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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月27日
Dummer. ゛☀
The pencil cactus plant is in the Euphorbia family of succulents. Another common name for the plant is Milkbush due to the cloudy sap it releases when injured. Be cautious when caring for a pencil cactus; the sap is toxic and may cause problems in some people. The pencil cactus needs high levels of light and moderately low moisture. It is an excellent houseplant and provides an interesting silhouette. Let’s learn how to grow pencil cactus in your home.
Information on the Pencil Cactus Plant The pencil cactus is a large plant native to Africa and India. The plant is ideal for sunny warm spots indoors or greenhouse growing. Care of pencil cactus is minimal. Euphorbia tirucalli, or pencil cactus, is a tropical plant that may become 30 feet tall in habitat. The stems are slender and slightly toothed with no obvious foliage. The branches are the diameter of a pencil, which give rise to the name. The new growth on the end may be tinged pink and have tiny leaves which disappear as the branch matures.
How to Care for a Pencil Cactus A pencil cactus needs very little care and can even be neglected if it is planted and situated correctly. The soil must be slightly gritty and well draining. The container to use could be an unglazed pot which will allow excess moisture to evaporate. Euphorbia plants are quite adapted to limited fertility environments and care of pencil cactus requires only one fertilization in spring. Full sun and temperatures of at least 65 F. (18 C.) or warmer are necessary when learning how to care for a pencil cactus. Pencil cactus is easy to grow. It will need water approximately every two to three weeks in summer but no water in winter. Allow the plant to dry out between irrigations. Care must be taken when caring for a pencil cactus to avoid the sap. Even eye protection is necessary because the pencil cactus plant produces a toxin that can cause an anaphylactic reaction. In most cases it can be cleared up with antihistamine but occasionally more severe reactions occur and are difficult to clear.
Care of Pencil Cactus Cuttings Pencil cactus is very easy to propagate with cuttings. Great care must be taken when harvesting and planting these to avoid the sap, but the cuttings root readily. You will need small pots, a soilless medium to prevent rot and pathogens and a misting bottle. Take cuttings with a sterile razor blade and let them dry for two days to form a callus. Insert the cuttings into the medium at least an inch deep and mist. Caring for a pencil cactus cutting requires low light and slightly more moisture than fully established plants. Once new growth commences, gradually introduce the plant to higher light and reduce watering. The cactus will hit your ceiling in just a few years, so don’t be afraid to prune it and use the cuttings to make new pencil cactus plants.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月27日
Dummer. ゛☀
There are so many types of succulents with varying shapes that it can be difficult to decide which to include in the landscape. One little beauty that makes an excellent ground cover is called Othonna ‘Little Pickles.’ Read on to find out about growing ‘Little Pickles’ and Othonna plant care.
About Othonna ‘Little Pickles’ Othonna capensis is a fairly slow growing evergreen succulent. ‘Little Pickles’ is so named for its one inch pudgy blue-green leaves that do, indeed, resemble tiny pickles. Indigenous to the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa, the plant grows in low growing clumps of about 4 inches in height and a foot across. Yellow daisy-like blooms emerge and wave cheerily an inch or so from above the foliage. The name Drakensberg means ‘dragon mountain’ in Afrikaans, and the Zulu people refer to the plant as ukhahlamba, meaning ‘barrier of spears.’ This particular succulent was introduced by Panayoti Kelaidis of the Denver Botanic Garden. Othonna is sometimes referred to as ‘Little Pickles Ice Plant’ and while it does bear some resemblance to Delosperma (hardy ice plant) and is of the same family, Asteraceae, the two are not the same plants. Still, ‘Little Pickles Ice Plant’ or ‘Othonna Ice Plant’ will likely be how the plant is listed.
Caring for Othonna Ice Plants Othonna capensis is a fairly slow growing evergreen succulent. ‘Little Pickles’ is so named for its one inch pudgy blue-green leaves that do, indeed, resemble tiny pickles. Indigenous to the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa, the plant grows in low growing clumps of about 4 inches in height and a foot across. Yellow daisy-like blooms emerge and wave cheerily an inch or so from above the foliage. The name Drakensberg means ‘dragon mountain’ in Afrikaans, and the Zulu people refer to the plant as ukhahlamba, meaning ‘barrier of spears.’ This particular succulent was introduced by Panayoti Kelaidis of the Denver Botanic Garden. Othonna is sometimes referred to as ‘Little Pickles Ice Plant’ and while it does bear some resemblance to Delosperma (hardy ice plant) and is of the same family, Asteraceae, the two are not the same plants. Still, ‘Little Pickles Ice Plant’ or ‘Othonna Ice Plant’ will likely be how the plant is listed.
Caring for Othonna Ice Plants Othonna makes an excellent ground cover and also thrives in rock gardens or even containers. Once established, ‘Little Pickles’ is fairly drought tolerant. It is suited to USDA zones 6-9 and, in some cases, even into zone 5. Blooming in mid-spring through the fall, Othonna should be planted in full sun in well-draining soil. It does not like wet feet, particularly during winter months, so good drainage is crucial. Other than a distaste for soggy roots, caring for Othonna ice plants is nominal. As said, once established, it is drought tolerant. In warmer southern zones, Othonna can be aggressive, so a barrier of some sort should be placed around the plants unless you want it to take over an area in the garden. If your Othonna is looking peaked, you can fertilize with low nitrogen fertilizer 1-2 times during the growing season; otherwise, there is no need for any specific Othonna plant care. ‘Little Pickles’ seeds are sterile, so propagation is accomplished by spreading leaves atop the soil. New plants should be well established after 5-6 weeks.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月27日
Dummer. ゛☀
What is Orostachys Dunce Cap and why does the plant have such an odd name? Dunce Cap, also known as Chinese Dunce Cap (Orostachys iwarenge), is a succulent plant named for its spires of silvery-lavender cone-shaped rosettes. The plant spreads via slender runners with offsets that fall off and take root to form new plants. Eventually, the pointy cones may produce tiny flowers. Read on for more information about Chinese Dunce Cap succulents.
Orostachys Plant Info Orostachys is a hardy succulent native to the frigid mountainous regions of North China, Mongolia and Japan. The structure and growing habit of the plant is similar to the more familiar hens and chicks, although considerably smaller with a more delicate appearance. Chinese Dunce Cap succulents are suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 10.
Dunce Cap Plant Care Growing Chinese Dunce Cap is easy. Most importantly, like all succulent plants, Orostachys Dunce Cap requires well-drained soil and is likely to rot in humid conditions. If you’re concerned that your soil may be a little too moist, dig in a generous amount of coarse sand or grit. You can also grow the plant in a container, indoors or outside. Use a well-drained potting mix product formulated for cacti and succulents, or simply add coarse sand or grit to a regular potting mix. Locate Chinese Dunce Cap succulents in bright sunlight. Feed the plant twice during the growing season, using a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Water Chinese Dunce Cap sparingly when the soil feels dry to the touch. Also, water the plant during the morning hours so the leaves have time to dry thoroughly before evening. Keep the leaves as dry as possible. Chinese Dunce Cap succulents are easy to propagate by division. Just locate an offshoot large enough to have a few roots, then cut the stolon (runner) close to the offshoot. Plant the offshoot in a pot filled with sandy soil, or directly in your garden. Watch for mealybugs, especially on indoor plants. If you notice the pests, usually evidenced by a waxy, cottony substance, pick them off carefully with a toothpick or spray the plants lightly with isopropyl alcohol or insecticidal soap. Never spray when the plants are in direct sunlight or when the temperatures is above 90 F. (32 C.).
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月27日
Dummer. ゛☀
The organ pipe cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) is so named because of its multi-limbed grow habit which does resemble the pipes of the grand organs found in churches. You can only grow organ pipe cactus in warm to hot climates where there is room for a 26-foot tall plant. However, the cactus is slow growing, so planting organ pipe cactus in a container for a few years is a fun way to grow this interesting plant.
Planting Organ Pipe Cactus Organ pipe cactus grows well in well-drained, gritty soils. Planting the cactus in an unglazed clay pot will allow excess moisture to evaporate. Use either a cactus mix or make your own with one part potting soil, one part sand and one part perlite. Immerse the cactus in the soil up to the bottom of the stems and press the soil around it to firm. Put a mulch of tiny rocks on top of the soil to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. Place the cactus indoors where temperatures are 70 -80 degrees F. (21-27 C.) in full sun.
Grow Organ Pipe Cactus Organ pipe cactus is a wild growing plant found in hot, sunny southern Arizona. The cactus’ habitat is rocky, sandy and generally inhospitable and unfertile. Organ pipe cactus stems are generally about 16 feet long, and the entire plant can attain 12 feet in width. The stems are ribbed with 12- to 19-inch thick ridges. The entire plant is covered in black spines that become lighter as they get older. The organ pipe cactus lives a long time and doesn’t reach maturity until it is 150 years old. Organ pipe cactus care is highlighted by watering. The most common cause of potted cactus failure is over irrigating the plant. The cactus is used to low fertility, but as a potted plant has limited access to resources. Give it a good cactus food in the irrigation water in early spring. Do not water in the winter from November to February. Watch for pests, such as scale sucking insects, and use an insecticidal soap to combat them. You can put your potted cactus outdoors year round in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Organ Pipe Cactus Flowers As they mature and grow, organ pipe cactus produce large flowers. The blooms are pure, snowy white with pink or purple edging and 3 inches across. The flowers are held well out from the cactus to help bats and insect pollinators access the bloom. The flower is primarily pollinated at night by bats or perhaps moths. The flower opens at night and closes in the day. April, May and June are the best times to see organ pipe cactus flowers. The flowers yield to large juicy fruits with bright red flesh. Homegrown organ pipe cactus are unlikely to produce flowers unless they have been in the landscape for over a century, but you can travel to the Organ Pipe National Park in Arizona to view the spectacular flowers.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月27日
Dummer. ゛☀
If you are looking for a houseplant with a lot of character and personality, consider growing old man cactus (Cephalocereus senilis). While it isn’t wrinkly or on social security, the plant does have fluffy white tufts of hair over the surface of the cactus body. The appearance is reminiscent of senior citizen pates, lightly cushioned by sparse, long billowy hair. Indoor cactus growing is most suitable in the majority of the United States growing zones. Learn how to grow an old man cactus and bring the cute little plant with the fuzzy white hairdo into your home.
Old Man Cactus Houseplants This cactus can go outside in USDA zones 9 and 10. Native to Mexico, they need hot, dry climates and bright sunlight. The long hair is used by the plant to keep itself cool in its natural habitat. As an outdoor plant, they can get 45 feet tall but are generally slow growing as potted plants. Old man cacti are mostly grown as houseplants and stay small and easily kept in a container for their entire lives. Indoor cactus growing requires a southern- or western-facing window and temperatures of at least 65 F. (18 C.). For best growth, give it a winter hibernation period in an area where temperatures are below 65 F. (18 C.).
How to Grow an Old Man Cactus Use a cactus mix or blend of sand, perlite and topsoil for indoor cactus growing. Also, use an unglazed pot for growing old man cactus. This will allow the pot to evaporate any excess moisture. Old man cactus houseplants like their soil on the dry side and overwatering is a common cause of rot and disease. Old man cactus needs a sunny, warm location but has few other needs. You should watch it carefully for pests, however, which can hide in the hair. These include mealybugs, scale, and flying pests.
Old Man Cactus Care Old man cactus is easy to propagate from cuttings or seed. Seeds take a long time to grow into something recognizable as a cactus, but it is a cheap and fun project for children. Cuttings need to lie out on the counter in a dry location for a couple of days to callus. Then insert the cut end with the dry, white callus into a soilless medium, such as sand or perlite. Keep the cutting in moderate, but not scalding, light where temperatures are at least 70 F. (21 C.) for best rooting. Don’t water until the little cutting has rooted. Then treat your new old man cactus houseplants as you would a mature specimen.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月27日
Dummer. ゛☀
The ocotillo plant (Fouquieria splendens) is desert shrub that produces a spectacle of bright pink flowers on whip-like canes. It is often called ocotillo cactus, but is not truly a cactus, although it grows in similar conditions. The plant is native to the Sonoron and Chihuahuan deserts. The canes may grow up to 20 feet long in nature but are more likely to get 6 to 10 feet in cultivation. Ocotillo is suitable for xeriscapes, rock gardens and warm climate container gardens.
Growing Ocotillo Ocotillo provides architectural interest and fantastic color displays of bright red to pink flowers. The ocotillo plant is a succulent with good drought tolerance once established and a cold hardiness of 10 F. (-12 C.). Growing ocotillo requires a well-drained soil in full sun. Ocotillo plant tends to lose its leaves when exposed to extreme drought but leafs out in spring and summer rains. Ocotillo really has no special needs and is an easy to grow plant provided it is used in a climate that can provide plenty of sun and heat. The plant may be difficult to locate at a nursery, although it is grown in Phoenix and a few other locations. Ocotillo is a native plant and is protected, which means it is illegal to harvest it from the desert. In the home landscape, plant ocotillo, cactus and a variety of succulents in a shallow container as a stunning desert display. It may take six to 12 months for your ocotillo plant to fully establish and begin to leaf out and flower. You can then stop irrigating and allow the plant to acquire its moisture from rain and dew. Ocotillo grows wild in areas with minimal fertility so it is not necessary to feed the plants more than once annually. Ocotillo care includes removal of dead and broken canes. Ocotillo plant has few pests and no known diseases, but watch for scale and sucking insects, which you can zap with insecticidal soap.
Planting Ocotillo Planting ocotillo should be done in a hole that is twice as wide as the root system, but no deeper. It needs to go into the ground at the same level in which it was originally growing. Most ocotillo that are found in nurseries will be bare root and should be well supported in the ground. Ocotillo plant is then irrigated once a week during the summer while it is establishing. Water rarely in winter and continue good ocotillo care by weighting down the area around the roots with rocks to prevent it from falling over and to conserve moisture.
Ocotillo Plant Uses in the Garden Ocotillo is found in the southwest parts of the United States and is excellent as part of a desert garden. Plant it with drought tolerant ornamental grasses and sempervivum or sedum. It is a large, wide plant when mature so make certain it has room to spread its canes. Plant an ocotillo in a clay pot as part of a succulent display.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月27日
Dummer. ゛☀
The Ocotillo is native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. These spectacular plants grow in open stony, arid areas and are notable for their bright red flowers and whip-like stems. Wild ocotillo is also known as candlewood, slim wood, flaming sword and many other pictorial names. If you’re wondering, “why is my Ocotillo not blooming,” read on for some possible reasons and solutions to make this desert wonder fully flower.
Why is My Ocotillo Not Blooming? Ocotillo plants are common in their native regions. The slender stems and tiny leaves are accents for the crimson blooms that decorate the tips of the branches. The plants make excellent natural screens and borders, adding bright garden accents during their bloom time. Native garden centers can provide you with healthy specimens of the plants for a natural and easy to grow desert landscape solution. Also known as Jacob’s Staff, Ocotillo is a tenacious desert dweller which is mostly leafless until the rainy season. The oval leaves quickly disappear when the soil dries out, leaving behind spiny, skinny branches that may approach 15 feet in length. Their impressive height and rapid growth make these plants a natural for arid region screens or hedges. In spite of their mostly leafless state, the long stems are adorned with small spines which serve as an effective barrier to most, while creating shelter for tiny birds and animals. New plants should be planted in the same orientation in which they were grown. This is because the southernmost side has built up thicker tissue to resist harsh sun. Incorrect orientation can cause severe sunscald on the more tender northern side of the plant.
When Does Ocotillo Bloom? When does Ocotillo bloom? March through June is the period in which to expect bright crimson-orange flowers on your Ocotillo. The Ocotillo blooming season is directed by the rainy season. Too much or too little rain can delay or inhibit Ocotillo flowers. The plants are quite sensitive to soil type and require gritty, well-draining soil. In fact, low fertility seems to be a key to making this plant happy. Using compost or excess fertilizer will actually result in an unhappy plant. Newly planted specimens benefit from consistent watering before establishment but, otherwise, the plants need very little special care. The 1- to 2-inch long red-lobed blooms will naturally fall off when they have been fertilized.
How to Make an Ocotillo Bloom If you are frustrated by your plant’s inability to flower, take heart. Newly planted Ocotillos require some time to reestablish their root systems. This can inhibit blooming. Other factors that may delay flowering would be lack of water in late winter to early spring. Excess fertilizer or rich soil can also cause Ocotillo to produce few to no flowers. These plants really need fairly harsh conditions to thrive. They aren’t going to produce flowers in a wet, cold area either. Mimicking their native conditions is the how to make an Ocotillo bloom. As with any plant, they will thrive and perform best if they are in a site that closely resembles their wild soil, lighting and moisture conditions.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月27日
Dummer. ゛☀
If you’ve visited northern Mexico or the southwestern corner of the United States, you’ve likely seen ocotillo. Dramatic plants with statuesque, whip-like stems, ocotillos are difficult to miss, especially in springtime when the long, thorny canes are tipped with spikes of fiery red, tube-shaped blooms. Although ocotillo is usually an in-ground plant, there’s no reason you can’t grow ocotillo in containers. If this idea strikes your fancy, read on to learn about growing ocotillo in a pot.
How to Grow Ocotillo Plants in Containers Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) is a desert plant that grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11. If you live in a cooler climate, bring the ocotillo indoors during fall and winter. The best ocotillo potting soil is a fast-draining potting mix such as a product formulated specifically for cactus and succulents. Plant the ocotillo in a container with at least one drainage hole. Don’t select an overly large container, as excess potting soil is likely to cause this succulent plant to rot. A pot just slightly larger than the root ball is ideal. The plant may become top-heavy, so use a container with a solid, heavy base to prevent tipping.
Caring for Potted Ocotillo Plants Water lightly as necessary to keep the soil moist – but only until the roots are established. Thereafter, be extremely careful about overwatering ocotillo in containers. Like all succulents, ocotillo is prone to rot in damp soil. As a general rule, water only when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil is dry. Never allow the pot to stand in water. Water indoor ocotillo sparingly when the plant is dormant during the winter months. Watering too little is always better than overwatering, and once a month is usually sufficient. Place the container where the ocotillo is exposed to full sunlight. Without bright sunlight, ocotillo plants tend to become leggy and produce fewer blooms. Feed ocotillo in containers sparingly three times per year, using a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer. Withhold fertilizer during the winter months. Repot ocotillo into a container one size larger whenever the plant is rootbound, usually indicated by roots growing through the drainage hole. Spring is the best time for this task.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月27日
Dummer. ゛☀
Night blooming Cereus is a cactus that is native to Arizona and the Sonora Desert. There are numerous romanticized names for the plant such as Queen of the Night and Princess of the Night. The name is an umbrella term for approximately seven different genera, which have the night blooming characteristic. The most common are Epiphyllum, Hylocereus or Selenicereus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Hylocereus undatus or Selenicereus grandiflorus). No matter which genus, the plant is a Cereus night blooming cactus.
Night Blooming Cereus This cactus variety is generally grown as a houseplant in all but the hottest regions of the United States. The Cereus night blooming cactus is a tall climbing cactus that may approach 10 feet tall. The cactus is three ribbed and has black spines along green to yellow stems. The plant is a rather untidy jumble of limbs and requires manicuring to keep it in habit. Night blooming Cereus plants can actually be trained to a trellis in Arizona and other suitable climates.
Cereus Flower Information Night blooming Cereus will not begin to flower until it is four or five years old and will begin with just a couple of flowers. The incidence of blooms will increase as the plant grows older. The flower is breathtaking at almost 7 inches across and produces a heavenly scent. The bloom will only open at night and is pollinated by a moth. The Cereus flower is a large white flower borne off the tops of the stems. It will close and wither in the morning but if it was pollinated the plant produces large juicy red fruit.. The flowers usually begin to bloom at 9 or 10 p.m. and are fully open by midnight. The first rays of the sun will see the petals droop and die. You can force your Cereus to bloom by keeping the plant in a completely dark environment from dusk to dawn during the bloom season. Night blooming Cereus flowers in July to October. This will mimic the outdoor light it experiences. Reduce watering and don’t fertilize during the fall and winter period so the plant slows growth and reserves energy for the blooms. A rootbound cactus produces more abundant Cereus flowers.
Night Blooming Cereus Care Grow a night blooming Cereus in bright sunshine where temperatures are toasty. The plant has extreme heat tolerance and can handle temperatures over 100 F. (38 C.) with light shade. Potted plants should be grown in a cactus mix or gritty soil with excellent drainage. Fertilize the plant in spring with a diluted houseplant food. The limbs can get unruly, but you can trim them without hurting the cactus. Save the cut ends and plant them to create more of the Cereus night blooming cactus. Bring your cactus outdoors in summer but don’t forget to bring it in when temperatures begin to drop.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月27日
Dummer. ゛☀
Night blooming cereus is one of the easiest cactus from which to take cuttings. These succulents can root in just a few weeks from cuttings that are taken in spring from its leaves. Propagating night blooming cereus from cuttings is faster and easier than trying to start new plants from seed. In this article, we’ll give you a few tips on how to propagate a night blooming cereus for the best chance at doubling your stock of these amazing plants.
Night Blooming Cereus Cuttings Night blooming cereus is a leggy plant with flat leaves and gangly stems, but when it is blooming it goes from wall flower to star of the show. The fragrant dinner plate sized blooms are worth waiting for as they perfume your whole house. Rooting night blooming cereus to create more plants is easy. These cactus root quickly and establish as single plants in less than a month. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing seasons, spring through summer. This is when plant cells are at their most active and can be induced to produce roots rather than leaf cells. Use clean, sharp implements anytime you take a cutting from a plant. Night blooming cereus cuttings should be 6 to 9 inches long and from terminal growth. This is where plant cells are youngest and easiest to influence. Let the cuttings callus in a warm dry location for up to 2 weeks. The ends will be whitish and closed. The callus step is crucial to rooting night blooming cereus. It is from this callus that the root cells will form.
How to Propagate a Night Blooming Cereus Once you have your callused plant material, you need to prepare your medium. You can use a standard cactus potting soil or create a mixture of coarse sand and peat for propagating cereus cactus. Choose a container that drains well, such as a terra cotta pot, and one that is just a couple of inches bigger than the diameter of the leaf. Insert the cutting, callus side down, into you potting medium. Bury the cutting in the medium about half way and firm the soil around to remove any air pockets. Water your cutting and then only irrigate as often as you would an adult cactus. Never let soil get soggy, as the cutting will simply rot and any new roots will melt away. Keep the container in a cool, bright location for two weeks as roots form.
Care When Propagating Cereus Cactus Once your cactus has roots, it is time to move it to a slightly warmer location. The cutting shouldn’t need repotting for a couple of years and can be grown on in its small pot. During the growing season, fertilize with a soluble plant fertilizer once per month. Just before blooms form, use a high phosphorus food to improve blooming. If any damage occurs to the stems and leaves, simply cut it off, trim the piece to where healthy tissue is and allow it to callus, propagating night blooming cereus anew. In just a short time, you could have so many of these plants you’ll be begging your friends to take one away.
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