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Reasons for a Droopy Aloe Plant No one likes flopping aloe leaves. You want an upright, sturdy aloe. To help your plant grow better, it helps to understand why the droop happens. There are a few possible reasons, or it could be a combination of more than one: Inadequate sunlight Poor watering practices A fungal infection Cold temperatures A too-shallow container My Aloe is Falling Over, Now What? If you have a leaning or drooping aloe, consider the above issues and make sure you provide the plant with the right growing conditions....

Growing Breadfruit from Cuttings Breadfruit trees don’t fit well into small backyards. They grow to 85 feet (26 m.) tall, although branching doesn’t begin within 20 feet (6 m.) of the ground. Trunks get to 2 to 6 feet (61 cm. to 2 m.) wide, usually buttressed at the base. The leaves on the spreading branches can be evergreen or deciduous, depending on the climate in your region. They are bright-green and glossy....

Rhizome Plant Facts What is a rhizome? Technically, a rhizome is a stem that grows underground. It usually grows horizontally, just below the soil’s surface. Since it’s a stem, it has nodes and is able to put out other stems, usually straight up and above ground. This means a patch of what looks like several individual plants grouped near each other may actually all be shoots of the same plant, put up by the same rhizome....

What are Honeysuckle Azalea Plants? Honeysuckle azalea (Rhododendron luteum), also known commonly as pontic azalea, is native to Eastern Europe, this deciduous flowering shrub has become popular in the U.S. in zones 6-9. Its cheerful flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is known as honeysuckle azalea because the shrub produces pretty, yellow flowers that give off a sweet, delicious scent – akin to that of honeysuckles. Plant this azalea near a patio or porch to enjoy the smell....

Caring For Tropical Plants in Zone 9 Gardens When you think of the tropics, you probably visualize brightly colored, exotic-looking flowers; large, interesting shaped foliage in various shades of green, gold, red, and orange; and, of course, palm trees. Palm trees play an important role in zone 9 tropical gardens; they are used as specimen plants, backdrops, windbreaks, and privacy screens. However, not all palms are hardy in zone 9. For zone 9 hardy palms, try these varieties:...

Uncarina Information The color of Uncarina blooms, which vary depending on the species, ranges from various shades of orange-yellow or golden-yellow, or even purple or rose. One popular species, Uncarina grandidieri, produces bright yellow blooms that resemble petunias with contrasting dark throats. Similarly, the shape of the leaves depends on the species. Uncarina is also known as claw plant or mousetrap tree for a very good reason – the seed pods are armed with stout, hooked barbs that frequently grab unsuspecting animals unlucky enough to pass by....

The Effect of Bananas on Soil Compost Putting banana peel in your compost pile will help add calcium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphates, potassium and sodium, all of which are important to the healthy growth of both flowering and fruiting plants. Bananas in compost also help add healthy organic material, which help the compost retain water and make soil lighter when added to your garden. Beyond this, banana peels will break down quickly in compost, which allows them to add these important nutrients to the compost much more quickly than some other compost materials....

What is Rock Phosphate? Rock phosphate, or phosphorite, is mined from clay deposits that contain phosphorus and is used to make organic phosphate fertilizers that many gardeners utilize. In the past, rock phosphate was used alone as a fertilizer, but due to a lack in supply, as well as low concentration, most applied fertilizer is processed. There are a number of types of rock phosphate fertilizer available on the market, some are liquid, and some are dry....

Read on for more information about early leaf drop in trees and plants and how it relates to weather in your area. Plants Losing Leaves That falling foliage may be weather-related rather than something more dire. Your trees and smaller plants all lose leaves at different times and for different reasons. When you see plants losing leaves, the issue can be pests, diseases, or improper cultural care. Early leaf drop in trees, though, is often weather-related....

What are Purple Dome Asters? Also known as purple dome New England asters, these pretty perennials get their name from the compact mounds they form as they grow. If you’re looking for a clumping, dense perennial, this is a great option. Use purple dome asters as tight borders, massed in beds, in containers, and in naturalized areas. Purple dome asters grow up to about 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 cm....

Aster Foot Rot Symptoms What causes aster foot rot? Aster foot rot is most common in damp weather. The disease is favored by poorly drained soil and overwatering. Once aster foot rot is in the soil, it spreads quickly, even in very small amounts of water. Symptoms of asters with foot rot include sudden wilting of leaves and a brownish black discoloration of the lower part of the stems. Plants often shrivel and collapse at soil level....

What is Grape Chlorosis? While European (vinifera) varieties of grape have resistance to chlorosis, it is a common ailment afflicting American (labrusca) grapes. It is usually the result of an iron deficiency. Grape leaves begin losing their green color and turn yellow while the veins remain green. What Causes Grape Chlorosis? Chlorosis of grape leaves is the result of high pH soils which have very little available iron. It is sometimes referred to as ‘lime chlorosis....

Root Ball Information What is a root ball? All plants have a root ball. This includes trees, shrubs, and even annual flowers. Simply put, the root ball is the main mass of roots located directly beneath the plants’ stem. Though the root ball may consist of several different types of roots, including feeder roots, the root ball in gardening generally refers to the part of the plants’ root system which will be transplanted into the garden or landscape....

What is a Winter Pear? Sweet juicy pears are one of the few fruits that do not ripen on the tree. Since they ripen from the inside out, by the time they reach perfect readiness on the tree, as judged by the eye, the centers would be mushy. For this reason, winter pears are picked when hard and green, stored in a cool location, and then placed in a warmer place to finish ripening....

Brown Goldring Info What is Brown Goldring lettuce? Its name leaves something to be desired (who wants brown lettuce, anyway?), but this plant has deceptively sweet, tasty leaves and succulent, golden hearts that are ranked among the most delicious by gardeners. Its name comes from the Goldring family of Bath, England, who first developed the variety. The “brown” comes from the color of its outer leaves, which are streaked with brown veins and copper colored along the edges....

Taking a more in-depth look at various winter planter ideas is a fun and imaginative way to ensure that homes look festive and cheerful throughout the winter season. How to Plant a Holiday Container Themed Christmas thriller-filler-spiller displays are an ideal way to add color and vibrancy to holiday décor. In the creation of floral arrangements, “thriller” elements relate to high interest focal points consisting of plants, plant parts, or manmade art pieces....

Angelita Daisy Info Angelita daisy plants (Tetraneuris acaulis syn. Hymenoxys acaulis) are suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. This little perennial is so tough it can easily withstand sub-freezing temperatures as low as -20 F. (-29 C.), although it will go dormant at about 10 F. (-12 C.). During the summer, angelita daisy tolerates punishing heat, but will begin to flag when the mercury soars to 105 F....

Crown Gall on an Apple Tree Crown gall bacteria live in the soil, just waiting to attack your apple tree. If the tree suffers wounds, whether from natural causes or caused by the gardener, they serve as an entryway. Typical wounds that apple tree crown gall bacteria enter include mower damage, pruning wounds, cracks caused by frost, and insect or planting damage. Once the bacteria enters, it causes the tree to produce hormones that cause the galls to form....

So what other types of baby’s breath flowers are there? Read on to learn more. About Gypsophila Plants Baby’s breath is one of several types of Gypsophila, a genus of plants in the carnation family. Within the genus are several baby’s breath cultivars, all with long, straight stems and masses of dainty, long-lasting blooms. Baby’s breath varieties are easy to plant by seed directly in the garden. Once established, baby’s breath flowers are easy to grow, fairly drought-tolerant, and require no special care....

About Bay Tree Pruning Bay trees can grow to 30 feet (9 m.) tall without getting leggy or thin. If you want yours this tall, there is no immediate need to learn about pruning bay trees. However, even healthy bay trees can suffer damage from winter weather or wind scorch. Branches can also become diseased or break. If this happens to your bay trees, you’ll want to remove or trim back the damaged branches....