Frequently Asked Questions

Question:
How do I control mealybugs on a houseplant?
Answer:

Mealybugs on houseplants are difficult to control.  Unless the plant is particularly valuable, it’s often best to throw away the infested plant before the insects spread to other houseplants.  The standard remedies for houseplant pests...

Question:
Should I add any material to the water to prolong the freshness of my Christmas tree?
Answer:

Do not add molasses, sugar, soft drinks, aspirin, or commercial products to the water. Additives provide no real benefit. The keys to keeping a Christmas tree fresh are to place the tree away from any heat source (fireplace, heater, radiator, etc...

Question:
What should I do with my amaryllis after it is done blooming?
Answer:

Some individuals discard their amaryllis after it is done blooming.  However, it’s possible to save the amaryllis and force it to flower again next year. 

Faded Blooms

Proper cultural practices must be followed to...

Question:
How can I propagate a rubber tree?
Answer:

The common rubber tree (Ficus elastica) can be propagated by air layering.  Air layering is a procedure used to induce roots to form on a plant stem while it is still attached to the parent plant.  Complete or partial girdling...

Question:
How can I determine if my houseplant has spider mites?
Answer:

Spider mites are tiny (about 1/50 inch long when mature).  As a result, they are difficult to see with the naked eye.  A convenient detection technique is to hold a sheet of white paper under a stem and then shake or tap the stem...

Question:
How long can a cut Christmas tree remain in the house?
Answer:

The length of time a cut Christmas tree can remain in the home is determined by the tree species, the freshness of the tree at purchase, and its placement and care in the home. In general, a fresh, well-cared-for Christmas tree should be able to...

Question:
Is snow beneficial to landscape plants?
Answer:

A layer of snow is beneficial to many plants in the garden and landscape.  A layer of snow protects plants from extreme cold and the drying effects from sun and wind.  A layer of snow also prevents repeated freezing and thawing of the...

Question:
My shrubs are flopping over due to the weight of heavy, wet snow. What should I do?
Answer:

The weight of heavy, wet snow can cause considerable damage to small trees and shrubs.  When heavy, wet snow accumulates on small trees and shrubs, gently shake the snow from their branches or carefully brush off the snow with a broom....

Question:
My poinsettia suddenly wilted and died. Why?
Answer:

The sudden death of the poinsettia was likely due to a root rot.  Pythium and Rhizoctonia root rots typically occur when plants are watered too frequently and the potting soil is kept saturated.  Allow the surface of the potting soil to...

Question:
Small, white insects flutter about my poinsettia when I water the plant. What are they and how do I control them?
Answer:

The small, white insects are likely whiteflies.  Whiteflies are common insect pests of poinsettia, hibiscus, chrysanthemum, and a number of other indoor plants.  They are most often noticed when watering or handling a plant.  When...

Question:
Can paperwhite narcissus bulbs be saved after they have been forced indoors?
Answer:

Paperwhite narcissus bulbs should be discarded after flowering.  Paperwhites cannot be successfully forced again and are not winter hardy outdoors. 

Question:
When are trees and shrubs most vulnerable to rabbit browsing?
Answer:

In the home landscape, rabbits feed on herbaceous plants (annuals, perennials, vegetables, and grasses) during the growing season.  Trees and shrubs become food sources in late fall and winter (December through March).  Damage to trees...

Question:
My sweet potatoes have become dry and stringy. What caused this?
Answer:

It’s likely the sweet potatoes were not cured and stored properly.  After harvest, sweet potatoes should be cured for 7 to 10 days at a temperature of 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity of 80 to 90 percent.  (These...

Question:
An amaryllis bulb saved from a previous year produces leaves, but doesn’t bloom. Why?
Answer:

An amaryllis bulb purchased at a garden center or other retail business typically blooms 6 to 8 weeks after the bulb is potted up.  In succeeding years, proper cultural practices must be followed to get the bulb to bloom on an annual basis...

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