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I am interested in the proper care(fertilizer to use) on ferns purchased from nursery. They are in hanging baskets and we will have them hanging outside. We will not have them in full sun. Thanks for any tips
- April 16, 2006.
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Answer:
Newly purchased or potted plants should not be fed for six months. After that, fertilize plants twice a year only, with a standard house plant fertilizer which has been diluted to half the minimum strength recommended on the container. Water the plant well, before applying the fertilizer, to prevent burning the roots of the plant.
Ferns in hanging baskets may require a daily misting during the hot summer days. Ordinarily they would grow in a shaded area where occasional rains or irrigation would provide the humidity. In hanging baskets they are deprived of the humidity.
Do not have the baskets in a location where the ferns receive any amount of sun from June to October. They require full shade. I often hang mine on the lower branches of trees, or on the verandah, well back from the edge of the roof. In fall, when the plants are moved indoors, place them in an east window where they will receive some morning sun. If an east location is not available, use a north location. They would enjoy the bathroom, provided there is enough daylight.
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I plan to grow a japanese maple in a pot sunk in the ground atop my waterfall. The pond is usually in the shade. Will the japenese maple still turn red if it is not in direct sunlight?
- Cincinnati, Ohio, April 25, 2006
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Answer:
A Japanese Maple that has red foliage, needs some sunlight in order to produce the red foliage. They do prefer some shade as well, but not full shade. The idea of growing a Japanese Maple in a pot, sunk in the ground, while it may sound very idyllic and pretty I am not sure how prudent this would be.
Growing such a plant in a pot would ultimately mean you are restricting its roots and by that you are creating a form of Bonsai. Bonsai plants, in order to keep them in a very pleasing and attractive form require a lot of attention and special pruning. You may want to re-think this plan and choose another type of plant. There are low forms of evergreens which can give a cascading effect.
I don't want to rain on your parade, but it might be wise to check with a nursery regarding the growing of a Japanese Maple in a pot
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What do I use for a polinator with butternut trees?
- Minot, Maine, April 26, 2006
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Answer:
Two Butternut trees are required for pollination. The flowers are wind pollinated. If your next door neighbour has a Butternut Tree close to your yard, then you may have success with only one tree on your property otherwise you will require two.
Question:
I am curious if calla lilies can be forced to bloom later than they normally do? I would like to plant some indoors and would like them to bloom in the fall.
- Fargo, ND, May 11, 2004.
Answer:
Calla lilies take about four months from planting to bloom. It is now June and I am presuming you are hoping to have these for a special occasion. Depending on what time in the fall you want these to bloom, you might be alright or it may be too late to plant right now. But it will take certain conditions.
Being in North Dakota, your daylight hours will be sufficiently reduced by the end of August or early September which means you will need to provide several hours of artificial light, each day, - minimum number of light hours per day would be 12 to 14 (using grow lights or fluorescent but not incandescent).
Here are the other instructions which really applies to starting the bulbs in fall for spring indoor bloom so you will need to adjust your conditions accordingly/
As houseplants, calla lilies require direct sunlight except at midday when they should have bright indirect or filtered sunlight. They do best with night temperatures of 50 to 60 deg. F. and daytime temperatures of 68 deg.F or higher. The potting mixture should be one that is one part peat moss, one part packaged compost, one part perlite with 3 - 5 oz. of agricultural limestone added (per bushel). Keep the soil barely moist until the first shoot appears at which time more water is given but do not allow the plants to be in wet soil. At the time when more water is provided, a monthly feeding of fertilizer (one with the first number in the formula being the lowest), should be applied.
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