Abide by the fertiliser manufacturer’s instructions and better results will be a little larger, and procure a properly balanced potting compost. It is seldom, if ever, that one sees good-quality plants growing in what is often referred to as garden dirt. Composts should contain peat, sand, fertiliser and all sorts of other ingredients if potted plants are to do well.

When introducing new plants to a collection, whether they he gifts or purchased, a brief inspection should be made for the presence of pests, as these are very much easier to avoid than to eradicate.

Like fertilisers, all insecticides should be used as instructed, as that seemingly harmless little extra may well cause leaf scorch and other damage. Pests should be treated as soon as they are seen, as any delay will make their control just that much more difficult.

Calat heel zebrina requires warm, shady conditions - not a plant to choose for a sunny but unheated room. Though the flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis are superb, like many flowering plants the hibiscus is vulnerable to greenfly attack.

It doesn’t make any difference if the celebration is the day you were born, Sweetheart’s day, as well as Mother or Father’s day or even a holiday such as Christmas, Hanukah or Kwanzaa bonsai plants are wonderful presents. Ficus Bonsai plants are an ideal gift for someone you love whether they are good with plants or bad with plants. If you have somebody special who adores and has pleasure when they are taking care of plants then lucky bamboo might definitely be the most appropriate gift.

First you have to purchase a Bonsai. But, prior to doing so, you have to find out whether the recipient wants an indoor plant or an outdoor plant. Next, you have to get a pot for the bonsai. Nowadays, there are lots of different colors, shapes and styles to pick from, large or small, so it should be simple to get one that is just right for the bonsai plant you intend to give. While you are choosing the pot, be sure to get the proper size for the plant, in other words, make sure the plant fits in the pot.

On most varieties stems will, quite naturally, become leafless and woody in time. When this happens and the plant is no longer attractive the stems should be cut to within a few inches from their base. Keep the potful of stumps as they usually grow again from the base. The stems can then be cut up into sections some 2 to 3 in. in length.

The rubber plant, Ficus eldstica robusta, may be propagated in a number of ways, leaf and top cuttings being the most practical. Cuttings are best taken while plants are dormant, usually between the months of November and March. The propagating bed temperature requires to he rather high, something in excess 42 C for best results. Very soft cuttings with large leaves rarely do, well; firm cuttings with some three or four leaves attached do very much better. (With any form of top cutting it is important to ensure that there are at least two firm leaves on the stem, otherwise it will all be a waste of time).

Only two aechtheas are generally available and one of those, Aechrnea fulgens, only infrequently as supplies are very limited. A. rhodocyanea is the more attractive and has, in recent years, become an important house plant, particularly in the higher price range. A. fulgens is much the smaller of the two, and has burgundy-coloured foliage. The dark blue flowers are short lived, but the bract that emerges from the centre of the rosette will remain colourful for two months or more.

Firstly, the stem of the flower should he cut through at about water level with a sharp knife. If the bract shows signs of disintegrating it will be found that the entire flower stalk can be removed if it is pulled gently while the rosette is held in position.

However, there are other sorts available, A. pseudo-bracteatum for example, that will brighten any collection of plants. Spear-shaped leaves of A. pseudo-bracteatum are dream and green in colour and will attain a length of some 18 to 24 in. which is inclined to make this plant somewhat less compact than the majority of aglaonemas. A. robelinii was for many years one of the reasonably popular plants which could be purchased without too much difficulty, but this has now been superseded by A. Silver Queen, which, as the name suggests, has silver-grey foliage that is also compact and neat in appearance.

There are many advantages of owning a gazebo and displaying it proudly in your yard. For one thing, it adds outdoor living space. It’s hard to beat a lovely shady location in your yard where you can relax with a meal or a drink, enjoying the warm weather while protected from the extremes. A gazebo is just that kind of place.

A major advantage of having a gazebo is that it enhances your landscaping by providing visual interest to your property. It’s easy to enter a tranquil zone when you’re gazing at your landscape filled with all sorts of greenery and an attractive gazebo.

As compared to a deck, an outdoor gazebo is more flexible since it can be located just about anywhere in your yard. As well, a gazebo can be moved to various locations as your needs and tastes change. You can’t do that with a deck or a sun room. And it’s much less costly than adding a sun room to your home, but you’ll still enjoy the advantages of more outdoor living space as well as protection from the weather.

Whatever else may he said of the ivies there is no lack of choice, and they can he adapted to many uses other than growing in very hot conditions. As far as possible a maximum temperature in the region of 16 C should he the aim, as higher temperatures will almost inevitably result in leaves drying out and in time falling off.

As the name suggests, II. Mini Green has smaller, more congested leaves that are crinkled at the edges. Of the variegated plants for outdoor use, and as durable indoor plants, the best small-leaved ivies are those with basically grey colouring.

Ivies may he used for almost every purpose, as trailing plants, upright plants on stakes, climbing plants against the wall or, very effectively, as hanging basket plants. In this respect they may he used in conjunction with other plants, or as individual specimens filling the basket.

Besides being weeds they have their uses and can look reasonably attractive as pot plants, and are very little bother. When plants become overgrown it is best policy to replace rather than trim them to shape. Prepare a potful of J.I:P.3 compost, moisten it, then scatter a few trimmings on top - plants will be replaced almost overnight.

There have been many hybrids of Hibiscus rosasinensis produced in recent years, many of them really excellent plants that ought to become popular as they become more generally available. There are single and double forms in shades of red, pink, lemon and yellow. Individual flowers last for little more than one day and this, to some, is a disappointment when plants are first purchased. But the disappointment is soon forgotten when it is realised that what flowers may lack in staying power they more than make up for in numbers, as on healthy plants flowers are produced continuously throughout the summer.

Provided a few simple rules are followed these will prove most rewarding plants indoors. Keeping the compost moist is most essential and plants will require to be fed regularly from the time they arc brought indoors. Give them a light position and try to maintain the temperature level indicated above; higher and lower temperatures will do little harm, but by keeping a balanced temperature there will be less likelihood of premature loss of flower buds.

The simplest way to increase plants is to peg shoots into small pots in the form of a layer, cutting them away from the parent plant when they become established.

The house plant grower is only likely to come into contact with the anthuriums and, of these. For preference they all require very hot, humid conditions, which will mean a temperature consistently higher.

It is also helpful if plant pots are plunged to their rims in peat or moss beds, below which there should be permanently warm pipes, or soil-warming cables can be run through the bed. In common with most members of the aroid family this anthurium will develop aerial roots on the main steirk as it extends in, length. If these are left unattended to dry out in the atmosphere then the plant will suffer.

Another propagating method is to cut away the top of the mature fruit with the tufted rosette and allow to dry before placing it firmly on top of a propagating bed, or potful of suitable propagating mixture. It will reduce the chances of rotting if the mixture is covered with a fine layer of sand on which the fruit may rest.

In your quest for fresh flowers, it pays to know the right florist. Knowing where to go saves time, money and will help you sleep better the next time you need flowers for any occasion.

It’s not enough that you call or visit any flower shop for your special needs. True, there are lots of florists in town but not all of them give excellent service. So you have to look around until you find one that suits you.

While the nearest florist may sound like the right choice, don’t use this as your sole criterion for judging the merits of a flower shop. It’s a mistake to confine yourself to nearby shops since location does not necessarily guarantee quality.

Look at this way: a good florist should be like your best friend. That person should be around when you need him or her. He or she must be sensitive to your needs and know exactly what you want. Nothing is more frustrating that a florist who doesn’t understand you and can’t satisfy your need for certain flowers. Avoid that individual unless you want to waste time and money.

Many plants have. their names changed, but the nurseryman who is responsible for the production of the vast majority is not always willing to accept the change. The kentia is a good example as we should more properly refer to this elegant palm as a howea.

These were popular plants at the turn of the century and have remained in the forefront as desirable indoor plants. Grown from seed sown in moist peat kept at a temperature in the region of 27 C. (80 F.), they take many years to reach maturity, so are expensive plants to purchase. For this reason they are not likely to become best sellers.

When potting on ensure good drainage by putting a layer of crocks in the bottom of the pot, use a rich compost and pot fairly firmly. Although the leaves mar seem tough to the touch they are very easily damaged if chemical leaf cleaning agents are used at excessive strength - one should experiment with new cleaning materials before treating the entire plant.