Tuesday, November 17, 2009

White Worms In Fire-Bellied Toad Tank?

Recently I've found tiny worms in my Fire-belly tank. Some rang to about a centimeter, no bigger than an air bubble, to about half an inch.


The smaller ones are sometimes carried around by the filter and others attach themselves to the side of the tank.


The larger one swim in an "S" shape and are white, one is a light gray.


I do occasionally use rain water because it's healthier than tap water but I let it sit outside in the sun until the late afternoon when I cover the top of my water supply which I later bring inside for the froggies. I also have some lucky bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana) in my tank if that makes any difference.


I just cleaned my tank a week ago, but I'm afraid that they may be harfmul to my four fire-bellies. Thank you for any help I may receive.

White Worms In Fire-Bellied Toad Tank?
They are some sort of ticks or mites that may harm your toads.





You have to set out a mission to clean up.





Buy a reptile disenfectant found at any good reptile shop do NOT use a normal disenfectant!





Take out everything and put your filters in hot water. Also, boil the bamboo and any other plants you might have. Hot water and boiling will kill off any of these pests.





Empty out your tank and use the reptile disenfactent for the insides, clean well!





That should get rid of them - make sure to put everything in warm water for a while!


I know it is a hard procedure but still- its for your toad's safety!





I also suggest checking out your toads- they might have these worms on them too





Some helpful links:


http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?...





http://www.anapsid.org/mites.html
Reply:if you are using rain water it could be mosquito larvae, i would take the water out and put clean water in, but keep the water you take out as if it is mosquito larvae then when they turn into mosquito's you have some live food for your toad, it is more than likely when the water was outside something layed its eggs in it then in they hatched in the tank, great live food for the toads, i have fire bellied toads and they do not usually get worms, but if you leave the water in the toads will eat what ever bug it is, best of luck honey.


Can anyone help me identify these plants?

My mother bought these adorable untagged potted plants for me when my room was being redone. There are four of them. On of them I believe is a dracaena, but I am not sure. Please help! I need to know their species so that I can evaluate whether or not they are toxic for my birds.





unknown plant:


http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/...





unknown tree?:


http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/...


http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/...





dracaena?:


http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/...





unknown vine:


http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/...


http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/...

Can anyone help me identify these plants?
plant= false aralia


tree= schefflera


dracaena is right, we call it a corn plant


vine= ivy
Reply:Partial answer: Your unknow tree is not a tree but is a scheffelera or aka umbrella plant. It can get quite large but will not make a tree. Your vine is a sweet potato vine. So much for now. Your dracena is correct. I am still workig on the first plant. It might be some sort of fern but I am looking. The other three are correct.
Reply:I think the 2nd picture could be an "Umbrella Plant". Haven't a clue about the others though.
Reply:You should have put this in the Botany section in Science and Mathematics. Of course they are more knowledgeable about plants than Landscapers, sorry to say. But thats their proffesion. Botanists = Botany = Theres your answer





Edit: People here might have answers, but you have better luck in the Botany section. Post it again over there.
Reply:ok the 1st 2 look like a dracnea and a schferrillla. the schef will get very big if planted outside so if u do plant it away from the house.The3rd looks like a ribbon plant and i believe the4th is aneedle point ivy.


I looked them up in my houseplants for modern living book.


I'm 99% sure these r ur plants or at least in those families.
Reply:The plants are the kind that need water

horns

Traveling Plants???

I just bought a "Dracaena Lucky Bamboo" while I am visiting at my gramma in the Bay Area (near San Francisco). I am flying back to Los Angeles on the 31st, and I was wondering if anyone knew if I can take the plant with me somehow. how does that work exactly? Do you just put the plant in a box and put it in your suitcase or what?

Traveling Plants???
Cool i live in the bay area too! AnyWays take it to the UPS or Kinkos Store And Ship It to your house!


Hope I helped!
Reply:Well, this plant isn't really a bamboo, like you said it's a dracaena. Is your plant in water or in a pot with soil? Either way, all you need to do wrap your plants roots in a wet paper towel, put your plant in a plastic bag and put your plant somewhere it wont get damaged.
Reply:Wasn't there a film made a few years back, "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Plants?"


Plant Help Please?

Does anyone out there know how to care for a "Dracaena Lucky Bamboo"? I just bought one, and it said that it needs to be fertilized with "mild liquid house-plant food". I bought "Easy to Use Liquid Plant Food for Houseplants, Container Gardens, and Vegetables". Can someone please tell me any special care for this bamboo and/or how to store the liquid plant food? I'll take anything. PLEASE HELP. I want this plant to be well-taken-care-of.

Plant Help Please?
here you go..make sure you let the chlorine dissipate from tap water..of buy distilled water first..


http://www.flowershopnetwork.com/pages/n...


Help! My dog munched on a plant - is it toxic?

My basset hound (which pretty much eats everything anyway and never bother her) over a week ago devoured a plant over at my friend's house. We didn't realize it until days later when she found the almost entirely empty pot! It was a Magenta Dracaena plant. I have no idea what type that is, I'm not a plant person. She was moping around all last week and slowly got back to her self but then yesterday got really mopy again and this morning was acting very weird. Was standing in the corner, almost like she was going to throw up. I am waiting to hear from the vet but does anyone know about this plant and/or if it is toxic for pets? Should I be worried? She is drinking water and eating dry food still. Nothing ever takes her appetite away. Any help would be great!

Help! My dog munched on a plant - is it toxic?
Check here: http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pag...


Striped Dracaena is on this list.
Reply:you did the right thing taking her to the vet i hope she gets better but their has been pet food recalls but i highly dought thats whats making her sick. becouse you cant get the recalled food unless you have some left over go on the internet and see what foods have been recalled but its mostly the canned food. find out whats plants are poisanuis to animals go to the libery or on the inernet. p.s. i hope your dog gets better.
Reply:I would be doubtful that would be making her sick now if she ate the plant over a week ago. Have you checked the recall list for the contaminated pet food? It could be that, but if she is at the vet's office now, she's in the best place she could be and you did the right thing! She will be fine. : )
Reply:it seems that u have taken her to the vet well my only advice is to pray and also u can look the plant up on google or ask ur friend about it
Reply:Well good news is ..the plant was not on the toxic list, but what you have to know is is she pottying well, especially urninating...also beings your dog eats most anything here's a site for Toxic Plants http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/co...


in your case I would seek a VETS advice as well, it's been awhile...when or if you first catch an animal that has eatin poisions or something toxic, you can make them swallow Hydrogen Peroxide bout a 1/4 cup to start till or to make them vomit the poisions right away..got that from a Vet when our dachsund found some old rat D con...that someone had put out ( NOT us ) we never use such things around any kind of animal ...Be Well :)


Question about watering house plants.?

I have several plants like Dracaena (lucky bamboo), Venus Fly Trap, and an Orchid all of which require distilled water because they are sensitive to chlorine in tap water. I also Have several fish tanks that require me to use a water conditioner to remove the chlorine and chemicals so I was wondering if I can use conditioned water (not tank water) instead of distilled water to water these plants. I'm kind of tired of buying special water just for a few plants. I'm wondering if anyone has ever tried this.


Anyone have any opinions or facts about this idea?

Question about watering house plants.?
Besides being sensitive to chlorine burn, the three plants you list are also very sensitive to dissolved solids and minerals. So stick with RO (deionized), distilled or clean neutral pH rainwater. Avoid aquarium, softened, or conditioned tap water for the fishies. The water conditioner has to be more expensive per gal. than RO water. RScott
Reply:How often do you do a water change in your aquarium? Why? Well, for many years, I have used aquarium water to water my plants. I had a 150 gallon tank with Discus and a few other fish that require VERY clean, low pH water.





Alternatively, you can get tap water and leave it out for a day or two, the chlorine will dissipate from the water after a day. Still have the water additives (calcium, lime, etc.), but no chlorine.
Reply:Personally, I just keep what I called "aged" water in a pitcher for my houseplants. I just run tap water in there and let it set out for at least 24 hours. My plants do great with it but I don't have the ones you mentioned. I like it, too, because the water is room temperature. No shocking my leafy buddies with cold water.
Reply:Conditioned water and reverse osmosis water are two different things. A water softner or conditioner uses salt which is a no no for all of the above. If you are refering to a RO or reverse osmosis, yes you can absolutely use that and stop the distilled. If you have a PPM meter (parts per million)you can tell how clean your RO water really is. RO is what I have used for years and is fine for everything.
Reply:Do NOT use aquariums water for your lucky bamboo. I did, and lost some of my bamboo. I use spring water for both plants and tanks.
Reply:hi there,i don't have an answer for your question but i always see you answering my questions on this acount and my other acount, and i just want to say thank you for answering so many go my questions with thoughtful and correct answers. you definielty have a talent! thanks for answering all of my other gardening questions in the past!

Toothpaste

I just got a plant I believe to be a dragon tree( either dracaena deremensis, or dracaena marginata)?

It is large, and instead of repotting it, I believe I can take cuttings from it and make new plants from them, getting rid of what is left of the original plant( which was under stress) . I know about" Air layering" which I have no time to do( I'm moving soon) is it possible to cut the crowns of the tree and treat it as a"lucky bamboo"( Dracaena sanderiana) and "plant "it in a bowl of gravel until it roots?

I just got a plant I believe to be a dragon tree( either dracaena deremensis, or dracaena marginata)?
your idea might work. some plants will shoot roots if they are placed in water, however some will not. It would be worth a try
Reply:I think they made a good choice picking this answer. I'm going to give it a try,lol. Report It



Watering my dracaena plant?

I have a dracaena, and I'm not sure how much I should be watering it, nor am I sure of the amount of water I should be giving it each time. It's fairly young; I bought it about two weeks ago. I gave it about six ounces of water, but the majority of it soaked through the pot. The last time I watered it was about three or four days ago.

Watering my dracaena plant?
how big is the pot....


six ounces into a 3 gallon pot wouldn't be excessive


but that much to a six inch pot would be way more than enough.





please have a little kindness for bugsie she gave you the right answer.





draceanas CAN take a lot of ignoring and be just fine.





make sure the soil in the pot is firmed up so the water doesn't just run through.


every ten days is plenty..... almost too often.


never let it sit in water most of its roots are in the bottom half of the pot---don't change that.


they like to be pot bound,


they grow more in summer,


if you can leave the water sitting out over night before you water the plant it will help reduce the chlorine/fluoride issues that draceanas sometimes have.


if you water it too often the roots will rot.


-they have some big fat storage roots.





good luck-----


----oh yeah, what kind of draceana is it by the way?
Reply:Thanks Fluffy, Bugsie Report It

Reply:Did you know that the common name for Dracaena is 'Mother-in-laws Tongue'?





I agree with bugsie. DO NOT OVER WATER!!!!


Once a month should be enough depending on the type of soil.





Also, the plant likes to be crowded in its pot, so, you won't need to re-pot it too often. Don't let the roots strangle in the pot; watch for that depending on the plant soil and size of container you got at the nursery.





Enjoy!
Reply:Dracaena can go a long time with out water.


UNLESS they are in the direct sun.


I live in New England, and in the winter once a month water, with some misting in between is enough.


More will rot them.


It is very drought tolerant and cold tolerant also.


So do NOT LOVE IT TO DEATH!


DO NOT


OVER WATER


OVER FEED


OVER PROTECT


pretend you don't like it and you will be more successful!


Dracaena Marginata?

This past January I bought a dracaena marginata when I was at Walmart. I felt bad, it was all droopy and sad. I brought it up and took care of it and it's grown quite a bit and it's kind of my baby--I'm not known for my green thumb, so it's survival makes me feel good.





Anyway, I really like these plants and I saw another plant of the same species at Walmart and it looked just like mine did when I bought it--rather sad.





I was wondering, if I bought it would it be safe to plant it with my older plant? (in the same pot) I just didn't know if there was anything that needed done before combining plants like that... (no green thumb, here...)





So would my original plant be ok? Should I fix up the new plant before potting them together?

Dracaena Marginata?
plants and humans in urbans areas are overfed. one should ensure that the water is drained from the pot. most of the plants die due to waterlogging. also work up the soil weekly to ensure loosening of soil. it depends on the size of the pot when u want to plant another plant in the same pot.


shrirammullick@yahoo.co.in
Reply:I have several of these plants myself and just keeping them alive is a chore to me! I know your feeling...my thumb is missing too!





I just re-potted a few of mine recently and they all seemed to go thought this "dying" stage and didn't look to healthy. After potting the required more water than usual to keep the plants up and going.





I personally would be afraid you might over water you existing plant trying to keep up with the new transplanted one. Besides the fact that the freshly potted on could use a bit more fertilizer.





I would keep them separate until next spring. Pot them together and let them recover together.





I'm not a plant expert by any means but this logic seems to make since in my little mind! LOL


Painted turtles and live plants?

today i got a live plant for my turtle tank....its white ribbon plants (dracaena sanderiana) .....this type of plant cant hurt my turtles right? i got it from petsmart...

Painted turtles and live plants?
This plant you speak of is lucky bamboo and naturall grows in the understory of rainforests, nowhere near the natural US habitat of the the painted turtle, so i reccomend that you dont risk is, use only plant native to the animals habitat to be on the safe side.
Reply:Your turtle is going to rip it apart and dig it up. Try floating anacharis instead. It is a perfect turtle treat, adds intrest to the tank, and you don't have to worry about re-planting them every two hours.
Reply:It's poison to cats and dogs so I wouldn't risk it.
Reply:take it out!!!!!!!!!!!or else...
Reply:you should ask customer support at petsmart.

shoe horns

Another Betta question re Lucky Bamboo as a Snack?

As soon as I got my rescue fish home, I looked around the house for a "water plant" that was non-toxic to put in with him as a "soother". I had some Lucky Bamboo ( Dracena / Dracaena sanderiana ) and I cut off a 2" section that had new growth on it. I am awaiting receipt of ordered Java Moss and Ball Moss so I didn't want to shell out too much more for plants in the meantime. I put it in the tank and the old growth section floats and lets the new shoots hang down. They have been munching on the greens and seem to enjoy using it to hide and play. They particularly seem to like the green outer layer of the old growth. If I plan to use this like a treat/ snack and change it out regularly, can you see any harm in that? Since they are enjoying it, what I figure is that when I do a complete tank change once a week, I'll change out the bamboo and use the old ones as cuttings to grow more.

Another Betta question re Lucky Bamboo as a Snack?
Bettas are carnivorous,they eat meaty foods. they need bloodworms,daphnia,crushed krill,etc. They just play with plant, The bamboo plant will not do any harm and will help the bio=system.
Reply:I didn't mean answers on this question necessarily. . . I meant in general and in my experience on other boards. Didn't mean to offend. Deborah Report It

Reply:They are not vegetarian,they are insectivores.
Reply:Um the bamboo should be healthy and grow, there would be no reason to change it. Betta fish do not eat plants, they might be picking at it looking for insects or small creators to come out, as this is what they naturally eat.





Also its not a good idea to change all the water every week, having some algae growth is healthy, recommend cleaning half the tank once a month and then at the end of the month cleaning the entire tank. Over cleaning may kill your fish.





If you need to clean your tank this much then you are over feeding your fish. Remember a "hungry fish is a healthy fish. "


Help! My dog munched on a plant - is it toxic?

My basset hound (which pretty much eats everything anyway and never bother her) over a week ago devoured a plant over at my friend's house. We didn't realize it until days later when she found the almost entirely empty pot! It was a Magenta Dracaena plant. I have no idea what type that is, I'm not a plant person. She was moping around all last week and slowly got back to her self but then yesterday got really mopy again and this morning was acting very weird. Was standing in the corner, almost like she was going to throw up. I am waiting to hear from the vet but does anyone know about this plant and/or if it is toxic for pets? Should I be worried? She is drinking water and eating dry food still. Nothing ever takes her appetite away. Any help would be great!

Help! My dog munched on a plant - is it toxic?
Well, seeing as its been over a week since it happend and the dog is still alive, I'm guessing she will be ok. Usually poisonings take effect the same day or day after. However, because of her behavior, you should still be concerned. Take her to a vet to make sure. In the meantime, look at the links below for a full list. I saw "Gold Dust Dracaena" on several lists, but not Magenta. You still will want to get her checked out. Good luck.
Reply:You should verify this with your vet, but if it's been a week, then I doubt there's any harm done to the dog or it would have surfaced within hours of the ingestion.
Reply:Quick glance I don't see Dracena in either of these two sites, but that doesn't mean your doggie isn't in distress. She could have a bowel obstruction. I'd get her to the vet ASAP and get an Xray. If she had had bloat after eating the plant, she'd be dead by now, bowel obstructions take longer. I'm shocked her vet hasn't said, "Get her in here NOW!!!" She could still be bloating......get her in now!





http://www.cybercanine.com/toxicplants.h...





http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/tox...
Reply:Bring him to a vet to have checked out...I almost sure that it isn't toxic.
Reply:it doesn't sound toxic but wait to hear from u r vet.
Reply:I wouldn't worry to much about the plant as I had a cat once that ate the same kind and it didn't bother him at all. She may have been feeling ill already as whenever my dog feels that way, she will eat grass so she can vomit. I might check your dog food brand though..there are several that have been re-called..including some dry foods....If you're not sure if it is on the list, you should call the store where you bought it.
Reply:Your plant is called Dracaena marginata Magenta. I searched for toxicity online but couldn't find any references...doesn't mean it's not but at least you know the scientific name to use for reference when getting information on it. You may also want to call a local plant nursery and see if they can tell you.





I hope all is well.
Reply:Call your state Poison Control Center! The number should be with the other emergency numbers in the front of your phone book. They should be able to help. I think if I had called my vet about a suspected pet poisoning and they didn't return the call quickly -I'd go looking for another vet!
Reply:I am not sure about that particular plant, but I know that whenever my dog just eats yard grass she does the same thing. I would guess that she's ok... but you can never be too safe, if you can afford it, take her to a vet just to make sure.


Question about watering house plants.?

I have several plants like Dracaena (lucky bamboo), Venus Fly Trap, and an Orchid all of which require distilled water because they are sensitive to chlorine in tap water. I also Have several fish tanks that require me to use a water conditioner to remove the chlorine and chemicals so I was wondering if I can use conditioned water (not tank water) instead of distilled water to water these plants. I'm kind of tired of buying special water just for a few plants. I'm wondering if anyone has ever tried this.


Anyone have any opinions or facts about this idea?

Question about watering house plants.?
Don't used conditioned water on your plants. It has a high saline content, and will eventually kill them. If you have a filter like a Brita filter on your tap, this is all you need to filter the water adequately for your plants. I use water straight out of the tap for my African violets, and I've been winning prizes off and on for about 30 years, so filtered water really isn't necessary.
Reply:By conditioned water, do you mean water that has been softened? If so, I am afraid the answer is, no. Softening water does not take out chlorine.





On the other hand, there is another cheaper way to get distilled water: Find someone who uses a dehumidifier to pull water out of the air and have them save the water from their collection tank for you. The water may be a little dirtier than what you buy, but your plants won't care!
Reply:there is nothing wrong with using your fish tank water on your plants.This water is usually full of nutriants beneficial to plants In a balanced aquarium the plants absorb fish waste and produce oxygen that produces good water quality. When a fish dies I burry its remains in one of my house plant pots you would be amazed at the results (this is not recomended for orchids)many fertilizers are fish based
Reply:Conditioned water and reverse osmosis water are two different things. A water softner or conditioner uses salt which is a no no for all of the above. If you are refering to a RO or reverse osmosis, yes you can absolutely use that and stop the distilled. If you have a PPM meter (parts per million)you can tell how clean your RO water really is. RO is what I have used for years and is fine for everything.
Reply:I'm just going to add a few things from my other 'answer'. 'Dances-' is very lucky to have naturally soft tap water, a Brita removes organics and dissolved gases but won't remove minerals. The condensate from dehumidifiers and A/C units may be low in minerals but contains many dissolved organics. Everything from cooking oil and smoke, your breath, carpeting and paint, just too many unknowns for your "delicate three". RScott


My green plants are Yellow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?

Please help! i have two plants a "Tricolor Dracaena" and a "Janet Craig Dracaena" i just recently purchased both from a nursery. It hasnt been one week since i bought them and my Janet Craig plant has espicially turned yellow! i mean these plants are green, and all of sudden 50% of the plant is yellow and the tips are burnt. i have no idea wut the cause of this is and how i should prevent it from ttly wiping out my whole plant!!!!!!!!! i bought these plants for 100 dollars each!!!!! and i want to take good care of them! so please advice anyone?

My green plants are Yellow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?
the usual cause of yellowing in houseplants is lack of light. However, as strange as it may seem, dont move them. Your plants just went into shock because of the move and change of light.....Plants like the Dracaena can change from high light to low light but they have to lose some leaves to do it. Dont rotate your plant. Just keep it watered every two weeks or so, (only water when the soil is dry about 1 inch below surface) also, I recommend not cutting off any apparently dead leaves until they are brown. You want the plant to use its energy to survive right now, not grow new leaves.
Reply:As it happened suddenly I discount lack of water but that would be first check especially if you transplanted them. If that is not the case go to the nursery where you bought them and they will ask questions that will bring about an answer. In some stores .Lowes, Menard's,Home Depot there usually is a Big book by Ortho which has a large problem and answer section that will deal with individual plants such as your dracena.
Reply:changing color of plants can indicate couple things ... in your case it looks like lack of nitrogen.. u can simply go out and buy a organic nutrient and you'll notice dramatic change in color.. preferably a 10-10-4 nutrient = N-P-K n= nitrogen p= phosphorus k= potassium


i noticed that guano's work very well and they are all organic and provide all nutrients needed in one bag... instead of buying multiple hydro nutrients or reg store bought stuff. you can find guano anywhere almost these days





yellowing leaves - lack of nitrogen


brownish leaves - too much light or burnt by nutrient


crispy leaves - too much light too much nutrient


light color green leaves - lack of nitrogen


under performing plants - lack of light and lack of nutrient


droppy leaves - lack of water or light


leaves bending towards the sky = priceless = perfect balance of everything





hope this helps lol
Reply:for a hundred dollars each, I would march back in to the nursery and tell them to keep them until they are healthy......who knows, they may have been overfed as they often are being delivered to nurseries from the growers....take them back and plop them down for replacements...
Reply:If you only bought them a week ago then I would definitely take them back. For that kind of money you need an explanation. Good luck.
Reply:sounds like they are getting tooo much sun and burning move them to a shadier area and give some water look in home depot for a treatment to put in the soil to boost them back
Reply:Is it getting full sun? If so, it may be getting "burnt". It doesn't like direct light. Indirect or filtered is best.





If you bought just a week ago - I would check into the return policy of the store.

loops

Cure for plant disease, white colored, maybe fungus?

I have a house plant. I think it's called Dracaena--long slender leaves. I've had it for more than three years. Recently, the leaves have been falling off faster than the normal rate. The bottom leaves are falling off first. There's a white substance at the base of the leaves. I don't know if it's fungus. And I have no clue as to whether this has been causing the leaves to fall off.





I've wiped it off, but it returned, and the leaves still continue to fall off. Generally, I don't like chemical pesticides, but if there's no other cure, I'll try it. Is there a home remedy I can use? Maybe mixing water with something one regularly has in his / her kitchen?





The plant is in a location where it receives moderate light, and it has been in that location from the first day I bought it. I don't think the sunlight is the problem, nor the amount of feeding or water I give it. I'm not akin to transplanting it to a bigger pot, considering its current condition.

Cure for plant disease, white colored, maybe fungus?
It is from the Dracena Marginata family. I think you have somehow contaminated it with spider mites. Do you have any other plants, have you taken the Dracena outside lately to get sun? There is a spray that you can get at Lowe's that kills these pests, but when you do, be sure you don't take the plant outside, then inside. Keep inside, as spider mites come from other plants and that is what is killing your leaves.
Reply:Try washing with soapy (dish liquid) water. If that doesn't work you can buy insecticide soap. There are also sprays, but you would have to take it out side. And if you do, and the Sun is hot, be careful the plant doesn't burn.
Reply:Mix 1 quart water plus 1 tablespoon alcohol plus 1 drop of dishwashing detergent and spray plant and soil around the plant.
Reply:You don't need the alcohol but mix 1 part water to 1 part dishwashing liquid in a large container like a 5 gal bucket. Turn the plant upside down in the bucket while holding the soil, dip the plant up and down about 10 times, let it set for about 5 min then take it outside or in the bathtub and rinse it off. You could also do it by hand leaf by leaf wiping both top side and underside. It sounds to me as if it has mealy bugs, they will definitely kill it if not taken care of. Be sure to let the soil dry good before watering this type of plant, these plants don't like alot of water and keeping any plant to moist only attracts critters. Good Luck.


I'm trying to find the what kind of plant I have?

It looks kinda like the dracaena sanderiana but smaller stalks and the leaves are rounder at first i thought it was a kinda bamboo but its not soo can any one help me please it is trying to die on me and I dont want it too it was growing fine and now it all but died and there are a few growing back I just want to find out what im doing wrong

I'm trying to find the what kind of plant I have?
If you bought it go back for answers


Try filtered water


If stem is like bamboo, there is one species that isn't


/stagnant water will kill anything


If by chance it grows in earth is it pot bound?


Where can I buy these plants? (names inside. possibly rare)?

Latin Names:





1)Dracaena deremensis


2)Yucca elefantipes





They are not sold in any of my local stores, and I don't know any "specialized" stores. I'd order them online, but I don't see anyone selling them. These are not supposed to be very rare because they are houseplants as far as I know. Can anyone tell me where I can get these?

Where can I buy these plants? (names inside. possibly rare)?
Hello-------I am a Certified Master Gardener.





I highly recommend this book:





WHERE ON EARTH: A GUIDE TO SPECIALTY NURSERIES AND OTHER RESOURCES FOR CALIFORNIA GARDENERS by Barbara Stevens and Nancy Conner.





I sincerely hope this helps you.





PAMELA J.
Reply:Garden shop, or by mail
Reply:walmart, lowes ,and home depot have a wide variety of houseplants. and you may even google the names or try this.





www.yuccado.com


Consistent germination results for Dragon Tree (dracaena draco) seeds?

Out of 30 seeds only 1 germinated within 120 days (the limit for viability with these seeds?)





Any tips to get a better, if possible almost perfect, germination record?





All used the same method - heated propagator, on top of well drained soil.

Consistent germination results for Dragon Tree (dracaena draco) seeds?
Can you dig up the seeds that didn't germinate and take a look at them? If they're gone or mushy, they probably weren't viable to begin with. If they're hard, they probably need scarification -- I don't know this species, but a number of other species in this genus do need scarification for prompt germination. Go ahead and scarify -- you don't have anything to lose at this point.





With the next batch, you might also consider rinsing half the seeds for 24-48 hours to see if there's a germination inhibitor-- my usual method is to put the seeds in a tea ball under a drippy faucet. Make sure they get adequate oxygen while they're rinsing.

ice skates

Leaves discoloring on Corn Plant (Dracaena Fragans)?

I bought a healthy looking Corn Plant at the supermarket the other day. I know, my bad, never buy plants from the supermarket. But this one looked strong and healthy and it was cheap. I hear they are very hardy, but already some of the leaves are discoloring. The discoloration is a dark brown, and it's happening in the middle of the leaf, as opposed to the tips. It almost looks like some kind of toxic substance dripped on them, but that couldn't have happened in my house. I don't see any bugs and the leaves are not limp and there are no other signs of distress. The plant was fairly dry when I bought it, which is good because sometimes the grocers will over water them.





Does anyone know why this might have happened or if it's a sign of trouble?





Also, if anyone has a healthy Corn Plant, do you have any good tips about watering and light?





Thanks :)

Leaves discoloring on Corn Plant (Dracaena Fragans)?
Maybe?


I had a dracaena that developed grayish-brown areas on the leaves. Why?


The gray indicates a fungal problem. This can be avoided by increasing air circulation, keeping the plant a little bit drier and lowering the humidity.





Troubleshooting Problems with Dracaenas


http://www.bachmans.com/tipsheets/indoor...


Indoor plants:chammaedorea seifrizii (palm)/Dracaena , question about sunlight exposure?

Both of these classify as low light plants,that are most commonly used indoors, in offices, malls, etc. Does this mean that they need light at all times, including sunlight reaching them from windows? Should you put them right next to a window, or can they survive anywhere in the room even if direct sunlight from a window never reaches them?





I'm always afraid to keep plants away from sunlight because I think they won't survive at all. But I need advice on how much sun is appropriate, and if possible, water information on these plants.





Thanks!

Indoor plants:chammaedorea seifrizii (palm)/Dracaena , question about sunlight exposure?
They both will do well with little or no direct sunlight, the Chamaedorea better than the Dracaena. Low light levels and indirect sunlight will result in dark green leaves. The Dracaena will benefit by occasionally moving it into sunlight for short periods otherwise it will tend to get leggy. The Chamaedorea can remain in indirect light indefinitely.





If either of them are getting insufficient light, they will tend to lean toward the room's light source. If that happens, move them closer to the source and rotate them periodically





Remember that they both are tropicals and like warmth and moisture.
Reply:My dracena does great next to a window, it gets early morning light, and the room it is in is bright all day. Any light through a window is diffused light, direct sunlight is sunlight outside and will burn most houseplants. They don't require that sunlight reach them as long as they are in room that is basically light.





Invest in one of those moisture meters if you are unsure of water, it will be worth it, less water is better than too much with almost any plant...


Saturday, November 14, 2009

Where to buy "lucky bamboo" (dracaena, actually) in Manhattan?

I use it for home decor and I really like it. One of the stalks died b/e it was left out of water for a few days, and I want to replace it. Anyone knows where they sell those green bamboo looking sticks in Manhattan? Thanks! I know it shouldn't be more than like $2-$3, but online they have it for about $10, and that's just too much for that.


Thanks a bunch!

Where to buy "lucky bamboo" (dracaena, actually) in Manhattan?
was walking down the block and this lady was showing her friend about the lucky bamboo she just brought, 3 for $5 in chinatown.





lots of places sell it. jsut walk around. there's a spot on bayard st betwn elizabeth and mott. there's another place on canal btwn mulberry and baxter. many gift shops may have it.
Reply:www.AmericanGiftClub.com - Your No.1 Source for Lucky Bamboo Product and Information. Report It

Reply:try chinatown


its everywhere,even walmart sells them


How can i grow dracaena or lucky bamboo plants in india?

Friends I am a biochemist and interested in growing lucky bamboo in Uttrakhand region of India. I'll be thankful to anyone who guide me in this regard..

How can i grow dracaena or lucky bamboo plants in india?
Dracaena sanderiana, known as Ribbon Dracaena, lucky bamboo or sometimes Ribbon Plant, is a species of





Dracaena, native to Cameroon in tropical west Africa. It is one of a group of small, shrubby species with slender stems and flexible strap-shaped leaves that grow as understory plants in rainforests.





It is an upright shrub growing to 1.5 m tall, with leaves 15-25 cm long and 1.5-4 cm broad at the base.








Cultivation and uses---





Dracaena sanderiana and related species are popular houseplants, with numerous cultivars sold. It can survive in many indoor conditions, from direct sun to indirect lighting.





Although it grows better in soil, it often is sold with the roots in water.





The water level is to either be completely changed every two weeks or added to every week.





The water should be bottled water, or soft tap water with very little fluorine. It does best in bright, indirect lighting and temperatures above 15 °C up to 25 °C.





Yellow or brown leaf edges may be caused by fluoridated or chlorinated water, and can be prevented by leaving tap water exposed to the air for a day before plant use. Salty or softened water can also cause this.





Twisted shapes can be produced by rotating the plant with respect to gravity and directed light sources.








Propagation--





To propagate Dracaena sanderiana, simply make a clean cut just below a node on an existing sample and plant the cutting.





The cutting will quickly root in 2-4 weeks, and will grow from there. To stop the new cutting from rotting by getting water in the top of the stem, put a layer of wax over the top of the stem.





Unfortunately, the original plant will not grow any higher from where you cut it, but leafy stems will begin to sprout just below the cut section, often more than one will sprout over time. This is also an effective way of maintaining the height of your plants.
Reply:Well, this is going to sound really silly but we grow them in pots indoors, in Canada. Now if you want to go large scale that's another matter. You know as a bio person yourself, that the best way to grow a plant is to imitate it's natural environment. I would do some research into the areas of Asia that host the plant naturally and see what you can mimick within your area. Humidity can be altered if it's indoors...otherwise could be tricky especially during water shortages. Sorry, I don't know enough about India's climate to say, but that's my best guess!

skates

Leaf Spots on My Dracaena Lemon-Lime Warneckii?

Photos:


http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/3479/...


http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/2023/...


http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/7936/...


http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/3329/...


http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/6659/...





I purchased this plant from Save-On-Foods in Victoria a couple weeks ago. I've watered it a few times using tap water %26amp; it's currently in a white room with a large west-facing window that receives plenty of light (even when the blinds are closed).





I heard it could be overwatering (cold temperature %26amp; fluoride), so I've been using rainwater or filtered water instead. I had a leaf already fall off (turned yellow, then black on the tips; however, it wasn't soggy or dry). Meanwhile, the roots look plump and yellow/creme, which I assume is healthy.





It's still in its original pot from the store (with holes on the bottom), placed in a ceramic vase on my TV table in the living room.





Any ideas?

Leaf Spots on My Dracaena Lemon-Lime Warneckii?
Hey Yumaaji,





You did a great job of showing the problem and describing what it is not. The root system being 'vital', means to me that you are not overwatering.





The first diagnostic indication that I get is from your pictures. Good job there too. In plants, spots can be caused by Biotic and Abiotic reasons. In this case, the darker color surrounded by a halo, in various degrees indicates that this is Biotic. This is not the splashing of chemicals, or some other Man caused problem.





You have some sort of living pest. Check the underside of the leaves for signs of bugs (use a magnifying glass). Try first, cleaning the leaves with a solution of soapy water. Be sure that you do not put the leaves in direct sun while wet. If this does the trick, then stop, problem solved.





If it does not do the trick, then get a mild organic (if possible) fungiside, and apply according to the label on the product.





This should help.
Reply:You probably don't need to water as much as you actually are. It may have very wet roots. Try this test: use a wood or bamboo skewer and push it into the soil until it reaches the bottom. Remove the skewer and check the moisture of the soil that sticks to it. It's alot like checking a cake or brownies with a toothpick. If the soil is moist after only an inch or so down, it's plenty wet. Check the moisture periodically, and if it reaches a point near the bottome one or two inches of the pot, give the plant some water.


Dracaena Fragrans care?

About a week after i bought one, the leaves on it are starting to go limp and some of the tips are turning brown. I thought this was an easy plant to take care of, i water it regularly and keep in in the sun. I've looked on a few sites, some of them say i am supposed to trim it but what the hell am i supposed to trim, the leaves?





Also, is there anything else i can do to keep healthy?








This is the plant..





http://www.evergrowing.com/tips/cornplan...

Dracaena Fragrans care?
They're fairly easy plants to look after though, like many plants, can suffer a bit in modern homes, due to dry heating etc.





They can tolerate some shade, and I'd recommend growing it in partial shade, and right now, as its leaf tips are browning, I'd keep it out of harsh (drying) sunlight. They can withstand, and prefer, to dry out between waterings, so don't go overboard on the watering, in case it further shocks the plant, and/or causes some rot.





You can increase the relative humidity around the plant, which is likely to minimise the tips drying out, by having some water in a dish close to, or even under the plant. If the plant stands on a tray with water in it, add pebbles, so that its roots don't sit in water. Misting it will also add temporary relief from dryness too, although having water around it permanently is likely to be better.





Plants often get shocked from having been grown in perfect conditions in a greenhouse - right light, temperature and humidity - especially if they are then shipped out in winter time, stand around at plant sellers, and finally get their 3rd location, in someone's home. Plants to adapt to their environment, so its former adaptation would have been a more perfect position - hence the issues its facing just now. Yours will be starting to adapt to your home, after the stress of being moved etc.





Trimming will only remove dead and damaged parts of your plant, which can be helpful, but they don't clear the source of the problem, which is the plant's struggle to adapt after the stresses it's had.





Hang in there, increase the humidity around it, take it out of too much harsh sunlight, and it will adjust to your home conditions. Feed it once a month or so, during the growing season.





Hope these thoughts help. Good luck! Rob
Reply:i worked as a horticulurist for an indoor plant company after college and all the new plants we got in were immediately leeched, or flooded with water to remove all the extra fetilizer that was in the soil. those plants were grown in shade houses, and the growers had them full of fertilizer. since they have been moved to low light conditions, they are not going to take up as much, and burn your plants. hope this helps. richard


Madagascar Dragon Tree leaf problem?

I have had a Madagascar Dragon Tree indoor plant (Dracaena marginata... I think) for about a year now, but recently it has began developing speckled patches of small light brownish spots on its leaves. The spots appear along the length of the leaves (I'm not referring to drying leaf tips) and they tend to be on the newer leaves, not the older leaves. The plant was perfect when purchased and has never been repotted although some fresh topsoil (house plant compost) was added. I'm pretty sure that I am not over-watering the plant.





Any ideas or solutions will be most appreciated.

Madagascar Dragon Tree leaf problem?
It is possible that the damage you've described is due to overwatering. Another remote possibility is an infectious disease (leaf spots). Maintain good nutrient levels if diseased.








Soft-bodied sucking insects are a third possible cause. Look at the under side of the leaves as these insecs like to feed there. They prefer succulent, new growth. I think that aphids or mealybugs are the most likely candidates. For control, follow the recommendations in the following links: http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4...


http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4...





Pic of Madagascar Dragon tree with mealybug damage: http://www.plant-care.com/images/dracaen...








General care:





Tolerant of many soil types, but it is best to have a well drained soil that is moisture retentive.


Planting medium can consist of peat and bark .


Preferrs a pH level of 5.5 to 6.0 (acidic)


Has relatively high trace element requirements. so use a fertilzer with trace elements.


Maximum temperatures are 75 to 90°F, keep night temperatures at 60°F or above to avoid damage.


Cold damage occurs between 30 and 35°F.


Moderate to heavy feeders.


Apply a fertilizer source of 200 ppm N every watering.


Allow plants to dry between waterings, then irrigate thoroughly





Additional Info: Foliar sprays of Boron are used for a condition called flecking. Flecking is white spots near leaf tips and emerging roots. Chlorosis is caused by nutrient deficencies, not water on the leaves. Fusarium moniliforme produces tan spots, sometimes with an orange or yellow halos on the leaf. There is no recommended cure other than to maintain high levels of nutrients in soil.
Reply:The answer is completely useless and has paid little attention to the detail on my question. Aphids or mealybugs are NOT the most likely candidates as you suggest Report It

Reply:Ahhhh,your plant may be suffering from something called Fusarium moniliforme,or leaf spots.Sometimes the leaves can have chlorotic spots on it because water gets on to the eaves, so be careful to water directly into the soil.It can also be caused by a combination of environmental and nutritional factors.


Foliar sprays of boron and trace elements may reduce problem.Maintain high levels of nutrients in soil


Hope this helps.


Will my english ivy flourish well if planted in the same large pot as my dracaena marginata?

i realized that dracaena marginata, if not in a cluster clister, gets spindly looking as it matures and the lower leaves fall off. to remedy this i planted sum english ivy in the pot with it. the marginata is still full of leaves lower and upper but i figured it would be best to get an early start with the ivy. i plan to wrap the ivy around the stalk of the marginata as it gets bare. is this a good idea?

Will my english ivy flourish well if planted in the same large pot as my dracaena marginata?
The ivy will indeed fill the emptiness of the bare stalks, however, one word of caution. The ivy being grown indoors can get a number of insects; namely. red spider mite, mealy bugs and aphids. These will spread to the marginata, especially the spider mites. Some other suggestions for underplanting the marginata are aglaenoema, small dracena janet craig's, spathphyllums; however they are not climbers.
Reply:yes. it takes time before it flourishes.1st year sleeps,2nd creeps,3rd leaps. my planter outside has ivy 6' long after 3 years

running shoes

What kind of plant do I have?

It looks like a pineapple top, but it isn't related to yucca, agave, bromeliads, cordyline or dracaena. The leaves are 4-5 inches long, dark green, kind of pointy, and grow from the base of the plant all the way up to the top.

What kind of plant do I have?
You have a bromeliad more than likely. If you want to promote it to bloom, take a small slice of apple and put in the base of it. The ethylene it gives off will promote flowering.
Reply:Could it be Haworthia. Have a look it could very well be. Sounds though it could also be one of the smaller grassland aloes. Ideally a photo would make identification simpler
Reply:aloe?
Reply:tillandsia?


I just got a plant I believe to be a dragon tree( either dracaena deremensis, or dracaena marginata)?

It is large, and instead of repotting it, I believe I can take cuttings from it and make new plants from them, getting rid of what is left of the original plant( which was under stress) . I know about" Air layering" which I have no time to do( I'm moving soon) is it possible to cut the crowns of the tree and treat it as a"lucky bamboo"( Dracaena sanderiana) and "plant "it in a bowl of gravel until it roots?

I just got a plant I believe to be a dragon tree( either dracaena deremensis, or dracaena marginata)?
Air layering IS the best and easiest method of obtaining new tropical plants by asexual reproduction. It was invented by the Chinese and works very easily, is simple to do, and is perfect for tropical indoor plants. What's this BS about not having enough time? Air layering might take six months. Rooting cuttings will take several weeks. And if the stem cutting fails, then you've really wasted your time. With Air Layering the original plant will regrow if the Air layers are at appropriate locations. The Chinese invented the practice. They cut clay pots in two, then reunited them around a plant stem and filled it with dirt. I've found the original Chinese method is actually as good or better than modern methods with plastics. Why? Clay pots "breathe"....











Let it alone for three-six months and voila, it roots and you can separate the new plant. With clear plastic you can see the roots. With opaque plastics, you can squeeze lightly and should be able to feel the roots.





For tropicals, if you want to try stem cuttings, I recommend baked river sand [not ocean sand which has salt] alone and it should work fine, or you can use Vermiculite half and half with Perlite, but those two are rather expensive! Most people loose cuttings due to rot from excess moisture allowing fungal attacks. That's why traditional sand works well, it drains well. You bake it in an oven to kill harmful organisms.





However, moder methods can speed up the process significantly. Here's a great method to use.





Take a suitable branch or stem you want to air layer. Mix in a bowl shagnum moss with sand and potting soil about 1/2 moss and 1/2 sand and potting soil. You can sterilize the sand and soil by baking it in an oven for 30 minutes or so if you like, or treat the stem with a commerical fungicide or both.


Now tape clear plastic at the lower junction of the stem after you've scraped the stem with a knife. Some gardeners recommend slicing the bark around the stem entirely. I find that it works best to rough the bark with a knife or rough sand paper until you reach the cambium layer and then treat with Rootone rooting compound!!!, fill with the moss sand mix--some gardeners use just the moss alone. I've tried peat moss instead of sphagnum solo and it works rather well indeed! The clear plastic allows you to visually SEE the roots which should appear in a couple months, six at the latest. Tape the ball of moss in a ball around the wounded area and try your best to create a hermetic seal with the plastic. Now you can do other things and let Nature do the rest for you. Once you see roots, cut beneath the layered area and pot the plant in a separate container and baby it awhile until it is doing well.





Layering, stooling, dropping and other similar methods are a slow, but very SURE method of getting results.


There are tropical plants that can root in plain water like English Ivy. You might want to take a few small tip cuttings and place them in water. If this works, you can easily make a dozen plants in half no time. Once baby roots begin to appear, wait until they are sizeable enough and carefully pot them and allow them to mature. By the use of Hydroponics techniques which I use, and root cuttings in a aqueous gel solution, I can root just about anything I like without expensive misters and all that blahblah.
Reply:I think this is a good answer. I hope I can get it to root. Report It

Reply:yes you can, you can also get rooting hormone and add it to the water.


What easy-to-care-for plant can I buy to help clean the air at home?

Not too big and not too expensive please. Suggestions thus far are bamboo palm, rubber plants, and dracaenas. I am not a plant person and need a plant that is forgiving. I live in one room and don't have a lot of space.

What easy-to-care-for plant can I buy to help clean the air at home?
First choice, hanging Spider Plant, (Stenotaphrum). These plants are attractive hanging plants that will occasionally bloom nice white flowers for you. They can hang over your sink near the kitchen window or will grow in your bathroom provided there is sufficient light. This tropical and subtropical plant is wide spread. They require mininum care, some water and light, with a standard potting soil. They are easy to propagate with cuttings, and these plants do indeed clean the air as do all plants through respiration, pollutants are removed with the plant processes.
Reply:A plant isn't going to clean your air.
Reply:Peace Lilly, even if you neglect them, cut off the dead leaves, give a little water.... and they bounce back. Also, they don't need direct sunlight.
Reply:ferns and ivorys and an air purifier
Reply:you are wise!!! plants do clear the air of your home. i am very attached to my plants...try a philodendron variety. they are very low maintenance and when you clip off a peice of the 'mother plant' you can vertualy grow the peice you clip.


How to help a broken Dracaena marginata?

Okay, my wife has this Dracaena marginata - two stalks, I guess you'd call them.





Well, 1 1/2 stalks now. The cat attacked it sometime this morning, and broke one off at the point where the leaves end and the stalk/trunk/whatever begins.





Bad cat. Very bad cat.





Anyway, I'd like to repair/replant it. Which I did - stuck the broken-off part in the dirt near the original plant. But, not knowing much about this sort off thing, I don't know if that'll bring it back to life or just give it a different place to die.





Is there anything that can be done for it that I haven't? Splint it with popsicle sticks? Splice it back together ala jr. high vaguely-remembered biology? Play the entire Beatles anthology for it?





She just got the plant, and she's already pretty fond of it, so I'd like to keep it (and the errant cat) alive %26amp; healthy.





Thanks

How to help a broken Dracaena marginata?
If the plant is jagged where the cat attacked it, make a clean cut straight across with a sharp knife. New lateral growth will come in time. Take the broken off part and make a clean cut on IT. Let it dry for a day (until it stops "bleeding") then you can replant it in the same pot. With enough water and some plant food it should take. There is also a product called Root-tone where you dip the bottom of the broken stem in it and then plant it . Or you can root it in water by itself, then replant it in the same pot or start a new one. Good luck.
Reply:not sure
Reply:The broken plant will shoot a new growth in no time. You can put the broken-off part into a jar with water, it will root very quickly. Then plant it in a pot with tropical soil mix and keep the soil slightly moist - there will be another plant for you to enjoy. Dracaenas are very forgiving and tolerant plants.

riding boots

Dragon tree (Dracaena marginata) help?

Hi, I have a dragon tree (Dracaena marginata) and I fear that I might have mistreated it. I've had it about 5 years now and never had any trouble with it. I've re-potted it twice with no problems (the last time I think was last spring/summer). The new pot has three small drainage holes, but I worry it is too big and the compost at the roots it too wet......





Recently its started to lose a lot of leaves, most of which had turned brown, though one of the smaller trunks has now lost all its leaves, including the healthy looking ones.





I read that maybe this could be caused by the air not being humid enough, so I put it in a pebble trey....but its not made much difference, should I take it out of the trey?





Can anybody offer advice?





Thanks


Gemma

Dragon tree (Dracaena marginata) help?
The presence of brown leaves and trunks dying, sounds like It may have been staying too damp.


the bulk of the root mass is usually in the bottom half of the pot.


If the bottom stays too wet the roots rot.


The best thing that you can do is dump it out of the existing pot and look at the roots, they should be whitish or yellow and firm. If they are black, brown or wiry they are dead. A very healthy plant will have some very thick roots-as thick as your finger.


Remove all the dead roots and any soil that is funky smelling ( it is no good to the plant). Replant the tree into a smaller pot with new soil. If you can get Superthrive- treat it with that to help it reestablish its roots.


they can handle being very root bound. When they are repotted never go more than 1-2 inches larger pot size.


It is possible to just cut excess roots off and leave in the same size pot for a long time, if the plant is healthy. You can also just remove worn out soil and topdress draceanas.


Sometimes draceanas get mealy bugs in the soil but that usually leads to leaves yellowing.


I grew draceanas commercially bought, sold, rented, and maintained them in homes and offices.
Reply:Make sure the plante doesn't have an "infection". Look for damaged areas.





Then check for pests, you could have an issue their, as the dragon plant can suffer from mealy bugs and scale.





Check the soil for rotting. Does the water that drains out smell foul? Is water draining at all?
Reply:Could the fact that the leaves are turning brown. be that you may be overwatering. I am not too sure i don't have plants in the house, but try watering a little less.
Reply:When you replanted the plant did you use a plastic pot? Dracaenas don't like a lot of water at the roots. You should have a clay pot as this allows the roots to dry out and the exchange of air through the pot. Plastic pots tend to keep the soil wet as clay or porous pot let it breathe. It is also normal for them to drop their bottom leaves as they get older and taller. Put some small pebbles in the bottom to help with the drainage. wait til the soil in the pot feels really dry. People buy bamboo plants in water vases. Which are actually dracaenas. The roots grown in water are different than roots grown in soil. You can cut the dead part off the plant and this will force more shoots out the side.
Reply:You may be drowning it by over watering it. Tip it gently out of its pot and check if the roots are sodden. If so leave it out of the pot to dry out some of the soil. Make a few more holes for better drainage and put some broken crocks in the end to help it to drain. Dracaena needs to be in a humid atmosphere but not drowned. Spray it with a fine mister and and it should help, that's if you have not killed it already.


Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)?

What tips can you give for taking care of this amazing and wonderful plant? It just spreads so much joy and fills the room with colour and life. Sometimes my plants leaves get yellow so I trim the edges in an artistic way. Is this bad? Also, the roots are tangled and the lower parts that are immersed in the water form a slippery slimy surface between water changes? What is this? I also rinse the whole stick (leaves and all) each few weeks to get the dust off...etc. Should I dry them or just leave them to dry one their own? I also sometimes peel the nodes, to stimulate growth of more extensions. Is this ok? How else can I stimulate growth of more leaf branches? Any other tips and advice, or useful link? Thanks.. They all say hi btw. They're called Draca, Caena, Enas, Deriana, Sander...

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)?
Dracaena sanderiana(Lucky Bamboo), known as Ribbon Dracaena or sometimes Ribbon Plant, is a species of Dracaena.





It is native to Cameroon in tropical west Africa. It is one of a group of small, shrubby species with slender stems and flexible strap-shaped leaves that grow as understory plants in rainforests. It is an upright shrub growing to 1.5 m tall, with leaves 15-25 cm long and 1.5-4 cm broad at the base.





Cultivation and uses








Dracaena sanderiana and related species are popular houseplants, with numerous cultivars sold. It can survive in many indoor conditions, from direct sun to indirect lighting.





Although it grows better in soil, it often is sold with the roots in water. The water level is to either be completely changed every two weeks or added to every week. The water should be bottled water, or soft tap water with very little fluorine. It does best in bright, indirect lighting and temperatures above 15 °C up to 25 °C.





Yellow or brown leaf edges may be caused by fluoridated or chlorinated water, and can be prevented by leaving tap water exposed to the air for a day before plant use. Salty or softened water can also cause this.





Twisted shapes can be produced by rotating the plant with respect to gravity and directed light sources.








Propagation








To propagate Dracaena sanderiana, simply make a clean cut just below a node on an existing sample and plant the cutting. The cutting will quickly root in 2-4 weeks, and will grow from there. To stop the new cutting from rotting by getting water in the top of the stem, put a layer of wax over the top of the stem. Unfortunately, the original plant will not grow any higher from where you cut it, but leafy stems will begin to sprout just below the cut section, often more than one will sprout over time. This is also an effective way of maintaining the height of your plants.








Other useful information








-It is sometimes sold as "lucky bamboo", although it is not related to the bamboo.





Bamboo belongs to grass family Poaceae. Dracaena is a genus from Liliaceae Family.





For pictures click on the link below--





http://images.google.co.in/images?hl=en%26amp;...
Reply:Lucky Bamboo, botanical name Dracaena. It is tough and resilient which does not require much of the direct sun light and can even grow in the place like bathroom where sun light is not available in most of the houses. It is very easy to take care, only water is needed.





Lucky Bamboo is one of the plants that recommended by Feng Shui masters and practitioners for improve Feng Shui and create a space where you feel safe and more energized to meet the demands of today's high-pressured world.





Since this kind of plant symbolizes good luck, nowadays, people believe not only it brings green color into your room, but also bring fortune and prosperity to any household, business or people you care. Many occassion you can use lucky bamboo, such as wedding favor, party favor, baby shower, birthday, promotion, graduation, holidays celerbration, and etc.
Reply:i just leave in my bedroom and water it when it gets low and mines doing great :)
Reply:i just leave mine on the window ledge in the sun and put water in wenever i remember(not very often) so im sure yours will be fine


Dracaena marginata - leaves turned yellow and brown are really dry with broken or wilting tips? Help?

My boyfriend recently bought a Dracaena marginata plant. We were still trying to adjust to where the best place to the plant would be in my home (to provide it with the right level of light), as well as the better levels to water it when we got terribly cold weather. My house tends to get really cold during the winter and now the leaves have turned yellow and/or brown are EXTREMELY dry and brittle and the tips of the leaves are kind of bent or are wilted. As well, several of its leaves have fallen off. As we just got the plant, I'm not sure if the cause of all this was overwatering, underwatering, improper sunlight, or the cold, or a combination of everything. I have moved the plant to my office, where it is both warmer and it gets better indirect light. I'm looking for any suggestions to help me coax this plant back to good health and keep it that way! Thanks!

Dracaena marginata - leaves turned yellow and brown are really dry with broken or wilting tips? Help?
Sounds like it's too cold and dry for your plant. Don't water it more, but increase the humidity around it. Place the plant into a tray with pebbles in it so the plant sits on top of the pebbles, then add water to cover half the pebbles' depth. This is a great trick for increasing humidity around any houseplant, especially in winter.


It is possible you have overwatered the plant until the roots have rotted. If that's true, then not much will save it.


Why does a sulfuric smell come from my plant when I water it?

The plant is a Dracaena and it has been a wonderful plant. It's just when I water it that I run into problems. The plant omits a horrific sulfuric smell about ten seconds after watering. What causes this?? How can I rehabilitate the plant?? Thanks!!!

Why does a sulfuric smell come from my plant when I water it?
There's lots of sulphur in the soil and water brings the smell out. Now, before the growing season, would be a good time to repot your dracaena removing most but not all of the old soil. You don't want to shock your plant too much by washing away all of the soil. The plant has grown accustomed to the soil even though the smell may bother you.


Good Growing!!!
Reply:My guess would be that there has been sulfur added to tthe potting mix as a way to lower the pH. If that is the case then you'd have to repot. Shake all the excess soil from around the roots. and pot it up wth new soil. I like these potting soils: Fertilome ultimate potting soil, Foxfarm ocean forest, and regular miracle grow.

my rodents

Is this plant poisonous to my dog?

I just bought a Massangeane Cane, or Dracaena it's also called. I want to put it on the floor, as it is large. Does anyone know if it's ok for my dog....I have tried finding info online, but there is no mention of toxicity

Is this plant poisonous to my dog?
I do not know if this plant is poisonous, but the best advice that I can give you is to contact your veterinarian. If you can't get an answer from that direction, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. That particular plant is not on their website list of toxic plants, but it's better to be safe than sorry. You can submit a question at their website at http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants


I hope this helps.
Reply:Better safe than sorry, as the old adage says. I'd keep the dog out of the room your plant is in if that's feasible. Otherwise, plants make wonderful gifts!
Reply:have you talked to your vet
Reply:I'm not sure if it is poisonous, try the library for plant books. Cheaper than a vet bill. Librarian can help you find what you're looking for. I do know that the WetJet Mop contains enough anti-freeze that can kill pets. They absorb it through the pads on their feet. They don't need to drink the stuff. Just had to let you know, to keep your dog from getting poisoned.


Can i save my spike dracaena (dracaena indivisa) after the cat attacked?!?

Last Sunday I bought a spike dracaena (dracaena indivisa). He seemed to be doing well when the devil cat attacked him while I was sleeping. this morning I found the spike on the floor overturned. his spikes are chewed and spit up all over the place. ive heard this is not poisonous to the cat but is it poisonous to the spike? should i trim him and repot? give up? propagate the left overs and hope for a miracle?





i am a totally new gardener and only experimenting with a few (hopefully more) indoor houseplants. i live in zone 7b, north jersey.





please help and thank you!

Can i save my spike dracaena (dracaena indivisa) after the cat attacked?!?
take it outside for the summer and give it plant food. then in september bring it in. if it is green it is alive. also re pot. if worst comes to worst it might give off baby plants so good luck
Reply:Wow, you have the devil cat from hades, I've got the chewing pup from the next block....she's older now and still alive after ahem, five magazines, four bromeliads, three peat pots, two papyrus, and a hot pink geranium (twice)





Dracenas are tough. Whack it back beyond the damage, axillary buds will grow. Be patient.





Each leaf scar has the potential for being another plant. Oh, that's the cutting after whacking. You can rootone the tip and plunk it in soil for a clone of the mother plant. Never tried rooting them in water.





Good luck with the kitty.


I have brought quite a few dracaena plant for the house. Are they poisonous to my cats?

the plant looks like a small palm tree

I have brought quite a few dracaena plant for the house. Are they poisonous to my cats?
You might get better answers if you post this question in the pet section!
Reply:Yes, they are toxic to cats (specifically, Gold Dust Dracaena). Here's a really helpful website.
Reply:YOUR IN THE WRONG SECTION!!!


Why are the tips of the leaves on my plant turning yellow?

it's a houseplant called a corn plant, aka dracaena

Why are the tips of the leaves on my plant turning yellow?
Too much water or sitting in water. Draecenas are water when the leaves show a waffling. They hate over watering or siting in water. Pot up to the next size grow pot.
Reply:Either you're not watering it properly or it's blighting, when a plant gets "sick"
Reply:It might be to much water, or too little sun. When is the last time you repotted it so that it's roots do not get root bound?
Reply:first ou have to check that there is excess of water if so remove the water and stop giving water atleast 2 days and also give less water on altenative days and also add natural fertilizers . surely this will helps you
Reply:it's not getting enough water. first the tips of the leaves will be yellow, then they will dry out and crack off.
Reply:PROBABLY COLD ROOM TEMPERATURES

poison ivy

Help with Dracaena plants!?

I recently bought some dracaena plants from K Mart, they were in pots so I planted them in my front yard. There were four in total and they are spaced out in a square shape. The back two are doing quite well but the front two seem to be wilting and going brown and I am not sure why...this is the third set of plants I have tried in this area, the others also being of the spiky bushy variety but none of them seem to do well. It is a new garden for a brand new house so none of the plants are sort of established yet...I dont know what is the cause of the wilting? It does get quite cold and frosty in the morning so I am not sure whether the plants do not like these conditions perhaps?


Would it be better suited indoors? And if so, what can plants can I place there instead of the dracaenas?





any help would be appreciated. :D

Help with Dracaena plants!?
I think the Dracaena are better suited to indoor (Or QLD weather). Where are you from?


Perhaps you could try yuccas (which is from the same family) or Cordylines??


Is the soil loose and friable? Did you add a little fertilizer?


There is many reasons why the two arent growing. Are the other two in the shade?? Sun, etc.


Hope this helps


Maz (Mazscapes Nursery, Morwell)
Reply:You may be overwatering ~ Dracaenas do not like to have their roots wet ~ add some pumice or lava stone to your soil to insure better drainage. Also Dracaenas are a subtropical plant and will not tolerate a hard freeze.





The best way to figure out what plants do well in your area /neighbor micro-climate is observation! Plants, trees, bushes %26amp; flowers that are doing well in other people's gardens are more likely to do well in your own.





Transplant newly purchased plants gently ~ often nursery grown plants have never been exposed to direct full sun ~ give them a chance to adjust using protective screening or by gradually moving them into a sunny location ~ start with just a few hours of morning sun.





Also be careful not to over-fertilize. Never use more than recommended amounts on container. I generally dilute fertilizer applications to half the amount on package instructions with very good results.
Reply:The care of dracaena depends on the variety you have. The dracaena marginata is as tough as old boot, and you shouldn't have any problems with that one, but it can grow into a small tree outdoors.





Some other varieties are more temperature sensitive and would probably like a warmer location than you have. I would guess that the ones you have which are doing better are close to a wall or your house, where they are sheltered and also getting some radiant warmth from that source. My suggestion would be to move the ones which are looking "sad" indoors and see how they go there.
Reply:It is to cold for those plants outside they are tropical in nature.You need to get some perennials,they will come back every year,if you have some shade how about some Hostas? Hydrangea? Some shurb roses are pretty hardy.
Reply:Dracaenas are tropical plants. Which zone are you in?


buy plants or trees that are perennials in your area


The leaves on my plan are turning yellow?

The leaves on a plant called the "Dracaena Marginata" or other wise called "Tragon Tree" has yellow leave. The leave are more each day and I fear the plant will die if I don't fix it. Have I over watered it, did it get a cold draft from a window, not enought sun, to cold. What? Help Please!

The leaves on my plan are turning yellow?
Do not allow this plant to sit in water, doesn't like it, also, try taking the water you do use for it and make sure you let it sit for a day or more before using it, as it allows the chlorine to evaporate which can cause leaves to turn yellow. Sometimes plants will have leaves that turn yellow, but in general it is a sign of stress and the sooner you deal with it the better. Also making sure the plant has adequate light and ventelation, and no drafts is better. Hope this helps you out! Good luck!
Reply:Overwatering
Reply:Usually too wet...they are very sensitive and likly it is already a gonner.
Reply:probably overwatering, these plants will withstand their soil being dry and actually respond better to it.





water once a week in a pot and remove any saucers. They do like a lot of sunlight too


What kind of dirt and size pot do I need for some plants?

I don't know anything about plants and I have a Ficus, Dracaena and a Peace Lily to care for. Also what window and how much water do they all need? Oh, and is there a special way they need to be re-potted?

What kind of dirt and size pot do I need for some plants?
Yes. First of all when transplanting a plant, the new pot should only be 2" bigger than the current one (ex: it is in a 8" pot, so transplant it to a 10" pot.) If the new pot is more than 2" bigger there is a chance the plant will go into shock. Also, fill the pot half way w/potting soil, set the plant in (after loosening the roots by running your fingers through them, the same way you do w/your hair!) WATER, fill the rest of the way w/soil and make sure the roots are covered and water again. WATER AGAIN, by watering it twice while transplanting that will force air bubble out which could also cause shock.





The Peace Lily will do well in a room that is shady or does not get direct sunlight. These do not like a lot of direct sunlight.





The ficus will do well in almost any lighting EXCEPT shade. Some indirect or direct sun will be good.





Dracaena is basically the same as the ficus, some direct sun and you are good.





With watering, just use your judgment. Make sure your pots have drainage holes on the bottom and a tray underneath. If you stick your finger in about 1/2" and the soil is dry it needs to be watered. When you do water, water the plant until water comes out of the bottom drainage holes. This way you know that the water has reached all of the roots. If you want to add "extra" drainage you can put pebbles about 1/2"-1" thick on the bottom of the pot before you put the soil in.





The dirt.... you can use basically any type of "potting soil". I would go with Miracle Gro. There are some specifically for houseplants but that doesnt make a huge difference, as long as it says "potting soil" your good!











Good Luck
Reply:I don't have a green thumb either. My plants survive solely from sheer will. However, I do know that when I repot them I was told to always add the dirt to the bottom and never to surround the stems with new dirt as it would rot the stems. So when you pop them out of the old pot, add the dirt to new pot then plop them in there and tuck them in but leave the new dirt away from the stem. Hope this helps.


Pruning Dracaena Plant.?

If I cut about half the height and all the top leafy growth off my 8 year old Dracaena, will the trunk grow new leaf off- shoots?

Pruning Dracaena Plant.?
Yes. If you remove the terminal bud, auxilliary buds will grow. You can also root the removed portion. Try air layering.
Reply:Thank you.That is a clear and helpful answer. Report It

Reply:Most dracaenas will simply grow another stem or two from the point where you have lopped it off.

shoes stock

I have a dracaena[corn plant] it is about 8 or 9 feet tall..can i cut the top as it's to tall for my house

I would call Guiness.

I have a dracaena[corn plant] it is about 8 or 9 feet tall..can i cut the top as it's to tall for my house
You can cut the top off and new shoots will come from the sides of the trunk.





Or, if it's the top you want, air layer it then plant the top. Corn plants air layer very easily and you'll end up with 2 plants and you can keep the one you like best and give the other away if you don't want both. Here's a link on how to air layer. http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/exten...
Reply:Yep - just cut it off anywhere above a nodule and it will resprout. Forget the airlayer advice - not needed. It will take probably 3 months to see new growth.
Reply:Wow!


I have always liked those plants....so hard to kill.


Isn't there any starts that you could use to start a new pot with?


Maybe you could donate the tall part of it somewhere.


Like maybe a school or somewhere that there is some room for it to grow.


I don't think I would cut the top off. You'd be cutting it off all the time.


I bet it looks really neat tho.


Keep up the green thumb!


~wink~


Dying massangeana cane tree (dracaena)?

I found a Massangeana Cane tree outside that someone was getting rid of. It only has leaves at the very top of the plant, and half of them are all brown. I was hoping I could bring this plant back, but I don't know if it suffers from root rot, if I should cut off any dead leaves, etc. I have basically no experience with plants so anything at all would help. I already know caring instructions, I just want to know what I should do to see if the plant is worth saving, or if it is too far gone. Thank you in advance for your help.

Dying massangeana cane tree (dracaena)?
Try re potting it and be careful not to over water. If the stem is very tall you can cut it off at the height you want. It will look like just a stick, but after a month you should see some new growth sticking through the top sides of the stick. They look like little knobs poking through. I did this with one that I had that was too tall and just looked lanky. Now it has new leaves and is a good height. You don't have anything to lose in trying!
Reply:if the roots look bad you can cut the bottom of the plant off-and they will grow back





I used to work in a green house and we used to cut them into pieces and plant them





plant wants a tropical environment


I have a dracaena marginata tree (dragon tree) will it grow out side if i protect it well i live in zone 10?

"Scientific Name: Dracaena marginata Lam.


Synonym:


Family: Agavaceae Recommended Temperature Zone:


sunset: 21,23-24


USDA: 10-12


Frost Tolerance: Does okay in Phoenix in a warm location of the garden





Heat Tolerance: Light shade in Phoenix, ideally on the south side of a wall, under an overhang





Sun Exposure: Full sun or light shade





Origin: Madagascar





Growth Habits: Very slowly up to 20 feet (6 m)





Watering Needs: Regular water for optimum growth"

I have a dracaena marginata tree (dragon tree) will it grow out side if i protect it well i live in zone 10?
tho i am not sure where zone 10 is, if it is hot and tropical, like florida, it should do very well outdoors. i live in n.e.pa. and keep mine in the sunroom during the winter mos. They told me it likes moisture , non direct sunlight, and loose soil. i mist mine every other day because the leaves need moisture also.i only water it once a week well. it is doing great. good luck.
Reply:Sure will. I think they look best planted in shade though. They'll survive with a lot of southern sun, but the leaves tend to look short, narrow and stunted.


Feeding a Dragon Tree (dracaena draco)?

What commercial UK products, or natural feeds (ie coffee grinds) are safe for a Dragon Tree?? (dracaena draco)





I know these plants are very picky, and can be killed easily by using the wrong method.

Feeding a Dragon Tree (dracaena draco)?
I am the world's worst at keeping houseplants alive but my dragon trees are absolutely bombproof, the only thing I have ever given them is Baby Bio and and fishtank water and they are very happy.
Reply:High nitrogen to produce leaf growth or a balanced feed will do

kung fu

Dracaena Marginata.?

I have a dracaena marginata, iv had it for two mouths now and i noticed that the tips of the leaves are going brown. Is this to do with feeding the plant or is it a lack of light. It is the tall variaty. I also want to know if i could take some cutting from it and grow them at home. It is in a 8inch pot, would it be needing to be transplanted into a bigger one due to its size, its 36inches tall. 3 feet.

Dracaena Marginata.?
it doesn't need a larger pot


make sure the soil is not waterlogged


when you water does the water run straight through? that is a common problem with marginatas. Most of their roots are in the bottom half so you want to run it pretty dry.


low humidity will also cause the tips to brown.





it needs good light, humidity, tight soil, never let it sit in water, if you fertilize only give it 1/4 strength. likes to be root bound.
Reply:Dracaenas like spray misting of the leaves and rarer watering. Good luck!
Reply:Your dracena is not getting enough humidity; winter and heated homes are rough on house plants. Take a large plant saucer, fill it with pea gravel, and then fill that with water ALMOST to the top of the gravel. Set the plant on the saucer full of water and gravel; the water will evaporate and keep the air in the vicinity of the plant more humid, as long as you are careful to keep the saucer full of water. Your brown leaf-tips should not recur on new leaves, although there is nothing you can do about existing leaf-tips. Since your plant is quite large, you may want to consider putting a cool-mist/evaporative humidifier in the vicinity of the plant.





The person above who gave you instructions for bromeliads is a bit confused; a dracena is NOT a bromeliad.





You *can* take a cutting; however, they are not easy to root. If the plant only has one crown, the base of the plant will almost surely die if you remove the existing crown; however, if it's getting too tall to be managable, this may be your best bet. Get a pot of good-quality, moistened, STERILIZED potting soil and a packet of rooting hormone. Cut the crown off with several inches of stem attached; cut at an angle, rather than straight across. Dip the cut end into the rooting hormone, and press the stem into the soil deep enough to support the crown, firming the soil around the stem. Keep the soil moist, but NOT wet - be sure any pot for a dracena has GOOD drainage - and keep the plant in moderate light; avoid any direct sunlight. The plant should root in fairly short order. The bottom part of the old plant MAY survive if there is another crown, or that stem may simply wither and die.





Good luck!
Reply:I have included a site that shows care tips for this plant. There are many causes for the tips to go brown. Could be from too much light, too much fertilizer, too much water. Need a little more info. I hope these help.





http://www.evergrowing.com/tips/dracaena...





http://www.plant-care.com/dracaena-margi...
Reply:The tips turning brown is completely natural (unless a very large part of the leaf is turning brown). The reason it turns brown has a lot to do with the orientation of the veins in the leafs. If you notice, all the veins travel the length of the leaf and end at the tip. During evapotranspiration, salts will accumulate at the end of the leaf causing some necrosis. This is completely normal and you shouldn't be alarmed.
Reply:If you have been fertilizing the plant over the winter, that is more then likely the reason why the leaf tips are turning brown. While it does not go into full dormancy like other plants do outside, the reduced hours of light during the winter trigger a rest period for the plant which is totally natural. If you live down south and have had the plant out doors if could have tolerated a bit for light fertilizing over the winter, but if kept indoors I would stop any fert around the beginning of October and pick up with light fertilization right about now, going to full strength by mid April.
Reply:Air layer it to get another plant. http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/exten...





Axillary buds will form after the terminal (top) bud has been removed.





Check the bottom of the pot, if you see roots coming out of the drain holes it's time to repot.





Brown tips = inconsistant watering





have fun
Reply:From:


http://www.flowershopnetwork.com/pages/n...





"The distressing truth about bromeliads is that the individual plant very slowly begins to die after flowering and nothing can be done to stop it. However, before it goes, it replaces itself with one or more pups, or offsets, that may be separated from the mother plant and grown independently until they themselves bloom. Because they derive most of their moisture from their centers, the bromeliad 'vase' must be kept full of water. You may even put a very small amount of dilute fertilizer into the center vase every so often. Bromeliads are usually potted in a coarse, barky mixture that drains fairly rapidly. Keep the potting medium moist, but not saturated. The light requirements of bromeliads vary; the 'Silver Vase' prefers a very bright location, but out of direct sun. The 'Flaming Sword' can tolerate more shade."