Jade pothos Epipremnum aureum is a wonderful addition to any interiorscape. Also known as Golden Pothos, this plant was formerly known as Scindapsus aureus. A member of the Araceae (Philodendron) family, they are native to the monsoon tropics of Malaysia. Here they are tropical climbers, creeping by rootlets, attaching to tree trunks to climb upwards through [...]
Watch out for signs of mildew on ivy plants One day, when watering your favorite grape ivy, you may discover something new. A white, floury deposit is suddenly covering the new growth! What could it be? This powdery looking deposit is actually mildew. Various conditions like fluctuating temperatures and stagnant interior air can create [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Many interiorscapers have stopped relying solely on pesticides to control insects and mites on indoor plants. Instead, they rely on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a combination of cultural and mechanical controls, plus least toxic pesticides. When targeting a problem, the least toxic pesticides are generally considered to be the last control measure — to be used [...]
Successful integrated pest management (IPM) programs tailor a series of pest control strategies to the specific pest damaging the plant. The first step in any IPM program is to correctly identify the pest to be controlled. Insects vs mites Insects and mites are animals belonging to the Phyla Arthropoda and have similar basic characteristics such as [...]
Always read the label and follow the instructions exactly. Never eat, drink or smoke while using a pesticide. Keep all pesticides in original containers with their labels clearly visible. You should store the containers in an airtight box to prevent breathing of the fumes. Wear long sleeves, long pants, socks, rubber shoes, goggles and gloves. Gloves [...]
