Monday, May 17, 2010

Looking for hardy indoor plants that can withstand drafts and temperature changes...?

I work in a school. My classroom has a heater/blower that is right below the windowsill. When the heat is on it's blowing and when it's off, it still blows cool air. Being on the lowest and partially underground floor, it can get pretty cool without heat and the windows don't provide a lot of light, but there is some. I'm looking for hardy, draft resistant, low-sunlight plants (if there are such things). The only thing I've been able to keep alive there are spider plants and I want some variety. I've already killed english ivy and an angel plant. Thanks!

Looking for hardy indoor plants that can withstand drafts and temperature changes...?
try cacti or any succulent type plants or bamboo plant mother in laws tongue is quiet hardy as well
Reply:There is a plant called the "Cast Iron Plant" . Don't know it's latin name, but, it is the hardiest indoor plant I have ever owned. If I can't kill it- it has to be indestructable.
Reply:Latin name: Aspidistra elatior, or cast iron plant


I have a cat that won't stop eating my plants any suggestions?

I just planted seeds and the seeds are now sprouting (vegetable plants) and I have found some of my cucumber plants and tomato plants chewed on. The other day I came home and I have a spider plant that had been on the banaster of my stairs and it was knocked down pot busted and dirt all over the place. I now put him in the basement when I leave but since I have been home at night he eats my vegetable plants. They're to big to cover and I have tried using a spray bottle to keep him away, no luck! Any suggestions on how to keep my cat from ruining my plants?

I have a cat that won't stop eating my plants any suggestions?
Use a little black pepper. It usually takes only one time and the cat leaves it alone. DO NOT use hot pepper though. They can't get it out of their mouths. When i used black pepper my cat got a little sniff, a little sneeze, and left the plant alone.





In the mean time plant a pot of cat nip or cat mint, or a mixture of grasses for your cat. With the cat mint my cat went crazy, but didn't like cat nip. lol





Make certain your cat has toys to play with while you are gone. It could simply be boredom.





Hope this helps.





P.S. My cat died last July. She was 19 + years.
Reply:Check with the pet shop. They sell special grass that you can get. Maybe the cat will eat that and leave the other plants alone. My two go outside and eat the grass all the time.


Good for digestion.
Reply:I have an indoor only cat, and I put small shiny glass pebbles that you can get at a craft store in my potted plants. I heard that they look like eyes, and it scares the cat off. You really should keep your cat indoors anyway, it is so much safer for it. Outdoor cats only live a few years, and an indoor cat will live 15 + years.
Reply:i know this stinks but, my neighbor told me to use moth balls to keep them out of my garden, it works!
Reply:Try having cat grass inside your home for your cat to munch on. If he is eating all kinds of plants outside, it may be a good idea to keep him indoors since a lot of plants are actually toxic to them. They say that when cats do this, it is due to some sort of a vitamin deficiency, that these plants aid, just as we get thirsty when we are dehydrated. So the cat grass should be able to help you out.
Reply:Recently at the gardening shop I bought some cat grass and cat mint, and have planted them in separate pots, side by side.





At first, my cat would have nothing to do with them, but then she started sniffing them and now I have seen her several times eating them.





I think sometimes cats feel the need for some 'greens' to eat and if you have these plants which are specially for cats, your kitty will leave your other plants alone.





Also, some plants are poisonous for cats, so having a suitable alternative is a good idea anyway.





The idea about the glass pebbles and also the idea about the tiny bit of pepper (not too much) are also good, to help you cat break the habit of going to the old plants.





Good luck with this!


What plants could I get for my house?

I live in Pennsylvania and have a house on a corner lot, so there's some sun in the morning but not a lot later in the day because there's not many windows on the back of the house. I would like to get a few plants that don't need a lot of light. I have a fern and a spider plant, which seem to do well enough, but I'd like to find a few more. They need to be smaller (not a fig tree for example) and I'd prefer not to hang them from the ceiling. if anyone has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.

What plants could I get for my house?
Dracina


Peace Lilly


Arrowhead plant


snake plant


corn plant


mother-in-law's tongue


Chinese evergreen





Or just go to a nursery, and pick some plants from the "low light" section of the store.
Reply:Mmm....i think you should try a plant called a Pothos, or cactus. A Pothos plant has vines that grow out word that could reach sun most of the day.


Your friend,


Mr. McK
Reply:A creeping charlie works great in the kitchen or bathroom, because it likes the humidity. Also, an ivy will grow just about anywhere and are hard to kill, and they don't need alot of sunlight. A prayer plant is another thought, they like moisture more than light
Reply:chinesse evergreen! They can go months with out light or water. Also Jade trees are real good I have one of those and only water about once a month and it sits by a window that has closed blinds and I like it the best.
Reply:I read your question and I was going to say spider plant but you already have that so, ?
Reply:I just recently got a bonsai tree and I love it. It does take a lot of water but it doing really well in my window where it does not get direct sunlight but does have light.


Spider Mites are insects that are seldom a Problem on plants? T or F?

False.They are frequent pests that can kill a plant. Now,are there any more questions on your test?

domain name registration

I'm brand new to gardening and bought a bunch of outdoor container plants, what should I know?

Here's what I've got and done so far...





A lobelia Hybrid "Luguna compact with blue eye" and a "sunbeam kordana rose" both planted in 8 in terra cotta pots(with drain), on the ground in semi-shade.





A Calibrachoa hybrid "superbells tickled pink" planted in a hanging tin 6 in planter(with drain) hung in direct sun





A mini-spider plant and tiny-fern both in 3 in ceramic pots (no drain) in shade





I planted all 5 plants in Miracle Grow potting soil.





So here's my questions...


1. would the spider or fern do better indoors? and do they need draining or larger pots?





2. How often should i water each of them? Do any of them need plant food?





3. It's already fall so will they still be alive this winter? (I'm in SoCal)





4. If they die for the winter (1st 3 say annuals) When will they come back, do i have to do anything to them to make them come back?





5. Please! anything else I should know, I'm really new to this and don't understand alot of garden-lingo yet,





Thanks!

I'm brand new to gardening and bought a bunch of outdoor container plants, what should I know?
The lobelia and the Calibrachoa are both annuals, so they will only live for the season. If you want plants to come back for you next season, you should buy perennial plants - these usually are bigger and not as showy (colourful) as the annuals.


As for the spider plant and the fern, those are indoor plants. You should move them back into the house.





You should water your outdoor plants daily to promote root growth in a new environment. It is quite late in the season for planting outdoors I must say, but and again you are in south california, so I can't really comment on that.





Your indoor plants should be watered approximately once a week. Do not put your indoor plants under direct sun. The fern can do with more shade, and soil needs to be kept moist at all times. I hope this helps!





Next year, you should really get your plants from a nursery. The staff there will be able to help you choose the right plants. Home depot is not the right place unless you know what kind of plants to buy(ie, a seasoned pro).
Reply:try looking up the individual plants. Annuals don't come back, they die. Perennials come back. In your climate, you can make them last a long time though. There is so much to tell you, I can't do it all here. all will need some type of plant food since they are in small pots.
Reply:You can go to the Homedepot website and type the name of plant or the sku number and it will give you information on the care of the plants. Also I have many many container plants depending on your weather you maybe have to water once or twice daily.





www.homedepot.com


Can houseflies enter your home through house plants?

My mother died 2 weeks ago. I brought home all the plants from her funeral 8 days ago. Today when I got home, there were at least a dozen house flies in my window. The only thing different is the introduction of the house plants. I did repot a Spider plant a few days ago, but it went from one pot to a brand new pot, so I doubt that is it. It makes me wonder where the heck they came from and the only thing I can think of is the plants. From what I hear, the gestation period for flies hatching is 7-10 days so it appears to me maybe eggs were laid in one of the plants. Since I only got them 8 days ago, this could be why I haven't seen any before? I like the plants and don't really want to get rid of them. If this is my problem, is there any way to make sure there is are no live eggs in the plants so I don't see any new flies? I want to avoid any new flies. Thanks!

Can houseflies enter your home through house plants?
Flies can lay their eggs in the soil of the plants.
Reply:Yes , they can get in that way . Another way is through the soil used for house plants . The fly eggs are in the soil , and before you know it , the house has little flies all over the place .





The bad part is that they don`t all "hatch" or die at the same time , so you can have flies in the house all year round and never know how they`re getting in .





For plants to be kept in the house , sterilized soil must be used .





Take my word for it .................. we went through this a couple of years ago before we found out how the little beasties were getting in .
Reply:Flies can't 'enter your home' through house plants ... but if the plants are in 'good compost' there could be 'maggots' (before they become flies, they are maggots) that you may not be able to detect. But ... since your mom died two weeks ago, I'm guessing that there has been 'a lot of trash' that you had to take out ... and you could have 'picked up the eggs' on your shoes, which grew to be maggots in some 'garbage' and are now 'full fledged house flies.' Either that or they could be 'entering your home' when you open the door to go in and out ... or there could be 'tiny holes' in the screens ... it's now summer, and there are always 'a few flies' that are going to make it in to houses ... EVERY HOUSE, no matter how 'clean' and 'sanitary' ... you said you found the flies 'in the window' ... they are trying to 'get out into the world' ... so let them out, and then be 'more careful' if you don't want flies ... but if you don't want flies, you may be 'over disinfecting' and could be actually 'damaging' your own immune system, so when you do something like 'catch a cold' it will be MUCH WORSE and could even KILL YOU because you are having 'chemicals' do the job your immune system is meant to do. So ... swat those flies and take out the garbage ... but don't 'expect to keep flies out permanently' because you could be harming your own HEALTH!
Reply:nope they can only enter your house threw open doors and window. You would know if you had fly eggs in your home because first of all your house has to have something nasty enough for them to lay them in, something warm, moist and organic like rotten food or decaying flesh..Second after they hatched you would have a crap load of magot running around the nasty funk...then they turn into flies...So unless you got some funk you are leaving something open...Flies generally tend to migrate into homes more when there is going to be a change in the weather like it is going to rain...Plants and Flies don't cohabitate sorry!
Reply:Houseflies typically lay their eggs in decaying organic material, which can include the damp soil of a potted plant or a dead bird or rodent near the foundation of your home.





If what you are seeing is smaller, like a gnat, its probable that it came in with the plants. If its a housefly size however, its more likely because of decaying garbage, food or a small bird / rodent.





I suggest you use an aerosol bomb to eliminate the immediate flies, then inspect the plants. The soil should be allowed to dry between watering - constantly damp soil will allow the larvae to mature to new flies. I'd also suggest inspecting around the foundation of your house, flowerbeds, etc. for any dead vermin.
Reply:Yes, the flies can come in on plants. Don't get rid of the plants. All will be well once you get rid of the flies you are now seeing.





God bless you, sweet lady.


What plants are dangerous for inside pets?

my cats love to chew on my houseplants!!





are any of these poisonous to animals?





chia pet plant


poinsettas


spider plant





also what plants shouldnt i put inside around them?

What plants are dangerous for inside pets?
Poinsettias are very toxic to cats...





If you want more information, scroll down to the bottom of this page to read the list of poisoness plants http://www.for-the-love-of-cats.com/Pois...
Reply:Plants Poisonous to Cats


Almond (Pits of)


Aloe Vera


Alocasia


Amaryllis


Apple (seeds)


Apple Leaf Croton


Apricot (Pits of)


Arrowgrass


Asparagus Fern


Autumn Crocus


Avacado (fuit and pit)


Azalea





Baby's Breath


Baneberry


Bayonet


Beargrass


Beech


Belladonna


Bird of Paradise


Bittersweet


Black-eyed Susan


Black Locust


Bleeding Heart


Bloodroot


Bluebonnet


Box


Boxwood


Branching Ivy


Buckeyes


Buddist Pine


Burning Bush


Buttercup





Cactus, Candelabra


Caladium


Calla Lily


Castor Bean


Ceriman


Charming Dieffenbachia


Cherry (pits, seeds %26amp; wilting leaves)


Cherry, most wild varieties


Cherry, ground


Cherry, Laurel


Chinaberry


Chinese Evergreen


Christmas Rose


Chrysanthemum


Cineria


Clematis


Cordatum


Coriaria


Cornflower


Corn Plant


Cornstalk Plant


Croton


Corydalis


Crocus, Autumn


Crown of Thorns


Cuban Laurel


Cutleaf Philodendron


Cycads


Cyclamen





Daffodil


Daphne


Datura


Deadly Nightshade


Death Camas


Devil's Ivy


Delphinium


Decentrea


Dieffenbachia


Dracaena Palm


Dragon Tree


Dumb Cane





Easter Lily *


Eggplant


Elaine


Elderberry








Elephant Ear


Emerald Feather


English Ivy


Eucalyptus


Euonymus


Evergreen





Ferns


Fiddle-leaf fig


Florida Beauty


Flax


Four O'Clock


Foxglove


Fruit Salad Plant





Geranium


German Ivy


Giant Dumb Cane


Glacier IvyGolden Chain


Gold Dieffenbachia


Gold Dust Dracaena


Golden Glow


Golden Pothos


Gopher Purge





Hahn's Self-Branching Ivy


Heartland Philodendron


Hellebore


Hemlock, Poison


Hemlock, Water


Henbane


Holly


Honeysuckle


Horsebeans


Horsebrush


Horse Chestnuts


Hurricane Plant


Hyacinth


Hydrangea





Indian Rubber Plant


Indian Tobacco


Iris


Iris Ivy





Jack in the Pulpit


Janet Craig Dracaena


Japanese Show Lily *


Java Beans


Jessamine


Jerusalem Cherry


Jimson Weed


Jonquil


Jungle Trumpets





Kalanchoe





Lacy Tree Philodendron


Lantana


Larkspur


Laurel


Lily


Lily Spider


Lily of the Valley


Locoweed


Lupine





Madagascar Dragon Tree


Marble Queen


Marigold


Marijuana


Mescal Bean


Mexican Breadfruit


Miniature Croton


Mistletoe


Mock Orange


Monkshood


Moonseed


Morning Glory


Mother-in Law's Tongue


Morning Glory


Mountain Laurel


Mushrooms








Narcissus


Needlepoint Ivy


Nephytis


Nightshade





Oleander


Onion


Oriental Lily *





Peace Lily


Peach (pits and wilting leaves)


Pencil Cactus


Peony


Periwinkle


Philodendron


Pimpernel


Plumosa Fern


Poinciana


Poinsettia (low toxicity)


Poison Hemlock


Poison Ivy


Poison Oak


Pokeweed


Poppy


Potato


Pothos


Precatory Bean


Primrose


Privet, Common





Red Emerald


Red Princess


Red-Margined Dracaena


Rhododendron


Rhubarb


Ribbon Plant


Rosemary Pea


Rubber Plant





Saddle Leaf Philodendron


Sago Palm


Satin Pothos


Schefflera


Scotch Broom


Silver Pothos


Skunk Cabbage


Snowdrops


Snow on the Mountain


Spotted Dumb Cane


Staggerweed


Star of Bethlehem


String of Pearls


Striped Dracaena


Sweetheart Ivy


Sweetpea


Swiss Cheese plant





Tansy Mustard


Taro Vine


Tiger Lily *


Tobacco


Tomato Plant (green fruit, stem and leaves)


Tree Philodendron


Tropic Snow Dieffenbachia


Tulip


Tung Tree





Virginia Creeper





Water Hemlock


Weeping Fig


Wild Call


Wisteria





Yews --


e.g. Japanese Yew


English Yew


Western Yew


American Yew