Dracaena marginata is prone to spider mites The month of May might bring up lovely images of fresh spring flowers for some people, but it also brings nightmarish pictures of multitudes of spider mites living on interior plants. When warm weather hits and the day length gets longer, mites are having a feast. Mites [...]
Plant diseases will change the appearance of a plant A broad definition of a plant disease is any condition in which a plant varies in some way from a normal/healthy plant either in structure or function. The plant can appear to be shorter, have more, less or deformed branches and fewer leaves that somehow [...]
What are the elements of good potting soil? The next time you add more potting soil to the plants in your accounts, you may be wondering what all those granules you see in the soil are? Here's a quick and simple guide to the beneficial elements found in good potting soil. Perlite: What is that [...]
Caryota mitis - Fishtail palm What is the correct way to trim a fishtail? Do I use pinking shears or just cut straight across? The answer to this question is of course neither... if you are needing to trim tips, it’s because you are doing something terribly wrong in caring for the plant. Many [...]
Many insects affect plant health About 10,000 years ago, the last of the Pleistocene glaciers had retreated and it was the dawn of a new age for humans. Someone picked some seeds from a favorite grain plant and saved them. Then, in a favorable place where game was plentiful, this person planted these seeds. [...]
Use pesticides responsibly Sometimes it's necessary to treat the plants in your care with pesticides. Their health is important and yours is, as well. Always be sure to apply these 10 safety tips the next you use pesticides. Always read the label and follow the instructions exactly. Never eat, drink or smoke while using [...]
When a disease is detected in the interiorscape, it must be controlled or eradicated. Left unchecked, a biotic (infectious) disease can spread throughout an entire interiorscape. And an abiotic (noninfectious) disease may develop secondary infections, leading to further complications. Before implementing control measures, know what type of pathogen (disease-causing agent) is infecting the plant, the length [...]
When clients add colorful pots of flowers to front entrances, rooftop gardens, sidewalk cafes and courtyards, they often ask their interiorscape company to care for them. As the technician servicing the account, you may be asked to add outdoor maintenance to your schedule. Your challenge will be to keep the flowers healthy and full until the [...]
When horticulturists in your company begin to "talk shop," do you sometimes feel like you're standing on foreign soil? Do you frown in puzzlement when they toss out phrases like vascular bundles, air layering and sucker growth? If so, you're not alone. The language of horticulture, while sometimes confusing, is essential for effective communication. To tackle [...]
Are you prepared to handle unexpected situations? Your reaction to a crisis can either save an account or damage the good relationship your company has with the client. To give you practice responding to different crises, envision the following situations and measure your reaction against the described response. Talk with your supervisor about your company's policy [...]
