Written by Administrator | 01 January 2007

It is likely that you received plants as gifts over the holiday season. Many people make a few mistakes when bringing in a new plant.

The most common mistake is to immediately repot a new plant. Most plants prefer to be slightly pot-bound, so it will rarely need to placed in a larger pot. Many people direct-plant into the decorative container they have chosen. It’s better to leave the plant in its grow pot, and place the grow pot inside of the decorative container. If the deco container is the same size as the grow pot, it should be fine to go ahead and repot. It’s still a good idea to let it stay in the grow pot for a little while. If you place a grow pot inside of a decorative container, but don’t like the way this looks, you can place some Spanish moss along the top of the soil and grow pot. This will hide the grow pot, and will also help your plant to retain moisture in the soil. This is strictly an aesthetic decision, and is only necessary by your choice.

Any plant that’s moved to a new environment is going to need time to adjust. Find a spot that matches the light requirements, and keep it away from drafts or vents. It’s common for plants to drop leaves while acclimating. Avoid the temptation to move a plant that’s in a suitable location, or to give more water during this time. It’s common for plants to dry out more quickly while they adjust, so always check the soil before watering. It may be necessary to water more often during acclimation, but this isn’t always the case.   

You won’t need to worry about fertilizer with new plants. Plants are typically given an abundance of nutrients in the nursery, so wait a few months before beginning a fertilizer regimen. 

Written by Administrator | 01 November 2006

As you give thanks at your Thanksgiving meal this year, remember the Native Americans who shared their gardening techniques with the Pilgrims.

Two Abnaki Indians, Samoset and Squanto, entered the Plymouth settlement in March 1621. The Pilgrims were struggling, as their crops continued to fail. With Squanto's help, the Pilgrims were able to survive in the New World.

According to legend, Squanto taught the Pilgrims to bury fish to serve as fertilizer for the corn. It has been disputed whether or not this is true, but it has been an inspiration to gardeners. You can still buy fish fertilizer to give your plants a boost. There is even a product available called “Squanto’s Secret”.

The Native Americans also taught the Pilgrims to grow beans and squash, and taught them about the native plants. This is where they learned which plants were poisonous, and which could be used for medicinal purposes. They also learned how to store their food for hard times. They were taught how to get sap out of the maple trees, and how to make candy from the maple syrup.

To celebrate the bountiful harvest which came from the help of the Native Americans, a 3-day feast was held, which included the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. This was the first Thanksgiving dinner.

The following year was difficult however, as many of the crops were damaged by drought. A day of fasting and prayer was ordered, and rain soon followed. November 29 was declared a day of thanks, in celebration of the rain. This date is believed to be the real beginning of present day Thanksgiving.

Written by Administrator | 01 October 2006

At this time of year, you may be looking for plants with autumn colors to add to your fall décor. There are many varieties of plants you can use, including the kalanchoe.

This is a colorful flowering plant which is relatively easy to grow. There are many varieties – more than a hundred different species - with varying appearances. They are available in many colors, including red, orange, and yellow.

Kalanchoes need good lighting, even moisture, and moderate temperatures. They can be quite sensitive to cold, so keep them indoors during colder months, and away from drafts. 50 – 90 degrees is the ideal temperature range. 4 hours of full sunlight or 12 hours of artificial light per day will keep your kalanchoe happy. Be sure to keep the soil moist, but don’t let it sit in standing water. Let it dry out very slightly in between watering.

These can become quite “leggy”. This is when the stems grow long and have few leaves. This can be solved by trimming the long stems. This should cause the plant to grow bushier. These plants rarely need re-potting, and can be easily propagated by breaking off a stem and sticking it in a pot of moist soil.

Keep in mind that the flowers will die off within a couple of weeks. Once this happens, simply remove the dead blooms, and you should still have a live green plant. It is possible for the flowers to grow back, but it can be a rare occurrence, particularly in the Arizona desert.

A Greener Image offers kalanchoes as well as many other flowering and foliage plants. Contact us today for pricing and details.

Have a safe and happy Halloween from A Greener Image!