Take a closer look at those leaves Leaf problems: Erwinia, Xanthomonas, Anthracnose, Alternaria, Botrytis, Pythium and Phytophthora to name a few of the big, bad and ugly leaf spots occasionally seen on tropical foliage plants. The many foliar leaf spots and blights that can occur on leaves of plants outdoors or in a production greenhouse will [...]
Beautiful Bromeliads display a variety of colors Bromeliads are members of the “Pineapple Family” (Bromeliaceae Family), which include more than 200 species and thousands of hybrids. Bromeliads can be found growing in extremely diverse environments: deserts, rainforests, mountains and beaches. Bromeliads in the wild Bromeliads are naturally epiphytic - clinging to trees, shrubs or [...]
Best Tools for Cleaning Plants Remember to clean your plants with the proper tools Which tools are best to clean plants? Dusters work well to remove dust from leaves, but without proper cleaning, they can help pest infestations spread. What about sponges, cloths and spray bottles? Which method is best for your plants? Let’s [...]
Time-saving tips are invaluable Does it feel like there is never enough time to get everything done? We can help! Here are 25 time-saving tips gathered from interior plant technicians all over the world. Incorporate these tips into your daily routine and save some precious time! Plan your visits to job sites in an [...]
What macronutrients do your plants use? Plants use inorganic minerals for nutrition, whether grown in the field or in a container. Many factors influence nutrient uptake for plants. Mineral nutrients can be readily available to roots, could be “tied up” by other elements or by the soil itself. Soils too high in pH (alkaline) [...]
7 Pesticide Safety Tips Learn more about pesticide safety When used correctly, low toxicity pesticides are an effective part of any Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Improperly handled pesticides pose a danger to both the applicator and the surrounding environment. Are you a safe applicator? Do a mental review and evaluate... Do you read [...]
Be extra careful when working in residences Chihuly glass, Villeroy and Boch serving dish, Waterford Crystal punch bowl, Chivas Regal and a Peter Max painting. Question: What do these five items have in common? Answer: They are all things you should never touch when servicing plants in a residential account. Palatial plants Palatial plants [...]
5 Steps to Prune Ficus Trees Ficus tree Where should I start to prune? This is their pet Ficus tree; how can I cut it without asking? Is someone watching me? What if I make a mistake? I have no extra time today to prune or clean up a mess. Are these the excuses [...]
Vacation for Plant Technicians Summer is the time a technician's thoughts traditionally turn into vacation. Though plants never seem to need a vacation, technicians do! Taking a holiday from your daily workload is both refreshing and satisfying and helps you return to work with a dear mind and renewed sense of purpose. Hopefully you also return [...]
Cactus Classification Common cactus varieties For your purposes as plant technicians, members of the cactus family are separated into two groups. The desert cactus type: Most desert cactus are found with their roots growing in dry, stony places. This soil typically has lots of sand and not much humus. Rainwater drains away quickly from [...]
