Today's subject of 'Successfull Guide To Growing
Tropical Plants' is Monstera deliciosa and
Alpinia formosana.
Monstera deliciosa known by many names, including....
• Ceriman
• Cheese Plant
• Delicious Monster
• Fruit Salad Plant
• Mexican Breadfruit
• Monstera
• Monstereo
• Monsterio delicio
• Split-leaf Philodendron
• Swiss Cheese Plant
Monstera deliciosa is a member of the Araceae, Arum,
family and an epiphyte with aerial roots which can grow
up to 60 feet or more in its natural habitat which extents
from southern Mexico to Panama.
It grows best at temperatures above 70 degrees and
should not be exposed to temperatures below
50 degrees. It tolerates dry air pretty well but
appreciates an occasional misting.
It also benefits the plant if it is wiped with a moist
cloth periodically to remove any dust accumulation.
During active growth water it thoroughly before the
potting medium becomes dry.
Fertilize it with a fertilizer high in Nitrogen, like 9-3-6.
It also appreciates some fish fertilizer and Epsom
Salt periodically.
The fruit of Monstera deliciosa, like all members in
the Araceae family, often contain Raphides and
Trichosclereids, which are needle like structures
of calcium oxalate.
It takes one year for the fruit to fully ripen.
Fruits that have not ripened contain oxalic acid.
When the fruit is ingested in this unripened state,
it immediately causes blistering, painful irritation
and swelling.
Other interesting uses of Monstera deliciosa....
In Peru, the aerial roots are used as ropes and in
Mexico they are used to make baskets.
In Mexico the leaves and roots are used to make an
infusion to get relief from arthritic pain.
In Martinique the roots are used to treat snakebites.
Alpinia formosana is a member of the Zingiberaceae,
Ginger, family.
It has beautiful green leaves with white pinstriping hence
it's other name pinstripe ginger.
If planted in the ground, it can grow as tall as 6 to 8 feet,
in pots 3 to 4 feet.
It grows very well in pots and if supplied with good light,
adequate moisture and fertilizer grows quite fast.
It's flower are porcelain white and red.
It makes a good houseplant and looks stunning in the
company of red and pink Caladiums.
Next, for your FREE Tropical Plant Guide, Grow Your Own Tropical
Garden, which includes useful tips on how to grow tropical plants
in any climate, visit Tropical Indoor Plants.
Copyright © Bob Walsh Enterprises 2010
www.bestindoortropicalhawaiianhouseplants.com
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Successful Guide To Growing Tropical Plants - Organic Insect Control
Today's topic of 'Successful Guide To
Growing Tropical Plants' is
organic insect control which includes....
• Insecticidal soap
• Pyrethrins
• Rotenone
• Insecticidal oil
• Neem oil
• Bascillus thuringiensis
• Yellow paper traps
....to name the most common ones.
All of them do a terrific job in getting rid of
insects and protecting the environment,
your family, pets, and, of course,
your plants.
First, you have to schedule a regular
spraying routine for your plants.
Have you sprayed your plants, and
think that you got rid off all the insects,
only to see them return a few days later?
This happens with both synthetic and
organic insect control. The reason for
this is that adult insects are killed but
not their eggs they laid before you got
to them. The insects hatch and the
cycle starts all over again.
You have to set up a spraying routine
to spray your plants at least once a week
on a regular basis until you feel
comfortable that the insect problem has
been brought under control.
Like yourself I was very frustrated
with this process to say the least.
Then I discovered Pyola, an organic insect
control product, which kills adult insects
as well as their larvae and eggs.
It is made from canola oil and pyrethrins.
Pyola is fast acting and kills on contact
many insects including....
• Aphids
• Fungus gnats
• Scale insects
• Spider mites
• Thrips
• Whiteflies....and many more
With Pyola you spray once,
maximum twice, and your insect
problems are history. This product
is very cost effective, one pint
makes up to 12 gallons.
Next week's topic of
'Successful Guide To Growing
Tropical Plants' is Alpinia formosana,
a member of the Ginger family, and
Monstera deliciosa both of whichmake great indoor and outdoor plants.
Next, for your FREE Tropical Plant Guide, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, which includes many useful tips on how to grow tropical plants, visit Tropical Indoor Plants.
Copyright © Bob Walsh Enterprises 2010
www.bestindoortropicalhawaiianhouseplants.com
Growing Tropical Plants' is
organic insect control which includes....
• Insecticidal soap
• Pyrethrins
• Rotenone
• Insecticidal oil
• Neem oil
• Bascillus thuringiensis
• Yellow paper traps
....to name the most common ones.
All of them do a terrific job in getting rid of
insects and protecting the environment,
your family, pets, and, of course,
your plants.
First, you have to schedule a regular
spraying routine for your plants.
Have you sprayed your plants, and
think that you got rid off all the insects,
only to see them return a few days later?
This happens with both synthetic and
organic insect control. The reason for
this is that adult insects are killed but
not their eggs they laid before you got
to them. The insects hatch and the
cycle starts all over again.
You have to set up a spraying routine
to spray your plants at least once a week
on a regular basis until you feel
comfortable that the insect problem has
been brought under control.
Like yourself I was very frustrated
with this process to say the least.
Then I discovered Pyola, an organic insect
control product, which kills adult insects
as well as their larvae and eggs.
It is made from canola oil and pyrethrins.
Pyola is fast acting and kills on contact
many insects including....
• Aphids
• Fungus gnats
• Scale insects
• Spider mites
• Thrips
• Whiteflies....and many more
With Pyola you spray once,
maximum twice, and your insect
problems are history. This product
is very cost effective, one pint
makes up to 12 gallons.
Next week's topic of
'Successful Guide To Growing
Tropical Plants' is Alpinia formosana,
a member of the Ginger family, and
Monstera deliciosa both of whichmake great indoor and outdoor plants.
Next, for your FREE Tropical Plant Guide, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, which includes many useful tips on how to grow tropical plants, visit Tropical Indoor Plants.
Copyright © Bob Walsh Enterprises 2010
www.bestindoortropicalhawaiianhouseplants.com
Friday, September 10, 2010
Successful Guide To Growing Tropical Plants - Crinum Lily
This week's topic of 'Successful Guide To Growing
Tropical Plants' is the Crinum lily.
The Crinum is a member of the large Amaryllidaceae
family.
The word 'Crinum' originates from the Greek word
Krinon which means 'white lily'.
There are believed to be about 180 species of Crinum
globally with Africa recording the most species.
The Crinum lily grows from bulbs with long sword-like leaves.
The flower stalk arising laterally is leafless, and
produces one or multiple flowers.
Several years ago I received five Crinum bulbs from
a friend in late fall.
After I researched the growing conditions for Crinum,
I decided to plant three bulbs in one 10-inch pot
and the remaining two bulbs in separate 8-inch pots.
I placed the pots on the periphery of one of my indoor
light gardens.
During the winter the bulbs grew abundant foliage,
but did not flower. I thought that by spring they would
be potbound which encourages Crinum to bloom
when grown in pots.
This was still not the case.
May arrived and still there were no blooms. I decided
to spoil the Crinum with some extra bone meal.
Each single bulb in the 8 inch pot got 1 handful
of bone meal, and the pot with the three bulbs
received 3 handfuls....one for each bulb.
In addition, I fertilized them with a 10-50-10 fertilizer
every time I watered them and added the same
fertilizer to my seaweed solution when foliar feeding.
To make a long story short....the Crinum bulbs in the
10 inch pot were in bloom a few weeks later with one
bulb from the triple bulb planted pot producing 8 flower
stalks during the summer.
The 2 bulbs planted into two separate 8 inch pots took
several months longer to produce flowers.
Following is a summary for Crinum care.....
1. Plant your Crinum lily, depending on variety, in smaller
pots than you would other plants of the same size.
This way they are potbound and bloom faster.
2. Be generous with bone meal - 1 handful per bulb.
3. Fertilize your Crinum regularly with a fertilizer high
in Phosphorus....10-50-10.
4. Use the same type of high Phosphorus fertilizer
when foliar feeding your Crinum.
5. Grow your Crinum in full sun or under grow lights.
This spring I had to transplant the three bulbs as
their root system cracked the pot.
They are now each in individual 10 inch pots.
They haven't flowered this summer, but I know
they will as soon as they are totally potbound.
I'm going to update you on their progress and email
you pictures as soon as they bloom.
Next, for your FREE gift, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, which includes many useful tips on how to grow tropical plants in any climate, visit Tropical Indoor Plants.
Tropical Plants' is the Crinum lily.
The Crinum is a member of the large Amaryllidaceae
family.
The word 'Crinum' originates from the Greek word
Krinon which means 'white lily'.
There are believed to be about 180 species of Crinum
globally with Africa recording the most species.
The Crinum lily grows from bulbs with long sword-like leaves.
The flower stalk arising laterally is leafless, and
produces one or multiple flowers.
Several years ago I received five Crinum bulbs from
a friend in late fall.
After I researched the growing conditions for Crinum,
I decided to plant three bulbs in one 10-inch pot
and the remaining two bulbs in separate 8-inch pots.
I placed the pots on the periphery of one of my indoor
light gardens.
During the winter the bulbs grew abundant foliage,
but did not flower. I thought that by spring they would
be potbound which encourages Crinum to bloom
when grown in pots.
This was still not the case.
May arrived and still there were no blooms. I decided
to spoil the Crinum with some extra bone meal.
Each single bulb in the 8 inch pot got 1 handful
of bone meal, and the pot with the three bulbs
received 3 handfuls....one for each bulb.
In addition, I fertilized them with a 10-50-10 fertilizer
every time I watered them and added the same
fertilizer to my seaweed solution when foliar feeding.
To make a long story short....the Crinum bulbs in the
10 inch pot were in bloom a few weeks later with one
bulb from the triple bulb planted pot producing 8 flower
stalks during the summer.
The 2 bulbs planted into two separate 8 inch pots took
several months longer to produce flowers.
Following is a summary for Crinum care.....
1. Plant your Crinum lily, depending on variety, in smaller
pots than you would other plants of the same size.
This way they are potbound and bloom faster.
2. Be generous with bone meal - 1 handful per bulb.
3. Fertilize your Crinum regularly with a fertilizer high
in Phosphorus....10-50-10.
4. Use the same type of high Phosphorus fertilizer
when foliar feeding your Crinum.
5. Grow your Crinum in full sun or under grow lights.
This spring I had to transplant the three bulbs as
their root system cracked the pot.
They are now each in individual 10 inch pots.
They haven't flowered this summer, but I know
they will as soon as they are totally potbound.
I'm going to update you on their progress and email
you pictures as soon as they bloom.
Next, for your FREE gift, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, which includes many useful tips on how to grow tropical plants in any climate, visit Tropical Indoor Plants.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Successful Guide To Growing Tropical Plants - Organic Fungicides
Today's topic of 'Successful Guide To Growing Tropical Plants'
is organic disease control, namely organic fungicides.
One step for prevention of plant diseases is to have adequate
space between your plants to allow for proper air circulation.
We all know how disheartening it can be to have well growing
plants, including tropical plants, develop sudden diseases.
Several years ago I grew double Petunias between my tropical
plants to add some additional color. But two years in a row
all petunias I planted developed fungal diseases several weeks
after being planted.
That's when I received a catalog about organic gardening in the
mail. Whenever I see a promising product on the internet or in
a catalog, I give it a try.
That's how I discovered Soap-Shield.
I sprayed the petunias and everything I was growing at this time,
including tropical plants, tomatoes, and roses.
Knowing that 'prevention is the mother of all cures' I used
Soap-Shield as a preventative. Ever since using Soap-Shield
the first time I haven't had any sick petunias, and the tomatoes
look as healthy at the end of September as they did in June.
I highly recommend Soap-Shield and it can be used both
indoors and outdoors.
This is how the developer describes the product....
Soap-Shield is a flowable copper liquid fungicide which protects
plants from infection.
It is effective when used on....
• tropical plants
• roses
• vegetables
• fruits
• ornamentals
• grass
Fixed copper is one of the oldest fungicides and bactericides
used to control a wide range of plant diseases.
Soap-Shield is made by combining a soluble copper fertilizer
with a naturally occurring fatty acid. The copper and the fatty
acid combine to form a copper salt of the fatty acid known as
a true soap.
This copper soap fungicide controls many common diseases
using low concentrations of copper, down as low as 90ppm.
Soap-Shield decomposes to form soluble copper and fatty
acid, both of which are used by microbes and plants.
I only recommend any gardening products to you which I have
used myself for several years and with which I would not garden
without anymore.
Next, for your FREE Tropical Plants Guide, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, which includes many useful tips on how to grow tropical plants anywhere, visit Tropical Indoor Plants.
is organic disease control, namely organic fungicides.
One step for prevention of plant diseases is to have adequate
space between your plants to allow for proper air circulation.
We all know how disheartening it can be to have well growing
plants, including tropical plants, develop sudden diseases.
Several years ago I grew double Petunias between my tropical
plants to add some additional color. But two years in a row
all petunias I planted developed fungal diseases several weeks
after being planted.
That's when I received a catalog about organic gardening in the
mail. Whenever I see a promising product on the internet or in
a catalog, I give it a try.
That's how I discovered Soap-Shield.
I sprayed the petunias and everything I was growing at this time,
including tropical plants, tomatoes, and roses.
Knowing that 'prevention is the mother of all cures' I used
Soap-Shield as a preventative. Ever since using Soap-Shield
the first time I haven't had any sick petunias, and the tomatoes
look as healthy at the end of September as they did in June.
I highly recommend Soap-Shield and it can be used both
indoors and outdoors.
This is how the developer describes the product....
Soap-Shield is a flowable copper liquid fungicide which protects
plants from infection.
It is effective when used on....
• tropical plants
• roses
• vegetables
• fruits
• ornamentals
• grass
Fixed copper is one of the oldest fungicides and bactericides
used to control a wide range of plant diseases.
Soap-Shield is made by combining a soluble copper fertilizer
with a naturally occurring fatty acid. The copper and the fatty
acid combine to form a copper salt of the fatty acid known as
a true soap.
This copper soap fungicide controls many common diseases
using low concentrations of copper, down as low as 90ppm.
Soap-Shield decomposes to form soluble copper and fatty
acid, both of which are used by microbes and plants.
I only recommend any gardening products to you which I have
used myself for several years and with which I would not garden
without anymore.
Next, for your FREE Tropical Plants Guide, Grow Your Own Tropical Garden, which includes many useful tips on how to grow tropical plants anywhere, visit Tropical Indoor Plants.
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