Nutrient Deficiency In Camellias

/Nutrient Deficiency In Camellias/

Nutrient Deficiency In Camellias

It appears that you have a pretty severe nutrient deficiency. It looks as though it might be a Magnesium and/or Iron deficiency. This happens when the soil is too alkaline for the plant to take up the available Mg/Fe. Camellias, gardenias, azaleas, and hydrangeas all prefer acid soil. You may want to start by adding a soil amendment that is labeled for acid loving plants. Mix it in with your native soil 50/50. Then you want to find a fertilizer that contains chelated Iron and Magnesium. You should be able to find both of these items at your local garden center. Here are a couple of links that you might find helpful: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=456
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/camellia.html

By | 2016-03-30T14:19:51-07:00 March 30th, 2016|Shrubs|0 Comments
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Basket Of Houseplants

Your lovely basket of houseplants include Croton variegatum (the brightly marked foliage), Maranta leuconeura (red veined prayer plant because the leaves tend to close at night), Chamaedorea (parlor palm), dumb cane (Dieffenbachia) and Dracaena marginata. After a time you may want to separate them, but for now place in bright indirect light, take each one out to water in the sink allowing the water to drain out before placing back in the basket (unless they have been planted in soil together - then make sure it drains properly because plants sitting in water may lead to root rot) and feed with a slow-release or organic fertilizer formulated for container plants. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch down to the first knuckle.

By | 2016-03-30T14:18:06-07:00 March 30th, 2016|House Plants|0 Comments
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Squash Vine Borer

This might be the start of squash vine borer damage. Adult squash vine borers lay eggs along squash stems. When the eggs hatch, the larvae bore into the stems, killing the part of the vine above the entry point. It can be quite devastating. Remove and kill adults (pick them off and dump them in soapy water and search out and scrape off any eggs you can find that are already laid. Also watch for hatched larvae. Most damage occurs in July and August.

If the stem that's cracked wilts, it's probably the cause. Cut off the stem and look inside to find the larvae. Smash them! To read more about this pest and organic controls, go here: http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/squash-vine-borer-control-zw0z1304zkin.aspx#axzz37mHeZ1ns

By | 2016-03-30T13:51:07-07:00 March 30th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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Dracaena Problem

There could be one or more of several reasons why the leaves are turning brown: make sure when watering (about once every 7 days) that the soil feels dry down to the first knuckle before watering again and that the water drains out without allowing the plant to sit in water (if there is a saucer under the plant and it is sitting in the water after watering, then this may lead to root rot); feed with a slow-release or organic fertilizer formulated for container plants; the potting soil should be a well-draining commercial potting soil or cactus potting soil (sterile and well-draining); needs bright, indirect light. Finally, if the leaves continue to brown, suggest you switch to steam iron water - many houseplants come from the rainforest and are sensitive to the salts in tap water.

By | 2016-03-30T11:04:24-07:00 March 30th, 2016|House Plants|0 Comments
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Tomato Hornworm

Manduca quinquemaculata, the five-spotted hawk moth/tomato horn worm. A large pale-green caterpillar with white and black markings. The caterpillar can reach 3 ½ to 4 in. when fully mature. The spike on one of the last abdominal segments gives the caterpillar the name “hornworm.” The adult moth, called a sphinx or hawk moth, is a medium to large, heavy-bodied moth with narrow front wings. The moth has a spindle-shaped body which tapers at both ends and fairly thick antennae. The adult is a mottled gray-brown color with yellow spots on the sides of the abdomen and a wing spread of 4 to 5 inches.

Injury: The hornworm feeds on the leaves and new stems of the tomato plant, causing extensive damage. During July and August they also occasionally feed on the fruit.

By | 2016-03-30T10:08:15-07:00 March 30th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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Purslane Or Prostrate Spurge

This looks like purslane, a succulent annual that grows quickly from seeds. It especially flourishes in bare areas in the lawn. Since it is an annual your efforts at control should be the following: Dig all you see now to prevent them from going to seed in your lawn. Rake bare areas in the lawn, top-dress with a little loam or mix of loam and compost, and over-seed thickly with grass seed in April of next year. The thicker and healthier your grass, the fewer weeds you will have of all types. Have the pH of your lawn tested and lime only if needed. Next spring if you want to prevent this weed from germinating again you can use a pre-emergent herbicide according to directions. Ask at your local garden center for product recommendations.

By | 2016-03-30T10:03:00-07:00 March 30th, 2016|Weeds|0 Comments
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Watermelon Problems

There are a variety of things that could cause your watermelon to be small. It could be either underwatered, undernourished, or possibly too mature when you planted them (if you planted seedlings rather than seeds). Melons need soil rich in organic matter, which can usually be found in a high quality compost. They also need the right food sources, fertilizers, to meet their needs, plus ample water.
Or, you may have planted a small "icebox" size watermelon in the first place. Varieties that mature quickly (what we need in our short growing season) tend to be smaller.
For maximum size, allow just one or two melons to mature per vine and remove the rest. That way the plant will put all its energy into just those few fruit.

By | 2016-03-30T09:17:18-07:00 March 30th, 2016|Vegetable Plants|0 Comments
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Evergreen Euonymus

There are many varieties with varigated foliage so if that what you are referring too, its not a disease. The leaves can change patterns as the plant matures but your shrub looks like it could be winter damage (which doesn't show up until later when the plant begins to receive more intense sunlight), and/or it could also be getting too much water. The yellow on the leaves is normal variegation. But if the green tissue is also turning yellow, I'd guess over-water and maybe lack of Nitrogen, possibly due to the excess water, but may need some fertilizer. Watch out for scale. Euonymous is a scale magnate but we would have to have a closer look for that pest. It is a brown, round shaped pest that can eventually kill the plant.

By | 2016-03-30T09:08:36-07:00 March 30th, 2016|Shrubs|1 Comment
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Citrus Nutrient Deficiency

This looks like a common nutrient deficiency on citrus trees. Possibly an overall deficiency of nutrients that may be caused by restricted root growth, insufficient water, or lack of nutrients for growth stages. Citrus need both macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium as well as micronutrients like zinc and iron, to name just a few of those. Deficiency can be caused by poor soil composition, incorrect soil pH, inappropriate water for root depth/root mass, or lack of proper fertilization. We've inlcuded some weblinks to help you determine the best course of action for your situation.
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/FRUIT/citrus.html
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ch142
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/C107/m107bpleaftwigdis.html

By | 2016-03-30T08:21:58-07:00 March 30th, 2016|Plant Diseases|0 Comments
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Masdevallia Caesia Problem

Very difficult to tell for sure, but from your description you have experience with raising other Masdevallias. Is it in shade or if indoors where there is 500-1500 foot candles (indirect low light where there is slight shadowing) and with temperatures no lower than 45 degrees F., but no higher than 75 degrees? Also water with steam iron water 2-3 times a week, allowing it to dry just slightly before watering again. Black spots can occur due to warm temperatures (although this time of year, it should not be a problem in your area) or a bacterial or fungal problem. You really need to show your orchid to one knowledgeable about Masdevallias or to the person you purchased it from to get confirmation about the reason for this problem.

By | 2017-09-11T15:49:02-07:00 March 30th, 2016|Perennials|0 Comments
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