March, with April the month of highest flowering. In May prickly pears (Opuntia spp.) flower; they're hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3b through 11.
Summer Shows
Cactus that flower in summer's heat are generally substantial ones with a significant amount of stored water in their bodies. This helps them bloom reliably when daytime temperatures climb. The saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea), which reaches 30 to 50 feet tall, flowers in mid-May to mid-June, when temperatures in its native Sonoran Desert regularly reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Many waxy-petaled flowers encircle branch ends and open at night for visits by bats. Saguaros, hardy in USDA zones 9a to 10b, begin to flower when they're 40 to 50 years old. Heavy-bodied barrel cacti (Ferocactus spp.) varieties bloom from spring into summer with yellow, orange or bright red flowers, depending on the species. Fishhook barrel cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni) grows to 5 feet tall in USDA zones 8 through 11.
Night Bloomers
Cactus flowers that open at night help the plant conserve water; in warm months, it's coolest at night. Peruvian apple cactus (Cereus repandus) typifies a moth-pollinated flower, with its 5-inch diameter, trumpet shape and sweet fragrance. It blooms most abundantly in spring, with fall rebloom possible. The columnar blue-green cactus reaches 20 feet tall and branches from the base. The cactus needs frost protection in USDA zone 9, and is hardy in zones 10 and 11. Night blooming cereus (Hylocereus undatus) displays another large moth-pollinated white flower. It blooms in spring and summer on flattened stems that resemble long, scalloped leaves. This cactus is cultivated for its oval, red fruits, called dragonfruit, and is hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11.
Christmas Cactus
This familiar houseplant announces its season of bloom through its common name. With its flattened, leaf-like stem, Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) grows as an epiphyte in tropical forests of southeastern Brazil. Many hybrids and cultivars now exist, with red, white, pink, purple, peach and salmon-colored blooms that usually occur in winter. The plant responds to long nights with over 13 hours of darkness each night and cool night temperatures, prompting it to bloom right around Christmastime when it's grown as a temperate-climate houseplant. Hardy to USDA zones 10 through 12, Christmas cactus flowers best when it is slightly pot-bound. It is also called Thanksgiving cactus or Easter cactus, because it can be manipulated to bloom at those seasons of the year.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Golden Sedum (Sedum adolphi) is a low-growing succulent plant with pointed dark green leaves. The leaves develop orange or reddish tips when exposed to bright sunlight. Sedum adophi produces white, star-shaped flowers in spring. It can survive a few hours in temperatures as low is 29 degrees Fahrenheit, but is not considered winter hardy except in frost-free locations, such as United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 10 and warmer. Sedum adolphi is most often grown as a houseplant or an attractive outdoor container plant where it can be protected during the winter.
Step 1
Purchase a well-draining container for planting Sedum adolphi. The container should not be any bigger than 2 inches more in diameter than the root section of the plant. A larger container will contain more potting soil than is needed for the plant to grow. Unused potting soil collects moisture and the organic material in the potting soil will create fungal problems that can spread to the plant.
Step 2
Fill the bottom of the container with 1 inch of fine gravel. The gravel helps the container drain so it does not hold water. A Sedum adophi plant cannot sit in waterlogged soil or the plant will rot.
Step 3
Add potting soil until the container is half full. Carefully take the sedum from the previous container and plant in the new container. Add more potting soil around the Sedum adolphi until it is planted at the same depth it was planted in the previous container and the soil surface is 1 inch below the top of the container. Add water over the soil to settle the potting soil. Add more potting soil as needed. Spread a 1/2-inch layer of gravel over the potting soil. Leave a 1/2-inch space between the gravel and the top of the container so soil and gravel will not wash from the container during watering.
Step 4
Water the Sedum adolphi when the soil in the container is dry. Test the soil for dryness by pushing your finger through the gravel mulch into the top inch of soil. Water heavily until water runs from the bottom of the container.
Step 5
Fertilize once a month with a one-fourth strength solution of water soluble fertilizer appropriate for container plants. Only fertilize during the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing.
Step 6
Place the container in which the Sedum adolphi is planted in a brightly lit location in the house. Outdoors, place the Sedum adolphi where it is protected from the hottest afternoon sun. Direct sun in the first part of the day followed by shade or dappled sun is best.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
The look of a cactus can be quite deceiving. Spiny, leafless desert cacti, mostly native to North and South America, transform into some of the most dazzling plants when in bloom. Belonging to the Cactaceae plant family, more than 1,000 different species of cacti exist, including those of the tropical variety that are indigenous to Brazil.
Desert Cultivars
Following a period of about five years, bright yellow blossoms with red throats -- the flowers' tubular organs -- appear on small sea urchin cacti (A. asterias). Compass barrel cacti (F. cylindraceus) boast bell-shaped, orange and yellow flowers. Buds on the Claret Cup Hedgehog (E. triglochidiatus) burst open into vivid scarlet hues. The Rose Pincushion cactus (M. zeilmanniana) produces reddish-violet blossoms and, on the small, Snowball Pincushion variety (M. candida), rings of cream-colored flowers turn to pink.
Tropical Holiday Cacti
Christmas cacti bloom on the stem tips.
Blooming in white and a multitude of colors including red, lavender, orange, pink and yellow, Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti (S. truncata and S. bridgesii), as well as the Easter cactus (R. gaertneri), create showy holiday displays. These tropical cacti bloom in abundance and sport wide, flat, leaf-like stems. Thanksgiving cacti flower through the holiday and well into January. Christmas cactus blossoms open on the stem tips and bloom for long periods in cooler temperatures. Blooming mainly in spring, Easter cacti may flower at other times during the year.
Night-blooming Cacti
Cactus flowers grow from the area of the plant known as the cephalium. Column cacti (C. uruguayanus) bloom at night in white with petal tips of diverse colors. The night-flowering orchid cactus of the Epiphyllum species produces blossoms in multiple hues during late summer and early autumn. The sweetly scented flowers of the orchid cactus can reach a length of 6 inches or more.
Pollination
In daytime, brightly colored cactus blossoms attract bees and hummingbirds.
The brilliant hues of cactus blossoms attract daytime pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Dim light reflecting from the soft colors of night-blooming cacti, along with the plants' heady scent, draw moths and bats for pollination. In southwestern North America's Sonoran Desert, the fragrant blossoms of saguaro (C. gigantea) and organ pipe cacti (S. thurberi) lure bats to their sweet nectar. The bats emerge from their nectar feast covered in pollen, contributing to the pollination process as they fly from flower to flower.
Desert Cultivars
Following a period of about five years, bright yellow blossoms with red throats -- the flowers' tubular organs -- appear on small sea urchin cacti (A. asterias). Compass barrel cacti (F. cylindraceus) boast bell-shaped, orange and yellow flowers. Buds on the Claret Cup Hedgehog (E. triglochidiatus) burst open into vivid scarlet hues. The Rose Pincushion cactus (M. zeilmanniana) produces reddish-violet blossoms and, on the small, Snowball Pincushion variety (M. candida), rings of cream-colored flowers turn to pink.
Tropical Holiday Cacti
Christmas cacti bloom on the stem tips.
Blooming in white and a multitude of colors including red, lavender, orange, pink and yellow, Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti (S. truncata and S. bridgesii), as well as the Easter cactus (R. gaertneri), create showy holiday displays. These tropical cacti bloom in abundance and sport wide, flat, leaf-like stems. Thanksgiving cacti flower through the holiday and well into January. Christmas cactus blossoms open on the stem tips and bloom for long periods in cooler temperatures. Blooming mainly in spring, Easter cacti may flower at other times during the year.
Night-blooming Cacti
Cactus flowers grow from the area of the plant known as the cephalium. Column cacti (C. uruguayanus) bloom at night in white with petal tips of diverse colors. The night-flowering orchid cactus of the Epiphyllum species produces blossoms in multiple hues during late summer and early autumn. The sweetly scented flowers of the orchid cactus can reach a length of 6 inches or more.
Pollination
In daytime, brightly colored cactus blossoms attract bees and hummingbirds.
The brilliant hues of cactus blossoms attract daytime pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Dim light reflecting from the soft colors of night-blooming cacti, along with the plants' heady scent, draw moths and bats for pollination. In southwestern North America's Sonoran Desert, the fragrant blossoms of saguaro (C. gigantea) and organ pipe cacti (S. thurberi) lure bats to their sweet nectar. The bats emerge from their nectar feast covered in pollen, contributing to the pollination process as they fly from flower to flower.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Succulent jade plants are popular houseplants because they are easy to care for and rarely suffer from pests or diseases. A healthy jade plant has plump, green leaves with glossy surfaces. If your jade plant has white dots or spots on its leaves, this could be a sign of insect infestation or incorrect growing conditions. Investigate any potential problem straightaway before it has a chance to spread.
Mealy Bugs
Mealy bugs are small, soft-bodied insects up to 1/4 inch long. They are covered with a layer of white dust or filaments that are mobile. Mealy bugs gather on new stems and on the undersides of jade plant roots. Treat mealy bugs by dabbing them with a paintbrush dipped in a 70 percent solution of rubbing alcohol. Deal with severe infestations by using a systemic insecticide formulated for houseplants.
Salt
Jade plants naturally develop small crystals of salt on their leaves. The salt is absorbed through the roots and excreted by the leaves. It dries into small, white dots. You can't prevent these but you can remove them with a damp cloth. Flush out the soil of your jade plant with plenty of water if it is covered with a white crust of salt.
Oedema
Jade plants that receive too much water suffer from a condition known as oedema. The first symptom is develop blisters on the leaves. These pop and form small, corky spots that go from yellowish-white to brown. Reduce watering of jade plants showing signs of oedema. The spots that are already present are permanent but no new ones will appear. Oedema is most common on jade plants during the winter.
Other Causes
Water drops drying on jade plant leaves leave white spots on their surfaces, especially in hard-water areas. Wipe them off with a damp cloth. Jade plants exposed to household chemical sprays or hot cooking oil may also develop discolored spots on the leaves. Indoor jade plants kept in a humid room such as a bathroom sometimes develop powdery mildew on their leaves in the winter. Decrease the local humidity levels or increase the airflow around the plant to prevent it from growing again.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Christmas cactus (Schumbergera bridgesi) is a departure from the stereotypical prickly, sun-loving, dry weather, desert plant, as Christmas cactus is tropical and has different growing requirements. Although Christmas cactus appreciates bright sunlight, it blooms best with moist soil and cooler temperatures. Christmas cactus isn't a demanding plant, and with proper care, it will reward you with colorful blooms in time for the winter holidays. Propagate Christmas cactus by rooting sections of stem in May or June.
Step 1
Select a joint between stem segments, and pinch it with your fingernails or cut it with a clean, sharp knife. The cut stem must have at least three to five stem segments.
Step 2
Place the stem on a paper plate or paper towel, then set it aside to dry for about a day, but possibly as long as two weeks. The amount of drying time needed will depend on the size of the cut surface. Once the cut end has formed a callus, which will prevent the stem from rotting, the stem will be ready for planting. Because the Christmas cactus stores water, drying won't hurt the stem, but don't wait so long that it becomes shriveled.
Step 3
Fill a planting container with moistened perlite. Use a container with a drainage hole, as Christmas cactus rots in poorly drained, soggy soil.
Step 4
Plant the stem about an inch deep in the perlite. Water lightly to settle the perlite around the stem, then cover the container with a clear plastic bag. Seal the bag with a rubber band or twist tie.
Step 5
Place the container where the Christmas cactus cutting is exposed to bright, indirect light. Check the container two or three times every week, and add a small amount of water if the perlite feels dry. If condensation forms inside the bag, open the bag for an hour or two to provide ventilation. The stem should root in approximately six to eight weeks.
Step 6
Lift the Christmas cactus cutting from the soil using an old spoon. If the roots are at least an inch long, re-pot the stem in a fresh pot filled with a commercial potting soil for cactus or succulents. If the roots are less than an inch, replace the stem in the original container, and allow the roots to grow for a few more days before re-potting.
Step 7
Place your new Christmas cactus in bright, indirect light away from drafty doors or windows, air conditioners, heat vents or fireplaces. Water your Christmas cactus whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry, adding water until it drips through the drainage hole. Allow the pot to drain thoroughly before replacing the plant on the drainage saucer.
Step 8
Fertilize your Christmas cactus once every month during the summer, using a soluble fertilizer.
Step 1
Select a joint between stem segments, and pinch it with your fingernails or cut it with a clean, sharp knife. The cut stem must have at least three to five stem segments.
Step 2
Place the stem on a paper plate or paper towel, then set it aside to dry for about a day, but possibly as long as two weeks. The amount of drying time needed will depend on the size of the cut surface. Once the cut end has formed a callus, which will prevent the stem from rotting, the stem will be ready for planting. Because the Christmas cactus stores water, drying won't hurt the stem, but don't wait so long that it becomes shriveled.
Step 3
Fill a planting container with moistened perlite. Use a container with a drainage hole, as Christmas cactus rots in poorly drained, soggy soil.
Step 4
Plant the stem about an inch deep in the perlite. Water lightly to settle the perlite around the stem, then cover the container with a clear plastic bag. Seal the bag with a rubber band or twist tie.
Step 5
Place the container where the Christmas cactus cutting is exposed to bright, indirect light. Check the container two or three times every week, and add a small amount of water if the perlite feels dry. If condensation forms inside the bag, open the bag for an hour or two to provide ventilation. The stem should root in approximately six to eight weeks.
Step 6
Lift the Christmas cactus cutting from the soil using an old spoon. If the roots are at least an inch long, re-pot the stem in a fresh pot filled with a commercial potting soil for cactus or succulents. If the roots are less than an inch, replace the stem in the original container, and allow the roots to grow for a few more days before re-potting.
Step 7
Place your new Christmas cactus in bright, indirect light away from drafty doors or windows, air conditioners, heat vents or fireplaces. Water your Christmas cactus whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry, adding water until it drips through the drainage hole. Allow the pot to drain thoroughly before replacing the plant on the drainage saucer.
Step 8
Fertilize your Christmas cactus once every month during the summer, using a soluble fertilizer.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Dragon fruit, or pitaya, grows on a cactus plant. Unlike desert cacti, the pitaya cactus requires regular watering for healthiest growth and best fruit production. Dragon fruit is native to tropical and subtropical areas where high rainfall and moist soil is common. Regular watering encourages the cactus to produce flavorful, well-formed fruits. The cactus requires 25 to 50 inches of rainfall or supplemental irrigation a year.
Step 1
Irrigate dragon fruit plants one to two times weekly. Water at the base of the plants so the moisture soaks deeply into the soil.
Step 2
Provide approximately 1 inch of water at each irrigation. An inch of water typically moistens the top 6 inches of soil. Dragon fruit plants cannot tolerate overly wet soil.
Step 3
Stop watering in early spring before the cacti flower. The plants require dry soil to flower successfully. Resume watering once the flowers open to ensure healthy fruit set.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Most people think of a cactus as a plant that does not require any water. Images of cacti littering the desert abound in media and reinforce this perception. In reality, cacti require plenty of water. However, they require less water than many other plants. In fact, watering a cactus often requires the gardener to strike a very difficult balance. Like other plants, cacti will die if they don't receive enough water. The problem is that cacti also quickly die if overwatered.
Step 1
Plan a general watering schedule for your cactus. If you have a cactus growing outside, you might need to water the plant every few days. If the plant is inside, you might only need to water it once a month. The difference is that plants in pots retain moisture in the soil surrounding the root system of the cactus. Outside, the sun leaches moisture from the soil, it dissipates through more ground and other plants and weeds compete for it.
Step 2
Test the cactus before you water it. Stick your finger into the soil at a depth of 1/2 inch or slightly deeper. If your finger is wet, the plant does not need to be watered. If your finger is dry, water the cactus.
Step 3
Use non-softened water when you water a cactus. The salt used in the softening process can damage the plants. Use rain water if you have a system of gathering it.
Step 4
Water the cactus until water runs out of the bottom of the pot, or until outdoor plants have been deeply watered. Shallow watering causes root tips to die off and weaken the plant. Less frequent, deep watering is more effective than constant surface watering.
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