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Keep reading to find out more about growing areca palm in the home. Areca Palm Houseplant Info A full-grown areca palm houseplant is quite expensive, so they are usually purchased as small, tabletop plants. They add 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm.) of growth per year until they reach a mature height of 6 or 7 feet (1.8 or 2.1 m.). Areca palm is one of the few palms that can tolerate trimming without serious harm, making it possible to keep mature plants indoors for their full lifespan of up to 10 years....

Reasons for Basil Leaves Curling Up Generally, growing basil in the garden is easy and stress-free. That being said, problems can and do arise. Basil leaf curl treatment is dependent on the specific factor causing it. Here are the most common stressors leading to curling basil leaves. Sunlight – Basil is definitely a sun-loving plant and exposure to less than six hours of bright light per day may result in distorted foliage or basil leaves small and curled....

What is Boltonia? Boltonia plants are characterized by their attractive flowers and large bushy habit. They can grow 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 m.) tall with a spread of up to 4 feet (1 m.) in width. False aster Boltonia is a perennial which prefers dry soil in full sun but can grow in partially shaded areas. Plants in lower light tend to get rangy and may require staking....

For those who aren’t familiar with what a bottlebrush plant is, a brief description is in order here. These are of the Callistemon genus. Bottlebrush type blooms can be 4 inches (10 cm.) around and 12 inches (31 cm.) long. Bottlebrush pruning varies with the family and, of course, the particular plant. Bottlebrush plants are native to Australia with various cultivars that vary in size. Bottlebrush Pruning for Health Bottlebrush pruning that helps plants to maintain good health should be looked at in spring and late summer....

About Picking Boysenberries At one time, boysenberries were the crème de le crème of berries growing in California. Today, they are a rarity, located after searching high and low at the farmer’s market, if at all. This is because harvesting boysenberries is time-consuming and costly, and because the berries are so delicate that in order to ship them producers ended up picking boysenberries before they were fully ripe, thus, rather tart for eating fresh....

About Rice with Brown Leaf Spots Brown spots on rice can start on even seedling leaves and are usually small, round to oval circles, brownish in color. It is a fungal issue, caused by Bipolaris oryzae (previously known as Helminthosporium oryzae). As the crop grows, leaf spots may change colors and vary in shape and size, but are usually round. Spots are often a brownish red as time progresses but usually begin just as a brown spot....

While these butterflies have been around a long time, only recently has cycad blue butterfly damage become a problem for gardeners. Read on for more information about butterflies that damage cycad plants and tips on how to prevent this from happening. About Blue Cycad Butterflies Sago palms are usually the toughest of plants, but in recent years gardeners have seen their cycads looking sick. According to experts, the most likely cause is the presence of butterflies on the plants....

Growing Vines in Central U.S. States and the Ohio Valley Too often vines are overlooked and underused in modern landscaping designs. Yet, these simple plants can add the finishing touch to a pagoda or gazebo. Flowering vines can bring a splash of color to a drab wall or fence. Leafy vines bring a dignified look to older architecture. Additionally, dense matting vines can be used as a weed stopping groundcover. When selecting a vine for climbing, the key is to match the vine’s climbing ability with the type of vertical surface provided....

Why Do Christmas Cactus Leaves Turn Purple? Oftentimes, a purplish tint to your Christmas cactus leaves is normal. That said, if it’s noticeably throughout the leaves, it may signal an issue with your plant. Below are the most common reasons for leaves becoming red or purple on Christmas cacti: Nutritional issues – If you don’t fertilize your Christmas cactus regularly, the plant may be lacking necessary nutrients. Feed the plant monthly from spring until mid-autumn with a general purpose fertilizer for indoor plants....

Coffee Grounds for Mosquito Control? In many regions of the world, mosquitoes are among the most troublesome pests. In addition to spreading a plethora of diseases, these insects can cause allergic reactions and a great deal of distress. Without protection from their bites, many people may find outdoor activities to be insufferable. Traditional methods of mosquito control include the use of repellent sprays, citronella candles, and even special lotions. Although some commercial mosquito repellents are effective, the cost of using them on a regular basis can be quite expensive....

Symptoms of Watermelons with Nematodes Nematodes live in the soil and feed on the roots of plants, reducing their ability to absorb water and nutrients and leading to a general decline in their health and productivity. Not only does nematode feeding weaken the plant, but it can also predispose plants to fungal or bacterial disease or transmit viral disease. In watermelons with nematode damage, leaf chlorosis is evident and leaves may be stunted and wilted....

Dead Needles on Pine Trees Although you planted pine trees to provide year-round color and texture in your backyard, pine needles don’t always stay a lovely green. Even the healthiest of pines lose their oldest needles every year. If you see dead needles on pine trees in the autumn, it may be nothing more than an annual needle drop. If you see dead needles at other times of the year, or dead needles on lower pine branches only, read on....

What Types of Annuals Do Well in Full Sun? Hot summer temperatures and ample hours of sunlight are often considered to be quite difficult growing conditions for many species of plants. Fortunately, if you have exceptionally sunny garden spaces, options for full sun annual flowers abound. In determining which annuals like full sun, it’s important to also consider other characteristics, including the plants’ needs for irrigation, as well as their preferred temperatures....

What is Dischidia? It isn’t correct to call Dischidia a carnivorous plant, but in a sense, they do attract ants and eat the dead ones – lending to its commonly referenced name of ant plant. Ants live inside the strange, balloon-like organs produced by the plant. They bring in nutrients and fend off predatory insects. In return, the plant provides a secure home. This is a fun and unique plant to grow in your home (without the ants)....

There are so many untruths in this old wives tale, that it is hard to know where to start disproving them. Squash and Cucumber Are Not Related Let’s start with the whole basis of this idea that squash plants and cucumber plants can cross pollinate. This is absolutely, without a doubt, undeniably not true. Squash and cucumbers can’t cross pollinate. This is because the genetic structure of the two plants is so different; there is no chance, short of laboratory intervention, that they can interbreed....

A bract is a modified leaf arising from the stem at the point of the flowers development. Usually inconspicuous, bracts on growing dove trees are quite spectacular akin to the brilliant red bracts of poinsettias. Dove Tree Info The pyramid shaped dove tree has heart-shaped leaves arranged alternately and about 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm.) long. Dove tree first flowers in May with two bracts surrounding each flower; lower bracts are 3 inches (7....

Prior to Feeding a Dracaena Plant Before we discuss feeding a dracaena and dracaena fertilizer needs, let’s talk about some problems that might resemble fertilization errors. Leaf tips and edges may turn brown from the wrong kind of fertilizer. However, they may display this problem from too little humidity as well, so before you fertilize, correct humidity issues if needed. Mist daily, place a pebble tray nearby, or purchase a room humidifier....

Dusty Miller Care Although the dusty miller flower blooms in midsummer, the small yellow blooms are small and not considered showy. The foliage of the dusty miller plant, however, is long lasting and drought resistant. As with most silvery, furry plants, growing dusty miller helps the garden remain attractive through the heat of the summer. It will also tolerate frost. The dusty miller plant is often grown as an annual and discarded after the first season, however, it is an herbaceous perennial and may return in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 to 10....

Eucalyptus Tree Identification Trees of the genus Eucalyptus come in all sizes, ranging from short, bushy varieties to soaring giants. All share the pungent aroma for which their leaves are famous, as well as exfoliating bark. These are the qualities that facilitate eucalyptus tree identification. Eucalyptus trees grow fast and generally live a long time. The many different species fall into several eucalyptus tree types. Mallet Types of Eucalyptus Trees You can divide eucalyptus tree types into categories related to their growth patterns....

Planting a pollinator garden is one of the best ways to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects into one’s yard. Fortunately, even the most inexperienced homeowners are able to easily plant and maintain a wide variety of nectar-rich plants. While it is common practice to grow flowers from seed or to add annuals to the landscape, the addition of flowering bulbs can take pollinator gardens to the next level....