| Exotic Plants |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-207 |
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Q: How can I get the look of the tropics when I'm living in a cooler climate?
A: (Jessie Mack Burns, Ask DIY Gardening Expert) Surrounding yourself with exotics may help warm you up and remind you of the tropics. Consider a ravenae palm, for example. If its fronds get a bit brown, just use scissors to snip them off, and then cut the leaves to a smaller version of their natural shape. With their colored blooms, orchids are a wonderful idea -- some even have a fragrance. You can pot them in wood-slatted containers, if you like, so the roots hang out just as they would in the wild. Orchids require a special growing medium, and make sure you stake the stalks with the blooms. They really like humidity, so mist them often. Bromeliads are one other option, with their exotic-looking blooms. To keep from overwatering, water them only in the center of their fronds, from the top of the plant. The bromeliad's center holds its water supply. Most exotics produce a lot of roots, so be sure to repot whenever necessary. More Questions for Jessie:
Q: Do you fertilize tropical plants the same way you would an ordinary houseplant?
A: Make sure you use a fertilizer specially formulated for tropical or exotic plants.
Q: Do I need to water my orchids more often than other plants?
A: Make sure that you're not overwatering orchids. They like humidity, though, so mist them often.
Q: The palm tree in my backyard has brown leaves. What could be causing this?
A: Scale, which looks like little dots, might be causing the brown leaves. If you use an insecticide to take care of the scale, make sure it's one that won't hurt the palm. Web site resources for Exotic Plants: Exotic Blooming Baskets from HGTV.Com The Exotics from Angel Fire.Com Book: Bold and Exotic Plants
By Noel Kingsbury
ISBN: 0823002861
Watson-Guptill Publication
Billboard Publications Inc.
1515 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-764-7300
Fax: 212-382-6090
Web site: www.watsonguptill.com
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