Gardening FAQ #16 – What You Need To Know

In this article, we share how to get ride of spider mites, what is pandan good for, what is moss rose and much more. Let’s go through the common gardening FAQ, problems and solutions you need when growing your plants either indoor and outdoor.

Kangkong is infested with spider mites – a common question in gardening FAQ

I have been growing kangkong in pots in my balcony. They get six to eight hours of sunlight and the area is fairly windy. They have been growing well and flowering. I harvested some for cooking and the plant produced new shoots just below where I had cut them. Recently, the plant showed brown patches. Is it still safe to eat? Is there a treatment for the issue?

It appears that your kangkong plant is infested with spider mites, which are minute sap-sucking pests. They look like small, red dots on affected leaves.

These pests are attracted to plants that are under stress, such as when plants are grown in a dry and windy site.

You can help to improve the plant’s health by growing it in a more suitable location where it is more humid and less windy. A strong plant is believed to be able to ward off pest attacks better.

Spider mites can be controlled by regular applications of neem oil, summer oil or a matrine-based organic pesticide which you can purchase via online shopping platforms. Repeated applications that cover all parts of the plant are needed to keep the pest infestation low.

The plant is still safe for consumption.

Pandan serani has no scent but dyes food a vivid green

I have two plants that are supposed to be the pandan serani. I want to use the extract of the plant to obtain the natural green colouring for my pandan cakes. Which of these is the correct pandan serani?

The two plants are different forms of Dracaena reflexa.

The one that has narrower and slightly curly leaves (left side of picture) appears to be grown as an ornamental plant locally.

I have been gifted a pandan serani plant (also known as Daun Suji) and it resembles the other form (right side of picture) that you have, which has broader and flat leaves.  The leaves of the latter plant yield a vivid natural green dye that is used as a food colouring in Indonesia.

Unlike the fragrant pandan plant (Pandanus amaryllifolius) that is commonly used here for culinary purposes, the pandan serani leaves have no scent.

Flowers of moss rose last only a day

Is this the mini rose plant? I bought it during Chinese New Year and it was blooming beautifully. After about a month, it stopped blooming and never flowered again. It is growing well with more leaves and many tiny buds, but the buds never grow into full roses. The tiny roses disappear in a day or two. Why is this happening? I put the plant on the patio, which is exposed to rain and sunlight.

The moss rose plant needs to be grown under direct sunlight for best results. Do note that the flowers last only a day after they open. The flowers tend to wilt in the heat of the day or get damaged by heavy rain.

Check for mealy bugs, which are a common pest in this plant. They can set the plant back if left unchecked.

If you want to grow this indoors under a controlled environment, read our post on Guide to Growing Tents.

Or if you want to grow this under controlled lighting, consider using growing lights.  You can read up my post on growing lights fixture where I show you the top 4 things you need to know.

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Gardening FAQ #15 – What You Need To Know

In this article, we share how to handle whiteflies and caterpillars infestation, climber plants, fertilization and much more.  Let’s go through the common gardening FAQ, problems and solutions you need when growing your plants either indoor and outdoor.

Lime plant infested by whiteflies and caterpillars – a common question in gardening FAQ

I have grown a few lime trees from seeds for about a year. They have grown well and have luxuriant leaves until about two months ago, when I started to notice numerous minute white insects around the soil, near the base of the trees and leaves. I thought they were fungus gnats, so I tried moving the trees to a spot where there is more continuous sunlight for about a week. The number of insects decreased tremendously. I moved the trees back to my balcony where there is only indirect sunlight in the afternoon. Now, the problem has returned and there are numerous white insects flying around the base of the trees and resting on the underside of the leaves. The leaves also appear to be bitten off. What should I do? Also, how long does it take for a lime tree to bear fruit?

The lime plant is a sun-loving shrub and needs to be grown under direct sunlight for at least four hours daily. Under insufficient light, the plant can become weak and susceptible to pest attacks.

Fungus gnats – black tiny flies – can be a nuisance and they are associated with wet organic plant growing mixes. Growing the plant in a sunny place and letting the surface of the growing media dry out a little before watering again may help to reduce the infestation.

As for the small, white flying insects, they appear to be a sucking insect called whitefly. You may want to use neem oil or a matrine-based organic pesticide which you can purchase via online shopping platforms. Repeated applications are needed to keep the pest infestation low.

For the damaged portions, they may be caused by caterpillars. The lime plant is a host plant for the beautiful Lime and Common Mormon butterflies. You can remove the caterpillars from your plants and rear them to maturity separately before releasing them.

If the plants are grown from seeds, it may take at least a year before they produce fruit. Bear in mind that this also depends on the vigour of the plants.

Ceylon Spinach is a climber

My daughter picked up the seed of this plant some time ago and grew it in a pot made from a recycled milk carton. Initially, the plant looked like a tree sapling but, lately, it grew really tall by wrapping itself around the window grilles. The leaves are round and the lowest ones are huge, bigger than my palm. The plant seems to have flowered, with the blooms quite tiny and whitish. What is this plant? 

The plant is the green version of the Ceylon Spinach whose botanical name is Basella alba.

The young growing tips of this plant are being marketed as “di huang miao” in local markets. The larger leafy shoots are sold as a leafy vegetable too.

The plant can grow under direct or filtered sunlight and in moist, well-drained soil.  One of the way to control the sunlight is to use growing lights.  You can read up my post on growing lights fixture where I show you the top 4 things you need to know.

It is a climber and will send out twining stems which can be cut back and harvested for cooking. You may want to move it into a larger pot to support its growth.  If you want to do such transplant easily, you should explore using grow bags.  See my other post on grow bags.

Joseph’s Coat needs sufficient sunlight to retain foliage colour

I bought a pot of ruby leaf. Its leaves were brilliant red and I thought it would look good for my fence. I transplanted it to the ground. But the leaves soon turned brown and then green. Why did this happen?

The plant is botanically known as Alternanthera dentata and its common names include Joseph’s Coat and Upright Calico Plant.

It appears the plant may not be receiving sufficient sunlight, hence the leaves fade to green.

The plant grows best under direct sunlight for at least four hours daily to bring out and retain its characteristic vivid purple hue.

If you want to grow this indoors under a controlled environment, read our post on Guide to Growing Tents.

Trees will benefit from mulching and fertilising

I have several Diospyros buxifolia trees in my garden. However, they seem to be sparse and the branches are not growing at the bottom. I have sprinklers attached and the trees get a good amount of water and sun. What can I do to save them?

To help your trees grow better, you may want to clear away some of the shrubs that are growing beneath them as they may be competing with the trees for nutrients and water.

A clear tree root zone should be created where you apply a layer of dried leaves.

This serves as a mulch to keep the roots cool and moist as well as help build a root microbial community for the trees to grow better.

You may also want to apply slow-release, balanced fertiliser pellets to boost the growth of your trees.

The trees are not likely to produce any new lower lateral branches. They will likely continue to grow taller and put out new lateral branches as they grow upwards.

As such, it is important to understand the trees’ natural growth habit and avoid pruning lateral branches unnecessarily.

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Gardening FAQ #14 – What You Need To Know

In this article, we talk about sweet potato leaves, Ming Aralia, what plant suitable for outdoor and much more.  Let’s go through the common gardening FAQ, problems and solutions you need when growing your plants either indoor and outdoor.

Sweet potato leaves are all edible – a common question in gardening FAQ

Are the leaves of my sweet potato plant edible?

The leaves of sweet potato plants are edible. However, some varieties may produce leaves that are more tender than others. It is largely a personal preference.

If your plant produces rather fibrous leaves, you may have to harvest the younger growth for cooking.

Other preparation procedures like “stringing” the petioles to remove excessive fibre or blanching or steaming the plant parts may also help to improve palatability.

No matter what you call them – sweet potato leaves, camote tops or kamote tops – the vines are rich and flavorful, although like most greens they may be somewhat bitter. The leaves are prepared much like spinach or turnip greens.

Boiling the sweet potato vine leaves in a small amount of water removes any toughness or bitterness. Once the sweet potato greens are tender, chop the leaves and use them in recipes or sauté them with butter and garlic, then splash the hot sweet potato greens with soy sauce or vinegar and a dash of salt.

Fiddle Leaf Fig can grow outdoors into a big tree

I bought this hardy-looking plant a few months ago. The florist told me it is tough and can withstand very hot sun and is good for the balcony. What plant is it?

The plant is the Fiddle Leaf Fig. Its botanical name is Ficus lyrata and it can grow into a large tree when planted in the ground.

It has become popular recently due to its attractive large leaves and stately growth habit.

It is usually produced under shadier conditions in a production nursery and can be under full sun eventually. The transition process has to be done in a gradual manner to avoid burning the leaves under direct sunlight.

Grown under direct sunlight, the plant has to be watered regularly to keep it adequately hydrated. It should not be allowed to dry out.

If you want to grow this indoors under a controlled environment, read our post on Guide to Growing Tents.

Ming Aralia has edible leaves

I was told that, in the Philippines, the young leaves of this shrub are used in salads. Is this true?

The plant is botanically known as Polyscias fruticosa and its common name is the Ming Aralia.

Due to its attractive, fine foliage, it is cultivated as a potted house plant and can sometimes be found in outdoor landscapes too.

Young leafy shoots of this plant are sometimes sold in the Geylang Serai market where they are called Pokok Teh.

They have a distinct scent and flavour, and are cooked or eaten raw as a vegetable, or cooked with fish.

If you want to grow this indoors under a controlled environment, read our post on Guide to Growing Tents.

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Gardening FAQ #13 – What You Need To Know

In this article, we talk about how to handle caterpillar attack, what shingle plant need, conditions for chinese evergreen and much more.  Let’s go through the common gardening FAQ, problems and solutions you need when growing your plants either indoor and outdoor.

Cycad may have been weakened by caterpillar attack

I have a palm tree which has stopped growing new leaves. I previously used a pesticide when there were new leaves growing, but they would still die. There seems to be another plant growing on the palm tree and the trunk seems to have a fungus. Is the tree still alive? What should I do?

The plant is not a true palm and is commonly mistaken for one due to its common name. It is a species of cycad that is botanically known as Cycas revoluta.

Your plant may still be alive as it has green leaves. Consider giving the plant some water-soluble fertiliser that also has trace elements to boost its health and promote growth.

Clear out the pebbles at the base of the plant and apply a layer of chipped dry leaf mulch to help retain moisture and promote root zone microbial growth.

The young leaves of this cycad are often attacked by caterpillars of the cycad blue butterfly.

If the infestation is not eradicated in a timely manner, the plant can be weakened over time because no new leaves – which are needed for photosynthesis – are produced.

A recommended practice is to spray a pesticide to protect new leaves whenever they are produced. You can use pesticides such as Spinosad and abamectin, which are very effective in controlling caterpillars.

These pesticides are absorbed into the leaf tissues after they have been applied, so they will not be washed away by the rain.

If you want to get rid of pest caterpillars in your garden once and for all, try the tip in the video today.

For suggestions on how to control another plant worst enemy, head over to our section on Weed & Moss Control.

Shadier conditions more suitable for Chinese Evergreen

My plant, which is grown in soil, is in my balcony. It gets adequate sun, water and fertiliser regularly. Light brown spots have started appearing and, at times, white droppings are seen on the leaves, as if there is decay or disease permeating the plant. What is wrong with the plant and how can I make it healthy again?

The plant is commonly known as the Chinese Evergreen belonging to the genus Aglaonema.

The brown patches appear to be burn marks brought about by excessive exposure to direct sunlight. The patches are like open wounds that allow secondary infections to take place.

Prune the damaged portions.

Note that this plant thrives under shadier conditions. You can grow it in a location with filtered sunlight for four to six hours daily.

It should be kept moist at all times and not be allowed to dry out excessively.

Shingle Plant needs humid spot with filtered light

What is the name of this creeper plant?

The plant is botanically known as Rhaphidophora korthalsii. Its common name is Shingle Plant. It is a member of the yam family (Araceae) and grown as an ornamental plant due to its curious growth habit.

Once the plant’s new growth finds a suitable surface, it will start to grow on it and attach to the surface via its roots. Leaves grow closely on the surface.

The yellow leaves may indicate that the plant is being grown under rather dry and sunny conditions. The Shingle Plant does better under a shadier, more humid spot with filtered sunlight.

If you want to grow this indoors under a controlled environment, read our post on Guide to Growing Tents.

Maidenhair fern appears to be drying due to new environment

I have been nurturing this fern for nearly 10 years in my air-conditioned office. It received filtered light and I watered it every day. As I have to work from home, I took it back and placed it in a balcony where it received filtered light. My home is not air-conditioned. I am aware the plant does not like strong wind, so I move the pot from the balcony to my room if it is windy. It is well-watered and there is no sign of infestation. Of late, many leaves have been browning at the edges. The browned leaves appear fairly evenly throughout the plant, but I sense more are present on branches sheltered from light. I had observed this even when the plant was in my office, but it is more pronounced now. How can I rectify the issue?

The fronds of your maidenhair fern (Adiantum species) appear to be drying out under the warmer conditions at home. Generally, the plant does better in a cooler, shadier location.

The problem could have occurred due to the rather abrupt transition from office to home. Note that the existing leaves on the plant were produced in the earlier, cooler office environment.

If you have other plants at home, you may want to move your maidenhair fern near them, as the plant community’s collective transpiration can create a more humid microclimate that may suit the fern better.

If you want to grow this indoors under a controlled environment, read our post on Guide to Growing Tents.

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Gardening FAQ #12 – What You Need To Know

In this article, we talk about growing peacock flower seedling, how to get rid of mealy bugs and more..  Let’s go through the common gardening FAQ, problems and solutions you need when growing your plants indoor and outdoor.

WATER PLUM MAY HAVE IRON DEFICIENCY

Is this plant lacking something? The leaves look unhealthy. Also, what is its name?

The plant appears to be the water plum (Wrightia religiosa) and, from the chlorotic new leaves, it is likely to be suffering from a nutrient deficiency, most likely iron.

Has the plant been growing in the same pot for a long time? If you have not been adding fertiliser, nutrients in the soil may have been exhausted.

Do a soil pH level test to ascertain the value. It should not be in the alkaline range as this will prevent the plant from taking up iron. Also, do not overwater the plant as wet feet can also interfere with the uptake of this particular nutrient.

Spraying the leaves with a water-soluble fertiliser containing chelated iron may help to solve the problem, although only temporarily. It is vital to address the issues highlighted above to solve the root of the problem.

For suggestions on how to control another plant worst enemy, head over to our section on Weed & Moss Control.

WHITE MASS ON SOURSOP TREE MAY BE MEALY BUGS

I have had this pot of cactus for more than 10 years. What is its name?

The white mass on your soursop fruit may be a colony of mealy bugs, which is a common sap-sucking pest found on this plant.

A tree that is kept at a manageable height will make pest control much easier.

Keep a lookout for the first signs of infestation and take action. Small infestations can be eradicated by using jets of water to wash away pests and spraying neem oil or summer oil which suffocates the pests. Repeated applications may be required for effective control.

These environment-friendly pesticides generally do less harm to beneficial garden critters which are vital to a healthy eco-system that can help keep pest populations down.

To protect this against a common plant enemy, head over to our section on Weed & Moss Control.

In the video below, it show a simple solution to get rid of mealybug or white insects.

GROW PEACOCK FLOWER SEEDLING UNDER DIRECT SUN TO HELP IT THRIVE

I grew a peacock flower plant from seeds. How do I care for it and will it grow to maturity and flower? Currently, some leaves are turning yellow.

The peacock flower seedling is likely the common flowering shrub that is botanically called Caesalpinia pulcherrima.

The seedling looks a little lanky, which may be a sign it is lacking sunlight. This shrub, when mature, needs to be grown under full sun to thrive and flower. As such, you may want to acclimatise the plant gradually to higher light conditions, to avoid burning it.

The peacock flower plant does not like wet feet so, as it grows larger, grow it in a pot or in the ground with well-draining soil.

The yellowing leaves near the base of the plant is probably no cause for concern – they get shed by the plant with age and are replaced by new foliage as the plant grows.

One of the way to control the sunlight is to use growing lights.  You can read up my post on growing lights fixture where I show you the top 4 things you need to know.

REPOT DENDROBIUM ‘BABY’ AFTER IT GROWS BIGGER

Is the new growth with roots considered a new shoot which I can cut off to re-pot? I bought the orchid plant quite a few years ago and changed its container recently. Its blooms are quite prolific.

The growth on the pseudostem of your dendrobium orchid is called a keiki, a Hawaiian term for “baby”. It is a plantlet that grew from a bud on the pseudostem of the plant.

You can let the plantlet produce one or two more leafy shoots before detaching it from the mother plant. As the dendrobium is an epiphyte, you should use charcoal chips as the growing media.

Once considered a luxury for only the wealthy to enjoy, orchids are being mass produced and can be found for sale everywhere—grocery stores, drug stores, and the big box stores—along with garden centers and nurseries. These plants are so inexpensive that many people pick up an orchid as they would a bouquet of flowers to brighten their table for a while.

The orchid blossoms are long lasting—definitely outliving a bouquet of cut flowers. Some people treat these plants as disposable items. If they are not inclined to try and get the plant to re-bloom they will often just throw it out!

Most of my plants have been freebies from friends who know I love orchids and will do my best to bring them back into bloom.  Many orchids grow little baby plants or”keiki.” You can remove these plantlets and pot it up to grow more orchids.

If you want to grow this indoors under a controlled environment, read our post on Guide to Growing Tents.

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