Arizona Fishhook Barrel Cactus

/Arizona Fishhook Barrel Cactus/

Arizona Fishhook Barrel Cactus

Ferocactus wislizenii, native to the deserts of Texas, Arizona, Baja California and Mexico, forms thick cylindrical columns to 6' in height with time. The central spines, usually reddish-brown, are wide and flattened. It is believed that the spines were used in the past as fishhooks. The flowers are variable; usually yellow to a beautiful, glowing deep orange. Requires extra drainage in soil mix, as can be attained with the addition of extra perlite or pumice. Bright light to full sun. Can be grown in a container on a warm, bright patio or in full sun in a garden landscape. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Can tolerate temperatures below freezing for brief periods, but is best to protect from frost to prevent scarring.

By | 2016-03-25T13:00:31-07:00 March 25th, 2016|Succulents|0 Comments
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October Daphne Stonecrop

Often described as having the most beautiful foliage and form of all sedums, this plant looks great all summer long and then really comes into its own in fall. It is a low, spreading species that forms a rounded mound, sending out horizontal branches from the central crown. The 3/4" round, blue-green leaves are borne in "threes" around the stems and each leaf is narrowly outlined in deep pink. During the hot summer months, this pink edge intensifies. Because of its thick, succulent leaves which can store water, sedum is drought tolerant. It will grow in average to poor soil as long as it has good drainage. Plants grown in rich soil tend to be lanky and open. Should be grown in full sun to light shade, and is cold hardy to Zone 3. Good for hanging baskets too.

By | 2016-03-25T12:37:07-07:00 March 25th, 2016|Succulents|0 Comments
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Spider Mites

Spider Mites are tiny and you almost need a good hand lens to see them. There is no sticky residue. They spin very fine webs which catch their frass and dust and perhaps bits of dirt. They have a 5 day reproductive cycle and reproduce year round indoors. Check other plants in the area as they can float about on a good draft to new site.

Take the plant outside or to a bathtub and use Insecticidal soap, paying especial attention to the undersides and base. Wait 20 minutes and rise well. Repeat at 4 day intervals until all seem to be gone. Continue to monitor plant at weekly intervals for a while. To prevent dirt washing from the pot, tape the top closed around the stem. Duct tape works pretty well, or you can cut a piece of rigid plastic to fit around the stem and over the soil.

By | 2016-03-25T11:18:44-07:00 March 25th, 2016|Plant Pests|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 | 2016-03-25T11:14:12-07:00 March 25th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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Rose

Your cut flowers belong to the Rosa genus which has many different classes, families, and varieties. There are just too many for us to identify one specifically. Because of the single rose on a long stem and the high petal count, it likely falls into the hybrid tea category. Generally speaking, rose plants need sun, well-drained soil, regular fertilizer and water regimes, and sometimes spraying to control pests. Removing the old flowers as they age will sometimes bring on more, but leave a few late in the season to form rosehips, a favorite backyard bird treat. Hips should ripen to an orange or red color. For an identification of the cultivar, suggest you contact your local rose society or visit www.helpmefindroses.com to see if your cultivar can be identified.

By | 2016-03-25T10:38:44-07:00 March 25th, 2016|Shrubs|0 Comments
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Euonymus

This appears to be Euonymus forunei, or Winter Creeper. Winter Creeper, it can grow 10’ high x 20’ wide. It will grow in full sun to semi-shade. It is shrubby by nature but occasionally trailing or even climbing by its aerial rooting. It has a habit of flattening out or elongating its upright growth during heavy winter snowfalls; this gives it the name of winter creeper. It can be sheared at any time for hedges, espaliers, or border specimens. The inconspicuous creamy-colored flowering during late spring develops into 1/2 inch spherical capsules with pink-toned seeds capped by an orange dome.

If this description doesn't match your plant as it develops and blossoms, send us another picture when it's in bloom and we'll try again!

By | 2016-03-25T10:12:40-07:00 March 25th, 2016|Shrubs|0 Comments
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Begonia Leaf Damage

Here are a couple of possible explanations for your leaf damage. Cold water on the leaves can cause spots, especially if the leaves were warm when they were watered. It could also be thrips, a tiny bug that sucks the juices out of plants. They often leave black tar-like spots of excrement on the underside of the spots. Here's a link with information on detecting and treating for thrips - http://houseplants.about.com/od/pests/a/Thrips-Managing-Thrips-On-Houseplants-And-Greenhouses.htm Another possibility is a fungal leaf spot disease. The leaf to the left of the photo can't be seen clearly but it might have worse spots. Here's a link to more information about leaf spots - http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/DISEASES/leafspotdis.html

By | 2016-03-25T10:11:06-07:00 March 25th, 2016|Plant Diseases|1 Comment
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Hydrangea Nutrient Problem

It looks like your Hydrangea is having similar problems as your Camellia - possibly leaf tip burn, but this photo doesn't look like Nitrogen deficiency. Both of these plants are acid-loving, and as we mentioned in reply to your Camellia photo, water (and soils) in So Cal are alkaline. This could cause nutrient uptake issues (not enough of certain nutrients, and/or too much of others, causing a toxicity, or tip burn). We've included two more links, one for Hydrangea and one for Camellias that will provide good information about growing these plants, and some of the issues they can have in So Cal landscapes.
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/hydrangea.html
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/camellia.html

By | 2016-03-25T08:30:57-07:00 March 25th, 2016|Plant Diseases|0 Comments
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Springtail

These insects look very much like Springtaillarvae (in the Order Collembola). There are several different species. Its hard to classify these insects as either pests or beneficials because they can be damaging, but they also can consume plant pathogens and aid in the breakdown of organic matter. They carry their tails under tension beneath their bodies. When threatened, they "pull the trigger" and their tails launch them into the air and away from the disturbance/danger. Some kinds cause trouble with crops, but most kinds do more good than harm. They prefer moist environments and may become abundant in soils with excessive organic matter. There's more info at this web page. http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74136.html

By | 2016-03-25T06:52:46-07:00 March 25th, 2016|Beneficials|0 Comments
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Mealybugs

Your plant's problem may be mealybugs; insects with a sticky, cottony covering, but we recommend you confirm by using a magnifying lens to examine this, or take an affected leaf (sealed in a bag) to your local garden center for confirmation. We've also included a link so you can see what to look for. Mealybugs suck the nutrients out of the plant, excreting the sugary sap. Wipe these off with a cotton swab moistened in alcohol and water, or use a pesticidal soap or neem oil product if you see tiny ones on the stem where the leaves are attached. Continue to monitor for return of the organism and clean-it off if found. Follow directions on all product labels to avoid damage to the plant - more is NOT better!
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/INVERT/mealybugs.html

By | 2016-03-25T04:42:08-07:00 March 25th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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