FAQ Garden
Q: Why are the leaves on my ficus tree turning yellow and dropping off?
A: Leaves turning yellow and dropping off is how a plant responds to stress. The stress can be caused by being too wet, too dry, too hot, etc. If you contact one of our plant specialists, we can discuss your situation with you and determine what might be happening. Ficus plants will frequently react to the stress of being moved from one location to another and will drop leaves for the initial 2-4 weeks as they become acclimated to their new environment.
Q: What is the sticky substance on the leaves of my houseplants?
A: The stick substance is honeydew, a substance secreted by sucking insects. The most common cause for this in houseplants is brown scale. Brown scale is difficult to see, and they do not look like insects you are familiar with. Brown scale attach to the leaves and twigs of plants and look like bumps on the plant. You can apply horticultural oil and other products to control the scale. See a member of our staff for specific product recommendations.
Q: When is the time to bring my hibiscus and other tropical plants indoors for the season?
A: Tropical plants should be brought indoors when nighttime temperatures are going below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider spraying the plants with an insecticide such as horticultural oil, or permethrin to prevent bringing any insects in with the plants. See our staff for specific product recommendations. Always follow the label instructions.
Q: In general, when should houseplants be re-potted to allow room for adequate root growth?
A: If your plants slow down in their growth rate, the soil seems to be drying out rapidly, or you see roots coming through the bottom of the container, it is time to repot your plant. When it is time to repot, select a container just slightly larger than the one it is currently in and check to see that it has drainage holes. Loosen up the roots of the plant, place it in the new container at the same depth as before and add additional potting media such as Merrifield Potting Mix. Water thoroughly to settle out any air spaces.
Q: Do I need holes in the bottom of my pots for drainage?
A: Yes, good drainage is essential for healthy plant growth. Pots that do not have drainage holes are best used as decorative containers. You can place a container that has drainage within the decorative pot if you like.
A: Leaves turning yellow and dropping off is how a plant responds to stress. The stress can be caused by being too wet, too dry, too hot, etc. If you contact one of our plant specialists, we can discuss your situation with you and determine what might be happening. Ficus plants will frequently react to the stress of being moved from one location to another and will drop leaves for the initial 2-4 weeks as they become acclimated to their new environment.
Q: What is the sticky substance on the leaves of my houseplants?
A: The stick substance is honeydew, a substance secreted by sucking insects. The most common cause for this in houseplants is brown scale. Brown scale is difficult to see, and they do not look like insects you are familiar with. Brown scale attach to the leaves and twigs of plants and look like bumps on the plant. You can apply horticultural oil and other products to control the scale. See a member of our staff for specific product recommendations.
Q: When is the time to bring my hibiscus and other tropical plants indoors for the season?
A: Tropical plants should be brought indoors when nighttime temperatures are going below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider spraying the plants with an insecticide such as horticultural oil, or permethrin to prevent bringing any insects in with the plants. See our staff for specific product recommendations. Always follow the label instructions.
Q: In general, when should houseplants be re-potted to allow room for adequate root growth?
A: If your plants slow down in their growth rate, the soil seems to be drying out rapidly, or you see roots coming through the bottom of the container, it is time to repot your plant. When it is time to repot, select a container just slightly larger than the one it is currently in and check to see that it has drainage holes. Loosen up the roots of the plant, place it in the new container at the same depth as before and add additional potting media such as Merrifield Potting Mix. Water thoroughly to settle out any air spaces.
Q: Do I need holes in the bottom of my pots for drainage?
A: Yes, good drainage is essential for healthy plant growth. Pots that do not have drainage holes are best used as decorative containers. You can place a container that has drainage within the decorative pot if you like.
