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Trees & Houseplants : Home & Garden
How to Eliminate Peat Moss
Peat, or sphagnum, moss is a moss that specializes in expanding over and covering bogs and swamps. In essence, the moss slowly covers the water and prevents any sunlight from entering. In turn, this prevents the plant matter in the water from decomposing, resulting in bogs. Peat moss will not go awa
Care of Brodiaea Flowers
Brodiaea (Trileleia laxa) flowers are native to the Pacific coast from Vancouver south to Southern California. They are small perennial bulbs reaching 18 to 20 inches high with purple six-petaled flowers. They are common native choice for rock gardens and flowerbeds.
Rubber Tree Insects
Rubber trees appear in different settings around the world. In some places, huge rubber plantations arise that provide us with the source of latex, a critical ingredient in many industries. In others, smaller rubber trees are raised as houseplants. The tree is native to the rainforest but grows well
When to Plant Trees in South Texas
Southern Texas lies within USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 and 11, with average annual minimum temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Homeowners should use different tree planting schedules and techniques to compensate for this area's warm climate.
How to Set Up Artificial Lights for a Venus Fly Trap
Venus fly trap (Dionaea muscipula) is a carnivorous plant that is native to the North and South Carolina swamplands. To maintain healthy growth and their red and pink trap color, the Venus fly trap requires strong, warm light throughout the year.To maintain the light requirement for the plant, you c
Caterpillars That Live in Crabapple Trees
Crabapple trees are susceptible to caterpillar infestations.Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty ImagesYour prized, flowering, fruit-producing crabapple trees that offer abundant interest to your home garden may fall under attack by caterpillars looking for a feeding site. A variety of...
Gerber Daisy Plant Care
Also known as African daisy or Barberton daisy, the gerber daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) is a showy member of the aster/daisy family commonly grown across the globe as a bedding, container or house plant. The tender perennial is characterized by its large flowers, which are available in a broad spectrum
Information on the Meyer Lemon Plant
The Meyer lemon (Citrus meyeri) plant is also known as the improved Meyer lemon, dwarf lemon and Chinese dwarf lemon. It is a member of the rutaceae family. Originally from China, the tree is now grown in the United States during the mild, dry winters of Florida and the Gulf Coast, as well as during
Can a Small Bamboo Plant Grow Outside in the Shade?
Bamboo types span from cold hardy to tropical varieties, with some thriving in hot sun and others thriving in full shade. Height and spread provide additional factors for the gardener seeking to plant bamboo in the landscape. Some low-growing varieties grow just 3 feet tall, while others can reach h
How to Naturally Kill Mosquitoes in Water
Mosquitoes can carry disease and turn a potentially wonderful summer evening into an ordeal. To keep their population as low as possible, you must eliminate standing water from your property. Don't leave items such as tires or wheelbarrows outside in positions that allow water to accumulate. Homeown
Things That Help Lemons Grow
One of the best things you can do for your lemon trees -- and therefore, for your lemons -- is to find a spot that is well-suited to their needs. Lemon trees need a location that offers full sun, good air circulation and good drainage. Lemons are among the most cold-sensitive citrus fruits, accordin
Citrus Trees and Root Size Around Cement
Citrus trees may be grown in tropical or subtropical climates. The trees range in size but have wide, strong root systems that help them gather moisture in hot climates. All trees have the potential to become invasive with their root system. Roots will grow where their needs are met and spread to ar
What Causes a Hardwood Cherry Tree to Weep?
When a hardwood cherry weeps, you know that growers have grafted two trees to make one. Normal hardwood cherry trees grow just as any other standard or dwarf variety -- straight up. If you see a weeping cherry tree, look down the trunk for a large lump. This is the site of the graft where growers co
How to Water Green Desert Plants
Because the rain in the desert is so scarce, watering desert plants is a necessity. Unfortunately, there is no set answer as to how often to water. It depends on many factors, including the type of soil you have and the weather.
How to Prune & Care for a Rhododendron
With over 10,000 registered varieties of rhododendron, from large-leaved to dwarf shrubs, you'll find one for every climate in the world, but they all need similar care. Both the evergreen and deciduous rhododendron need little pruning in early spring, and only to maintain their size, encourage bloo
White Spots Under Hydrangea Leaves
Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.) vines and shrubs are grown for their large clusters of summer and fall blooms in shades of pink, red, blue or white. The deciduous plants have a rapid growth rate and perform well in containers. A fungal infection leads to the appearance of white spots under foliage.
How to Prune a Viburnum Snowball Shrub
While there are over 150 varieties of viburnum, one of the most popular is known as the "snowball bush." Attaining tree size at 12' by 12', clusters of tiny white flowers resembling snowballs cover the plant in spring. A hardy shrub that does well in zones 2 to 9, it is easy to plant and care for, a
How to Interpret History Through Tree Rings
When a tree is cut down, a cross section of its trunk can be removed to expose its many rings. These rings, with some limitations, tell us quite a bit about the growth of the tree in the past. Consider each tree ring an encapsulation of the environment at that time of growth; the rings have captured
How do I Change Corn Hybrids?
If you are a farmer or a hobbyist, growing corn is a challenge, as the growing rate and success of the crop is based on forecasting the number of days of warm temperatures. New hybrids of corn are created annually to deal with shorter growing periods at lower temperatures. Depending on your location