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Thursday 24 February 2022
Asparagus densiflorus
Family: Asparagaceae
Origin: South Africa
Plant description: Shrub with thorny, branched stems covered with small leaves (cladophylls, rather than leaves). The flowers are small, white and sweetly scented. Small red berries appear after flowering.
Use: hard ornamental foliage plant for indoors, outdoors, a greenhouse or a sunroom.
Light and position: prefer full sun to semi-shade.
Water requirement: Water regularly from spring to autumn, letting the soil dry out slightly before watering again. Keep the soil drier during the rest of the year. The tuberous roots of this plant enable it to tolerate during out for a few weeks.
Plant care: After flowering, cut back the stems to make the plant compact. Spray with water periodically to remove old "leaves". Transplant every three years in spring. From spring to autumn, feed with low-nitrogen fertilizer once a month.
Pest and diseases: Aphids and spider mites and grey mould.
Propagation: Seeds or by plant division in spring or early summer.
Friday 18 February 2022
Water requirement of plants
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Below we take a look at some watering requirements.
We often get questions about what plants do not need water. A plant that does not require water is a dead plant. No plant can survive without water, but some need more water than others. Water in excess can sometimes be as harmful as water deficit.
Importance of rainwater
Rainwater is the best supply by far, no garden is complete without rainwater. Most plants thrive after being exposed to it. It is best to water your plants in the morning. When watering young or low growing plants, water through the open nozzle of a can or with a hose held just below the surface so that valuable soil does not wash away.
Ways of watering
Watering evergreen shrubs from above is beneficial for young plants. Give thirsty plants an extensive soak that will last several days instead of a series of light sprinkles. Water succulent plants only when their soil is entirely dry. Remember that outdoor succulents will require more water than indoor succulent plants.
Thursday 10 February 2022
These indigenous plants are show stoppers in a hanging basket
Crassula expansa subsp. fragilis
In today's smaller gardens, hanging baskets have become the new wall art. In the garden, the hanging baskets add a touch of beauty to the walls that would otherwise be blank. There are many diverse types of baskets available, including big baskets that can be filled with a mixture of plants.
- Choose your hanging baskets according to the number and size of plants you wish to use.
- Baskets need to be filled with excellent quality potting soil.
If you decide to mix plants in a basket, choose plants that need similar water requirements.Plectranthus madagascariensis - Select trailing plants such as Senecio macroglossus.
- Use plants that have interesting such as Plectranthus madagascariensis.
- Place the hanging basket in a spot suitable for the chosen plants' needs.
- Water hanging baskets every day for the first month after planting and every second day after that.
Remove old flowers and dead branches to keep the basket looking tidy.Chlorophytum comosum
Some of the best indigenous plants to use in a hanging basket
- Asparagus densiflorus
- Chlorophytum comosum
- Cissampelos capensis
- Crassula expansa subsp fragilis
- Crassula multicava
- Crassula muscosa
- Crassula pellucida
- Crassula radicans
- Crassula rowleyanus
Crassula sarmentosa- Crassula spathulata
- Ledebouria socialis
- Plectranthus ciliatus
- Plectranthus verticillatus
- Plectranthus strigosus
- Senecio macroglossus
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