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Oleander shrubs are tough evergreen plants capable of growing up to 12 feet tall and 12 feet wide. They are adorned by colorful blooms and tolerate both extreme heat and drought conditions. Unfortunately, they are also incredibly poisonous. For this reason, many parents and pet owners aren't comfortable having oleander shrubs in the landscape. Getting rid of the plants isn't as simple as digging them up because they often continue to re-emerge from roots left in the ground. Total elimination of oleanders requires both physical and chemical means. More than one attempt may be necessary for complete success.
Little Rascal holly is a hybrid variety that was developed by the Monrovia Plant company, and offers a compact and clean growth habit that is easy to maintain. While some holly plants can reach great heights, this holly is a dwarf specimen that grows just a few feet tall. Annual pruning and shearing serves to keep the plant looking its best and will not harm the plant. If you want to grow the shrub to a bigger size, however, you should avoid pruning it.
Stem cuttings represent one of the quickest ways to grow a tree and the method allows you to reproduce an established tree without waiting for germination. Poplar trees, like many other deciduous trees, may be propagated from softwood or hardwood cuttings. Branches or cuttings are ideally of new growth and must be placed in soil quickly to prevent drying out, which can kill the living tissue and prevent rooting. If performed with care, you can easily remove and root a poplar branch, which will grow into a new tree.
Lycianthes rantonnetii is a deciduous-to-evergreen, fast-growing and spreading shrub with slim, arching branches. Native to Brazil and Paraguay, this plant is commonly called Paraguay nightshade and blue potato bush. Lycianthes rantonnetii produces clusters of big, perfumed, dark violet-blue blossoms with bright yellow centers from spring to fall. Growing Lycianthes rantonnetii requires trimming to maintain the plant’s size and health. New branches produce the most blossoms, so prune in early spring.
A large-growing succulent plant, the American century plant (Agave americana) forms a coarse rosette of stiff leaves. Although architecturally beautiful, the century plant is armed with spines and teeth on the leaves, making it a hazardous plant to work around in the landscape. This plant prospered for eons in the desert without any pruning. The same is true if growing in your garden, but the ultimate decision on whether or not to remove dead leaves is based on your aesthetics. Your nerve and ability to avoid cuts and punctures also informs your decision.
It is surprising to many gardeners that most of the dazzling, exotic blooming bromeliads are deceptively easy to grow and maintain. The colorful flowers often last for months on the plant, which also remains attractive for another year or two. Most bromeliad species slowly take on a shabby appearance and eventually die once they complete the blooming cycle. The lovely plant is not a total loss, since it will undoubtedly send up at least a few offshoots, or pups, from its base. This vegetative method of reproduction is the quickest and easiest way for home gardeners to propagate bromeliads. You…
Blackberries are large, vining fruit bushes and grow throughout the country with good cold hardiness. They always require rich soil, good air movement and full, bright sunshine. Like all fruit plants, the bushes do best with regular pruning sessions and maintenance. Navajo blackberry bushes belong to the erect thornless group, and so require yearly pruning for fruit production rather than training.
Aphids are capable of producing dead plant material as they feed on the foliage of many different species of plants, sucking away sap with their piercing mouthparts and causing the plant to wilt or turn yellow. Their presence contributes to the formation of a fungal problem and they also spread disease.
Zygotes are the basis of new developing organisms, and they play an important role in the reproductive process. The zygote is formed by the union of two gametes. It is the first cell that begins to divide and specialize to create an offspring. Whether in plants or animals, the zygote serves the same function and develops in a similar manner.
Tangy rhubarb stalks add flavor and filling for sweet and savory pies, are made into sauces and can be added to bread and pastries. Grow this cool-climate vegetable in the home garden. Pick rhubarb stalks fresh but be careful not to take them too soon or too often from each plant. The rhubarb roots need to recover each year or the plants eventually weaken.
Spirea is also known by the scientific name Spiraea japonica and is a member of the Rosaceae family. This evergreen produces lovely pink blooms from May to July, especially when planted in full sun. Spirea is generally free from serious disease, but occasionally suffers from a few common plant problems.
Sago palms are attractive, hardy plants that grow well both indoors and in home landscapes. While the plants develop arching palmlike fronds, they are not a true palm, but rather a member of an ancient group of plants called cycads. The plants have a very slow growth rate and require little additional attention once established. Sago palms grow in a variety of environmental conditions with few problems, but the plants may develop mildew problems when kept in low light conditions with poor air circulation.
Two species of insects make their home on cacti and secrete substances that make it look like some sort of white cactus disease is present. These bugs are relatively easy to control, and one is used as a source of red dye and as a natural food coloring.
As with most perennial herbs, common thyme responds well to pruning. Pruning encourages more growth on Thymus vulgaris and other herbs used as spices for flavoring food. Many varieties of thyme are available for the garden. Include this herb in butters and dips and in fish and poultry dishes. Prune often to encourage growth and use the fresh herb in combination with vinegars and wines as a marinade.
The Douglas iris, named after 19th century botanist David Douglas, grows in the wild from the Central Oregon to the Northern California coasts. Home gardeners value the plant as an ornamental, but ranchers often consider it a weed, since its bitter taste makes it unpalatable to livestock.
Pouring concrete allows you to build strong and functional foundations, walkways and retaining walls around your property. Concrete requires a long, slow curing process to reach its maximum strength and to prevent cracks from forming as it dries. Contractors use a number of pieces of special equipment to cure concrete properly.
pH is the measurement used to define the acidity or alkalinity of any given thing. In general, pH can range from 0 to 14, where low levels are acidic, high levels are alkaline and 7.0, right in the middle, is neutral. In the garden, pH is an important factor for plant growth, but there isn't a perfect pH number for a garden, as different plants have different preferences in regard to the acidity of the soil. The same holds true for the microbes that live in the soil that help or hinder plant growth. There is no one answer, as…
African irises (Dietes iridioides) are herbaceous, perennial evergreen plants with spreading fans of stiff, sword-shaped leaves and creamy white blossoms with distinctive yellow and blue markings. These attractive landscape plants are hardy enough to survive the winter in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10; gardeners in other areas may cultivate African irises as annuals. African irises need frequent fertilization from a variety of sources to bloom profusely from May through September.
Certain apple tree disorders like bitter pit seem to involve low availability of calcium in the fruit. Calcium chloride sprays are one of a couple different options that can help avert these disorders and promote a higher-quality product. Too much calcium chloride, however, can also have undesirable effects, so it's important to observe moderation in application.
The ideal landscaping offers plants with visual interest throughout the year, from the flowers of spring to the showy seed stalks of mid-winter. Autumn landscapes may boast chrysanthemum flowers and ripe pumpkins, but bright fall foliage steals the show. Choose a range of trees and bushes in shades of red and yellow for maximum visual impact.
Ivies (Hedera spp.) are evergreen, woody vines from the Aralia family widely used as ground covers or for covering fences and trellises. The plants are vigorous in growth and have dense, alternate, lobed foliage. Many ivy species are classified as invasive. English ivy is the most widely grown ivy variety, both as a houseplant and on the commercial level. The appearance of white powder on ivy foliage is the result of a fungal infection. (
Bok choy is a form of turnip (Brassica rapa) that is grown in vegetable gardens for its tasty, crisp green leaves and white stems; the vegetable is often an ingredient in stir fry meals. In Catonese, "bok choy" literally means "white vegetable." It, along with other members of the cabbage family, or Brassicaeae, grows quickly in moist, fertile garden soils when temperatures are cool. Eventually, bok choy plants produce an upright stem of yellow flowers, followed by seeds.
Plants need at least 16 essential nutrients for optimal growth and to enable them to complete their life cycle and reproduce. Magnesium is one of these essential nutrients. It plays a key role in photosynthesis, and a lack of magnesium produces reduced growth and unsightly deficiency symptoms, which include yellowing of a plant's leaves. Applying a fertilizer containing magnesium will rectify a deficiency.
Like all living things, plants thrive when environmental conditions are ideal to provide what they need for growth. Four variables affect plant growth: light, temperature, water and nutrition. A variable becomes a limiting factor in plant growth when it falls outside the preferred range for a plant. Changes in these variables stimulate or inhibit growth. These factors play a role in plant functions related to both vegetative and reproductive growth, including photosynthesis, leaf production, flowering and fruit setting.
Plant growers are always looking for better and more efficient ways to give their plants light. Plants have evolved to take greatest advantage of natural sunlight but indoor plants usually don't have much access to it. However, specific types of artificial light have been developed to aid plants in getting the light they need. Artificial lighting for plants goes by various names, including "grow lights" or sunlamps. Many can be very effective to use for growing plants.
Just like humans, plants too can be poisoned by exposure to toxic chemicals, although the chemicals that poison plants are not necessarily the same ones that poison humans or other animals (and vice versa). Highly lethal insecticides, for example, kill insects but leave plants unscathed. Other chemicals like fertilizers support plant growth and have a beneficial effect.
According to Purdue University, home gardeners grow more strawberries than any other small fruit. They're easy to grow and they produce a lot of fruit, yielding 1 or 2 qts of berries for every plant. However, they are prone to several problems that can cause their leaves to curl.
As suburban communities continue to expand, typically in a random pattern driven by availability of inexpensive land that can accommodate large numbers of cars, the lack of planning not only requires the concurrent expansion of community and commercial services, but it also spreads the blight of urban sprawl and environmental degradation. Lack of proper community and urban planning also makes it more difficult to bring members of the community together because infrastructure is decentralized.
Chloride (Cl) is an important nutrient for plant growth. Chloride is considered a micronutrient because it is required by plants in small quantities. Although chloride occurs naturally as a soluble ion in the earth's crust, chloride deficiency becomes problematic as you move inland from coastal areas. Fortunately, chloride deficiency can be successfully identified and managed in plants.
Accelerating admixtures, also known as accelerants, are added to concrete to shorten set time and provide timely strength to concrete compounds. Accelerants may be inorganic compounds such as soluble chlorides, silicates, fluosilicates and carbonates, or an organic compound such as triethanolamine. All accelerants reduce cure times so less time is required to protect the concrete from freezing during cold weather pours. One drawback to most accelerants is the increased shrinkage it can cause as the concrete dries.
Fall and autumn creep up just when the summer seems to get going. If you ask someone what the signs of fall are, he could talk about going back to school. Though there are calendar indicators that fall is here, there are also signs throughout nature that show the seasons are changing. An understanding of the changes in nature allow people to identify a season.
Plants live where they do because they adapted over lengthy periods to their local conditions. Gradual changes to a plant species' genetic code allow it to make the most of its environment. Weather conditions, type of soil, amount of moisture, sunlight, predators, competition from other plants and degree of success at reproduction all challenge plant survival. However, when challenged enough, the plant becomes endangered.
Auxins are a group of plant hormones that are involved with the growth of many different types of tissues, roots, new shoots, flowers and fruit. The name auxin comes from the Greek word "auxein," which means "to grow." The rooting hormone powder that is used to promote root growth in cuttings is an example of an auxin. The first auxin to be identified by scientists was indole-3-acetic acid (IAA).
Adaptation is a characteristic used within the field of biology to describe how plant and animal species make adjustments within their environment in order to survive. Living organisms have different features that they use to blend in with their surroundings, defend themselves from predators and obtain food. Tropical rainforests plant, animal, tree and insect species have adapted to the conditions of their surroundings and they use these abilities to make the most of their existence.
Yellow Wood Sorrel or Oxalis stricta is a beneficial weed with many positive attributes. It is pretty, edible and has medicinal qualities. Yellow wood sorrel is a perennial plant native to North America although it can also be found in Europe and Asia. It is considered a weed because it can grow in any type of soil and can reproduce rapidly, mostly through seed but also by stems.
Auxins are a class of plant hormones that stimulate growth and development in various parts of the plant. Synthetic auxins have similar structures to the naturally occurring auxins and are often used as herbicides.
As with many other words in the English language, "fall" and "autumn" are synonyms, used to describe the third complete season of the calendar year. However, if one is considering some of the technical differences concerning the origins of each word, there are specific differences in the history of when and how each term evolved within the English language.
Harvested carrots are still living plants, and planting a whole carrot allows the plant to resume its natural life cycle. A carrot normally lives for two growing seasons. The stored energy the carrot accumulates in the first year powers the reproductive process in the carrot's second year. Replanting won't cause the carrot root to improve in size or quality, but does allow the plant to flower and set seed.
Bonsai, pronounced "bone-sigh," is Japanese for "tray" and "plant." The bonsai originated in Egypt, moved to China during the Jin Dynasty and was brought by monks to Japan, where the technique became an art form and type of mediation. A normal-sized tree -- fichus, myrtle, hibiscus, pines and junipers, as well as other varieties -- is trained through pruning, potting and wiring to be miniature. The oldest bonsai trees are more than 500 years old. Though the age of your bonsai is important, the care, sizing and shape are more important in the art and mediation.
Roots provide several crucial functions in a plant's life. They absorb water and mineral nutrients, anchor the plant to the ground, support the plant and store food. According to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, roots determine the size, vigor and adaptability of a plant. Some nutrient-rich roots provide food for people and animals. Many plant roots develop and grow better in well-drained soil than in heavy clay soil.
All over the earth, seeds erupt in familiar habits, roots growing down while shoots grow up, producing stems, buds, leaves, flowers and fruits. Each of these plant parts specializes in a particular function, and each function is necessary for the plant to survive, thrive and reproduce. In the course of fulfilling their functions, plants provide us with food and oxygen. Indeed, without plants, we would not have evolved.
Dogwood trees are trees with round crowns that produce four-leafed flowers during the spring and have lush foliage throughout the rest of the growing season. If white powder appears on the leaves of the tree, it is suffering from a fungal condition the requires time and effort to recover from.
Snap beans are one of the simplest garden vegetables to grow and rarely require sidedressing. If you want to hurry a crop along, though, you could sidedress pole beans with a low nitrogen fertilizer mid-season. Bush beans grow rapidly and don't require additional fertilizer. Instead, focus your efforts on proper watering and weeding techniques. Water beans at least weekly to keep the soil evenly moist and apply a mulch around the plants to conserve moisture. Cultivate snap beans carefully with a hoe or pull weeds by hand.
In order to survive, every living organism must develop some sort of adaptation to their environment and plants are no exception. As a matter of fact, some plants have adapted so well that some of them are carnivorous, a phenomenon not usually associated with plants. There are other strange kinds of plant adaptations.
After the green months of spring and summer come the vibrant fall months, which are usually around September and October throughout the United States, though exact timing varies on the state and the weather conditions in the area. Regardless of when fall occurs in the state, fall colors are the same throughout the country. Whether you're searching for beautiful foliage or considering colors for a fall wedding, the fall colors found in nature are inspirational.
Two well-respected social scientists who theorized on human development are Erik Erikson and Jean Piaget. Erik Erikson's theory of human development addresses the tasks of various age groups and the potential negative effects of unsuccessfully attempting those tasks. Jean Piaget focused on cognitive development from birth through the adolescent years.
Bonsai training is an art form that originated in 13th century Japan. The purpose of training is to create the realistic illusion of a mature tree growing in nature artificially. Every aspect of the bonsai from the roots, trunk, branches, leaves, flowers and buds must be in exact proportion and natural appearance of the mature-sized tree. Spruce and pine trees are suitable for bonsai training due to their small leaves and needles. Training is done by pruning, pinching and wiring techniques which can be easily mastered to train a bonsai tree into the desired shape.
Growing in abundance in their native Japan and China, the camellia made its debut on the southern plantations of 19th century America. The Swedish botanist who developed the system to classify plants, named the camellia, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Now with more than 20,000 varieties of these flowering shrubs to choose from, camellias add not only a colorful splash to the landscape, but also produce tea and tea seed oil.
Staghorn ferns are epiphytic, which means they can grow on a vertical structure that is virtually soil-less. The ferns are tropical and are grown as house plants in most of the United States, although Florida is a notable exception where huge specimens grow outdoors. The staghorn fern produces two types of fronds. The basal frond is a sterile leaf that is thick and is the support structure for the plant. The foliar fronds give the plant its name, with lobed indentations that resemble horns. These are fertile and bear the sporangia that hold the spores or reproductive organs of the…
A selection of different pigments and the dwindling of a chemical are responsible for the colors of leaves in the fall. The specific color depends on the species of tree, while a variety of conditions including weather and sunlight determine the intensity and vibrancy of these different colors. However, colors will often vary, even among the same species.
The time frame that determines when autumn leaves start to fall is somewhat dependent on the geographic area in which they grow and weather conditions that occurred throughout the growing season. A combination of dry weather and longer periods of sunshine make all the difference in when the biological process will occur.
Curling leaves on coleus plants is a symptom of downy mildew (Peronospora lamii). According to Purdue University, downy mildew wasn't identified on coleus plants until 2005, but since then the problem has grown exponentially and also affects basil and Agastache plants. Downy mildew on coleus isn't a huge problem for gardeners, but can be a serious problem for greenhouse growers.
If you seek to grow as an individual or improve an aspect of your live, you deserve to be commended. Personal growth is an endlessly rich and fascinating topic with numerous opportunities for positive change. Unfortunately, just like trying to make other types of changes, you often encounter barriers along the way. They can be internal or external, but they share one common aspect -- they can prevent you from fulfilling your potential.
Your mother always told you to wash your hands before dinner -- and there was a good reason for it. The soil around your home is teeming with bacteria and mold. Many of the contaminants are common in most soils, so there is no use in trying to change the makeup of the soil, But knowing that the dirt itself contains some of these microorganisms will at least prompt you to wash up after coming in contact with it. Some of the common mold and bacteria in the soil are those that you've probably heard about.
Plants grow by absorbing nutrients from the soil and water where they are planted. The characteristics of the soil texture and it's acidity determine how many nutrients are available to the plants how well plants will grow in the particular soil. When gardeners talk about soil pH, they are referring to the level of acid or alkaline present in the soil. Keep in mind that not all soil is the same. For example, soils near water a lake might have higher concentrations of silt, whereas soil near a dessert often has a higher sand content.
Magnolias and camellias are eye-catching plants with dark green, almost leathery leaves and large, showy blooms. Magnolias, a symbol of the South, may actually be grown successfully from Florida to Maine in the Eastern United States and can be evergreen or deciduous. The trees produce large, saucer- or start-shaped white, pink, red or purple blooms in spring. Camellias bloom from winter to spring in the South and grow most successfully in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. They may also be successfully grown in colder climates with winter protection. Proper fertilization is essential for best flower production.
Bonsai is an ancient Japanese discipline used to create miniaturized versions of full-sized trees and plants through careful pruning, root manipulation and repotting. Plant species with woody stems respond well to miniaturizing and a bonsai-like effect is easily achieved with the proper application of pruning. Pruning goes a long way to creating the effect of a miniature tree; however, factors such as foliage size, trunk thickness and proper proportion must be taken into account to effectively create the look of a traditional bonsai.
Concrete, like cement and mortar, forms a thick paste when mixed and turns into a hard surface when it dries. It seems simple, but you also must ensure that your concrete doesn't dry too quickly, or it forms a dusty surface that cracks easily. Properly curing your concrete gives you a surface that resists stronger forces than concrete that has dried too quickly.
Green snap beans are easy to grow and provide you with good nutrition. Adding a balanced fertilizer to the soil at planting time and then at subsequent intervals during the growing season will reward you with bumper crops of this tasty vegetable.
Every aspect of a plant's growth and development is regulated by plant hormones. Plants respond to the environment through plant hormones that are organic compounds acting as chemical messengers. Plant hormones interact with target tissues in the plant to cause physiological responses that regulate growth and development. There are five major classes of plant hormones.
Bok choy has a crisp texture and a mild flavor. It is in the same family as broccoli, Chinese cabbage, turnips and cauliflower. This cool-weather vegetable is often used in salads, stir-fries and soup dishes. It is also known as pak choi, bok choi and pak choy. Determining the right time to plant this vegetable is key to harvesting a plentiful crop.
Golden leaf dogwood is a variety of ornamental tree known for its colorful foliage, which is yellowish or gold in color. Many homeowners are familiar with small, attractive dogwood trees, which are popular in landscaping designs. But many homeowners don't know how to keep their trees healthy. Golden leaf and other types of dogwoods may be attacked by fungal diseases that emerge as small, white spots.
All parts of a deciduous tree, including its roots and branches, can withstand freezing temperatures, but its leaves cannot. They die when the water contained in their cells freezes, and in order for the tree to survive, it must eliminate the dead leaves.
Reiki and magical practitioners believe that crystals contain energetic vibrations. According to Healing Crystals, these vibrations can effect changes in the energies of humans and plants. With the use of the right crystals, your garden may be able to thrive and grow beyond your expectations.
The fall is a beautiful season because of the different shades of leaves. During this season, common leaf colors include yellow, red and brown. Find out the secrets behind autumns diverse colors.
Dogwood trees have brown or red branches and white or pink flowers that appear in the late spring. When white spots appear on tree branches, there are many causes, so you'll need to play sleuth to solve the spot mystery, then treat your tree.
Flowers are beautiful, but their primary purpose is plant reproduction. To produce flowers, plants must be healthy. Many factors affect a plant's health and consequently flower production.
Dogwoods (Cornus spp.) are widely grown as ornamental trees for their spring blooms and fall foliage colors. The deciduous plants grow as trees or shrubs in a range of forms and sizes. A fungal infection causes the appearance of white spots on branches.
One issue stumping gardeners growing sweet corn is the occasional stunted growth of plants, including sweet corn. Causes include viruses, pests and unfavorable environmental conditions. Many of these conditions lead to nutrient deficiencies in the sweet corn plants.
Compost is Mother Nature's recycling program and, in nature, works to release nutrients contained in dead plant and animal matter and return them to the soil, where new plants can use them. Microbes found in the soil break down organic material, freeing the nutrients it contains. As one of the primary nutrients used by plants -- and therefore present in significant quantities in decaying plant matter -- compost provides one source of phosphorus.
Named for their resemblance to the sun, these flowers devotedly turn their heads to follow the sun as it passes through the sky, a natural and rare occurrence known as heliotropism. Before your beautiful sunflowers bloom and start following the sun, however, they will have to pass through other life stages.
You cannot expect to eat a fresh batch of home-grown sunflower seeds a day or even a week after planting the first seed. That first seed must pass through several life cycle stages before maturing and developing seeds ready for harvest.
The changing colors of the leaves signifies the advancement from summer into fall. These brilliant colors bring joy to many people, including young children who love to jump into piles of fallen leaves. The science behind fall leaves, however, rarely garners a second thought.
Succession is the sequence of communities that occupy an area following a disturbance such as a fire. Secondary succession is different from primary succession in that the soil remains intact after the disturbance.
Zucchini, considered a summer squash, grows best in warm weather. The versatile fruit of the zucchini plant is edible cooked or raw, and the flowers of the plant make good salad additions.
Blue rug juniper is an evergreen shrub originating in Canada and northern areas of the United States and used as a ground cover. It succumbs to only a few diseases, showing greatest susceptibility to such problems when planted in poor growing conditions.
Potato plants go through five stages of growth before being ready to pull from the soil: sprouting, plant growth, formation of tubers, tuber growth and maturation. Each stage is affected by environmental conditions that include temperature fluctuations, type of soil, moisture levels and location, according to the University of Idaho.
The juniper, or Juniperus genus, is a family of trees and shrubs that includes approximately 50 distinct species. Many of these species are native to North America. Junipers are susceptible to a number of different diseases.
Developed to match the absorption spectrum of plants, Osram Plantastar high-pressure sodium lamps enable the commercial horticulture industry to cultivate plants throughout the year. Plantastar also assists in the growth of plants for research. The lamp's specifications reflect the long lifespan of the Plantastar, its durability, maintenance-free structure and intense light. The bulbs come in 250, 400 and 600 watts.
Between the recession of 2007 to the late in 2010, job growth has stagnated in many industries. Despite this slowed growth, or increased shrinkage, many jobs have developed both in the healthcare industry and in the network administration industry. But many very high-paying careers, such as that of a judge, are quickly vanishing.
There are many chemical reactions that take place throughout the life of a plant. Every moment of a plant's life, chemical reactions are regulating energy consumption, water levels and gas exchange. While there are far too many individual chemical reactions involved in the growth of plants to list -- and many different types of plants undergo different types of chemical reactions -- there are a few major fundamental reactions that occur in all plants.
Rainforest environments experience extremes in heat and humidity on an ongoing basis. These conditions appear within the warm-climate coastal regions of Africa, Asia, South Africa, and Europe. The wide diversity of plant life found inside rainforests develops as a result of unusually warm temperatures and high rainfall amounts. Survival within these areas requires plants to develop adaptations that affect their growth seasons and overall physical development.
Adaptations are changes in plant development over time that give it a better chance at survival. The Venus flytrap has several interesting adaptations that are crucial to its vigor and growth. The plant lives in soils that lack nitrogen, which is a protein synthesizer. It must seek sources of protein outside the normal plant uptake process. Venus flytrap can be found growing in bogs in North and South Carolina where its primary source of nitrogen is from insects. The flytrap traps and breaks down the insects to harvest the nitrogen from the bugs.
Pachysandra is a genus of evergreen flowering and fruiting herbaceous ground-cover plants of which there are five species. It spreads and reproduces vegetatively by underground rhizomes, forming dense mats of green over the soil surface. All of the species are relatively low-growing, with the tallest reaching no more than 10 inches in height at maturity. Pachysandra is used as an ornamental ground cover, as an erosion control measure, as living weed control between plants and as a low-maintenance evergreen substitute for lawn grass. Annual trimming helps keep the plants looking healthy and encourages new growth, but is not required for…
Camellias are shade-loving plants that produce colorful blooms during the winter. They grow primarily in warmer climates. When given proper attention and fertilization, camellias can reward you with beautiful blooms year after year to brighten the winter months.
Zucchini are summer garden favorites, growing quickly and easily and producing such abundant crops that they inspire the old joke that you'll run out of friends before you run out of extra zucchini. After you sow your zucchini seeds into your garden, you will watch the plant grow, emerging as a tiny seedling and, within a few months, sprawling as a long vine across your garden, producing flowers and, eventually, fruits.
Whether you have a science fair coming up or you're teaching a botany course, you'll want to consider performing an experiment that tests plant growth. These types of experiments are incredibly basic, although you can measure the "growth" of a plant differently. Consider whether measuring the height, the number of leaves, the number of flowers, the thickness of the stem or some combination of these factors would be most helpful.
Along with light, temperature and water, soil pH has a significant impact on plant growth. Test your soil pH with a kit, available at most garden centers and nurseries, or take samples to a local university extension office for testing.
When you walk down the fertilizer aisle of your local nursery, you may find dizzying numbers of products with dozens of formulas, purposes and forms. Most fertilizers, however, list common chemical components. Know what to look for and use the right product for your plants.
Plant growth varies from species to species. Vascular plants have a different growth process from nonvascular plants. Nonvascular plants, like algae are small, rootless organisms without organs. Vascular plants, like most we're familiar with, have organ systems and complex structures. Vascular plants' reproduction assumes various forms, from pollination to the dropping of fruits and cones. All plants' growth process have one thing in common: they begin with germination and grow from a fertilized ovum.
The sunflower plant is an exciting study in how nature has developed efficient ways to grow and protect itself. Growing sunflower seeds as a class project or with your children can teach everyone about the life cycles of plants and the unique characteristics of sunflowers.
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring odorless mineral comprised of metallic flakes in varying shapes and sizes. It is lightweight and resembles mica in appearance. It has a number of uses in home, garden and industrial applications.
Concerns over climate changes as well as diminishing fuel and food supplies illustrate the importance of plant science. Plants are the foundation of life, providing food, natural products and medicines for humans and animals, states the University of Dundee College of Life Sciences.
Rhododendrons grow best in mild, humid weather, in wind-protected areas. They prefer partial sun and well-drained, acid soil. Rhododendrons bloom in the spring, but fail to do so if not provided with ideal growing conditions and proper maintenance.
Famous for its bolls and impact on the farming culture of the American south, the cotton plant of the genus Gossypium is a member of the Malvacae family and a product that is a part of nearly everyone's life.
Magnesium chloride is an ionic compound with the chemical formula MgCl2. When dissolved in water it reduces the freezing point and can help de-ice driveways. Excess accumulation of magnesium chloride, however, can potentially be toxic for plants.
Nellie R. Stevens holly is a rapidly growing evergreen, hardy to zones 6 through 9. Shrubs can grow up to 2 feet per year; average growth is 12 inches. Pruning is not required to encourage growth. In fact, many gardeners prefer the natural shape of this dense evergreen.
Just as people share the same basic, biological makeup regardless of race or nationality, plants share many of the same tissues and structures regardless of the family into which they fall. Becoming familiar with some of the basics can help develop a greater understanding of the processes that go on in backyard plants and trees as well as in the houseplants that become living fixtures in the home.
Lactobacillus is a type of lactic acid bacteria that aids in digestion. Its presence makes the environment acidic, thus preventing the proliferation of other, more harmful bacteria in the area. This occurs because these bacteria cannot thrive in a very acidic environment. As such, Lactobacillus can aid in plant growth because its presence keeps the harmful bacteria from destroying the plant.
Downy mildew infections were first detected in coleus plants in the United States in 2005. Since then the disease has occurred in several parts of the country. Symptoms and severity of downy mildew infections vary depending upon the cultivar.
Hormone chemicals in plants play a vital role in regulating growth and development processes within plant bodies. When secreted, each hormone has certain effects on cell metabolism processes, which ultimately control all areas within the plant life cycle. When secreted in excess or deficient amounts, alterations in normal or natural growth processes can occur.
Bok choy, or Chinese cabbage, is a leafy green Asian vegetable. There are many varieties of leafy Asian greens that are sometimes mistaken for bok choy, all with similar growth stages and all having bulbous white bases with long, dark green leaves. The bok choy plant is edible at all stages of growth either raw or cooked, and this includes the flowers and seeds.
Buckhorn plantain weeds can be an aggravating presence for those wishing to maintain turfgrass and ornamental gardens. Removing buckhorn plantains can restore the quality and aesthetics of an outdoor area.
Pouring concrete slabs for footers, foundations, walkways and patios requires complex planning, proper grading, exact measurements and related skills. However, if the poured concrete is improperly cured, the finished project will be structurally and aesthetically inferior.
The chief advantage of using fertilizers, according to the Oregon State University Extension Service, is that "fertilizers provide one or more of the chemical elements necessary for plant growth and development." When a plant needs a missing nutrient, fertilizers fill that need.
Chemical fertilizers are synthetic substances that provide the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth and development. Chemical fertilizers combine synthetic forms of the primary macronutrients for plants such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as a variety of micronutrients and additives. Synthetically developed fertilizers provide the benefit of having more nutrients per pound than organic fertilizers, thus reducing costs. Chemical fertilizers have many uses for the average gardener and homeowner, as well as for commercial use.
Most people believe positive thought holds some amount of power. Numerous phrases reflect that mindset, including "Where there's a will, there's a way." The general idea is "you can do anything you put your mind to." Whether you achieve your goals is determined by the limits you set in your mind. This concept can also be applied to plant growth. Numerous studies have observed a positive correlation between positive thinking and plant growth. Root for your plants.
Chemical fertilizers, or inorganic fertilizers, generally come in powder or granular form and can be easier to use than organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure. Many people prefer organic fertilizers, but chemicals are options when organic fertilizers either aren't available or are cost-prohibitive. Types of chemical fertilizers typically include nitrogen, potassium or phosphorus.
French chemist Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) studied the impact of the geomagnetic field on plant growth in 1862. Dr. Albert Roy Davies, known as the father of modern bio-magnetics, used magnetically treated seeds to encourage plant growth.
The use of fertilizer in agriculture has increased the production value of farmland and helps grow more colorful and flavorful vegetables. Varieties of fertilizers have been tested with varying results and effects on both the produce and consumer. Fertilizers are very important to agriculture and help replace the nutrients in the ground that are stripped from the crops that grow in them.
Primary and secondary growth differ in the parts of the plant involved and the way in which those parts grow. All plants grow primarily. Plants need primary growth to increase in length, growing upward from the ground and extending their roots further into the soil. Only certain types of plants grow secondarily. Such growth usually occurs in woody plants, such as trees and shrubs, and allows the plant to thicken its stems and branches.
Camelias have glossy, evergreen leaves and large, showy, circular blossoms. The blossoms can be double- or single-petaled with a yellowish center. The flowers come in hues ranging from reds and pinks to whites. The variety sinensis is cultivated for its leaves to be used in tea. While it does help the plant to fertilize, it is best to do so sparingly, as overdoing fertilization interrupts the plant's natural growth pattern. Plants receiving too much fertilizer will not grow in the tighter, clumped shrubs the plant naturally prefers.
Lima beans are protein-rich legumes that produce annually, meaning that each year a new seed must be planted and a new plant forms. The bean is named for the city of Lima, the capital of Peru, and is considered a tender plant because drops in temperature or frosts may kill it. Lima bean seeds, however, are so durable that explorers often took them on their travels to plant along their way.
Tropism is the capacity of plants to respond to environmental stimuli through movement. Tropisms are positive when the growing movement happens towards the source of the stimulus, while negative tropisms occur in the opposite direction. Although external stimuli impacts the direction of growth, the plant's development depends on hormones, also called growth regulators.
Sometimes called coconut milk, coconut water is said to contain significant amounts of important nutrients and to correct nutritional imbalances and other health conditions in humans. Research shows that it could have the same effect on plants by promoting strong root systems and more rapid growth and development.
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) can be grown in the winter or the spring. Spring wheat is planted in the spring and ready for harvest in the summer. In many cases, spring wheat is the preferred type of wheat because it does not need to be exposed to the same cold temperatures that winter wheat requires for healthy growth.
Red barberry shrub diseases develop from fungal infections and pest infestation. To prevent disease, maintain your red barberries according to their specific needs, keeping them in full sunlight and well-drained soil. Avoid excessively wet conditions, as they decrease your shrub's vigor and provide an ideal environment for fungi and pests that thrive on stressed plants.
Household detergent is composed of chemicals that are designed to break down dirt and grease in clothing and on dishes. This harsh process can be harmful to plants in many ways, from making the soil they grow in toxic to washing away the helpful bacteria, nutrients and other organisms necessary for their growth.
Plants are a valued aspect of our natural environment. The vegetables and fruits that they produce have excellent nutritional value. They are also visually appealing. It is, therefore, vital to have knowledge of the most essential minerals necessary for the well-being of plants to promote their healthy growth.
Poultry manure is a great fertilizer if used correctly. A nutrient analysis reveals the amount of each substance in the manure. Using the analysis information, the correct application rate can be determined. Poultry manure can be used in the garden with proper techniques. It commonly provides nutrients to large-scale farms. The analysis varies based on several factors. Feed and species of chicken greatly affect the manure. The type of bird is also reflected in the manure. Broilers for meat and breeders for chick production are fed different feed and have different manure qualities.
Calcium chloride as a chemical has been used for more than 100 years in various ways in industries, food processing and health areas. It is used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, and is supplied in the form of flakes, pebbles, pellets, powders and solutions with varying concentrations. Its exothermic (production of heat when coming in contact with water) reaction property has been used for many years to prevent deposition of snow on the roads and highways in areas having high snowfalls. Calcium chloride is an important nutrient for natural plant growth.
Peanuts are a popular food crop that can grow in any location that has at least 160 frost-free days in a row. Peanut plants prefer light, loose soil enriched with compost and warm temperatures. Peanuts do not grow on trees but are harvested below ground. However, they begin forming above the ground.
Pole beans are prolific summer vegetables that produce long, thin, nutrition-rich green beans all summer, or at least as long as ripe bean pods continue to be picked. Many gardeners prefer pole beans to similar bush bean varieties because of their long season and greater productivity, though pole beans do require a sturdy trellis or other support for their vining stems to climb. In most soils, pole beans require little extra nutrition--especially nitrogen, which legumes such as beans can produce for themselves. Correct soil pH, preferably between 5.5 and 6.0, encourages nutrition uptake.
Some rose resources recommend the use of systemic pesticides for healthy plants; many organic gardening resources warn against the dangers of all pesticides. Roses can be challenging to grow outside of their native Mediterranean region, which makes gardeners eager for simplified success. On the other hand, gardeners work close to the earth and don't want to be irresponsible in their chemical use.
The concept of succession, often called "biological succession" or "plant succession," is used to explain how an ecosystem develops over time. When describing this process, scientists use the term "sere" to refer to an entire instance of succession, and use the term "seral stage" to refer to a single phase of biological succession.
Crystals have been used for centuries for their healing and growth properties with gardens and plants. The electromagnetic energy generated by some crystals is conducive to plant growth and acts as a safe and natural vitamin. Improved growth, plant strength and health are just some of the benefits associated with using a quartz crystal to promote plant growth.
Fungus-based diseases can attack a radish plants' roots and leaves and even destroy seedlings before harvest time arrives. Some common radish fungi include black root, cercospora leafspot, downy mildew and white rust. Healthy crops depend on eradication or at minimum, controlling infectious fungus. You can achieve victory in cultivation if you detect the disease early and take quick, pro-active action to stop it from spreading to the remaining radish crops.
The first documented instance of grafting occurred in 5,000 B.C., when the Chinese grafted peach trees. Since then, gardeners have successfully grafted many plant species, including squash, pumpkin and zucchini.
The time it takes for a sunflower plant to grow to maturity depends on the type of sunflower planted and the growing conditions.
Although often planted intentionally, bamboo can be a hard-to-control, invasive grass that comprises a species of more than 1,200 varieties. There are two types of bamboo plants; bamboo plants are either "clumping" or "running" according to the University of Maryland's Cooperative Extension. Clumping bamboo is desirable and slow spreading. Running bamboo, however, spreads very quickly, is highly competitive with other plants, and needs heavy management including control with non-selective herbicides.
A spoonful of garden soil can contain more than 3 billion bacteria. In comparison, the Earth's human population is less than 7 billion. Within that spoonful, there can be several hundred thousand species of bacteria, each with a role in decomposition.
As the building block for every food chain, plants are an essential part of the world's ecosystems. Most plants are hearty and resilient, but they all require several factors for optimum growth.
The flowering dogwood is a landscape tree that is susceptible to the disease dogwood anthracnose, caused by the fungus Discula destructiva. Signs of this plant disease include tan spots with purple edges, poor or distorted leaf growth and a powdery white substance on the leaves. Weak plants are more susceptible to fungal growth. Cool, rainy weather promotes fungal growth, as does a lack of adequate sun and air circulation. Measures can be taken to prevent fungal growth and encourage healthy tree growth.
The three primary ingredients in most fertilizers, according to Mississippi State University Extension (MSUE), are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, also called potash. Most other nutrients are available in water, air and soil and are obtained by plants through absorption.
Blackberries grow on spiny, vigorous bushes. Blackberries provide a succulent addition to salads or garnish for cakes and are delicious by themselves as a snack.
Phosphorus fertilizer is a soil enhancer that adds phosphorus to the soil. An adequate soil phosphorus level is required for healthy crop growth. Phosphorus leaches with the slope of the ground.
Since ancient times, farmers and agriculturalists have used herbicides to control the growth of vegetation. Some early herbicides included ashes, bittern and sea salt, but modern herbicides are complex chemical compounds that can selectively target a particular type of plant.
The goji berry plant, Lycium barbarum, is also known as wolfberry, boxthorn and matrimony vine. It's commonly grown and used for medicinal purposes. Goji berry performs well as a houseplant, as long as it receives adequate lighting and appropriate pruning due to its tendency toward a vining growth habit. The deciduous ornamental shrub develops an extensive root system, making it suitable for erosion control purposes. Cold hardy in USDA Zones 8 to 11, heat-loving goji doesn't appreciate temperature exposures below about 59 degrees. It's drought tolerant and practically care-free once established, and can be readily propagated from softwood cuttings.
All fertilizers consist of chemical elements essential for plant growth. Organic fertilizers consist of once-living animal or plant chemical sources, whereas inorganic "chemical fertilizers"---more appropriately called "mineral fertilizers," according to the International Fertilizer Association---are manufactured synthetically.
Beans plants are common in both home gardens and commercial growing situations. Big harvests of beans can reward any home grower for their time and dedication. Beans can also be valuable in science projects and studies. One important study is determining the amount of care, and specifically light, needed for bean plant growth.
The boysenberry is a dark, seeded berry that's a cross between a raspberry, a blackberry and a loganberry. Boysenberry stalks take two years to produce fruit. Each stalk grows for one year, then puts out fruit the following year and never fruits again. It is, therefore, best to go ahead and remove the old growth before it becomes woody. Boysenberry bushes should be trimmed back twice each year: initially after all fruit has been picked and once more in late winter or early the next spring, before new flowers develop.
Exotic and ornamental, Staghorn ferns, also known as Elk horn, Antelope or Antler ferns are epiphytic perennials or "air" plants that grow attached to tree trunks, branches, walls and rocks. Found in tropical climates in the United States, Australia, Africa, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Madagascar, the Philippines and warm regions of Asia, Staghorn ferns (Platycerium) draw their moisture from humid air and tropical rains. They derive nutrients from airborne leaves and other plant materials that fall into the fern and decompose. Low maintenance and easy to grow, Staghorn ferns can be cut apart to propagate new plants for the tropical…
Lead, a substance infamous for its toxic effects, is present in many consumer products, including the glazes of food contact ceramics such as crockpots and dishes. Given the apparent hazard, what does this mean to your family?
Soil pH affects plants' ability to obtain nutrients from the soil. Plants generally get maximum benefit from nutrients in the soil when the pH is between 5.5 and 7.
Brugmansia, or Angel's Trumpet, is an exotic, tropical tree. It can grow to 30 feet tall when planted outdoors. Brugmansias also grow well as container specimens. Brugmansias are known for their beautiful, trumpet-shaped flowers that hang upside-down. Depending on the cultivar, the brugmansia's flowers can grow between four and 24 inches long. Pruning the brugmansia is not necessary for plant health, but cutting back the brugmansia results in a heavier flower production. The brugmansia should not be confused with the datura, also called Angel's Trumpet.
Ultraviolet radiation affects plant growth and development in many ways. First, it gradually stops seed growth and sprouting, depended on the how much radiation is released. Soil can become compacted and lose the nutrients needed for plants to grow. The results of various lab experiments supplying Ultraviolet radiation through filtered lamps proved that higher doses of radiation administered to the plants were very damaging.
Grafting is a way of propagating plants, normally done when plants do not grow true from seed or when cuttings do not root well. Grafting is also a popular way of propagating fruit trees and various shrubs. In addition, gardeners will graft two different varieties of a plant to create something new and different. Sometimes you might want to create more evergreens for your landscape. Grafting evergreens, though, is a tricky process and not recommended as an undertaking for the inexperienced gardener. Grafts of evergreens take a long time to develop into new trees and do not take when the…
Every seed has an embryo, which is like a miniature plant in waiting. The embryo has the potential to form all parts of a mature plant, including stem, root structure, and leaves. The embryo is inactive until conditions are right for germination, which is the period when the embryo starts to grow. The embryo is protected by the seed coat, which prevents water from entering the seed before conditions are right for germination.
Flowers are the sexual reproductive organs of a plant. The purpose of a flower is to mix the genetic material from one, two, or more parents creating a more diverse population. Seed bearing fruit is a result of this process.
Plants that reproduce with a flower, called angiosperms, are traditionally classified as monocotlydon or dicotlydon (monocot or dicot, for short). The terms indicate whether the seed will sprout with one leaf or two. Monocot and dicot are distinctions that can help us distinguish the various types of plant parts.
Gibberellic acid is a hormone found in some plants. It is essential for germination of seeds and growth of plants as well as for flower and fruiting.
Stunted growth can occur in virtually every type of plant and can be attributed to a number of causes. Occasionally, plant growth is intentionally stunted, as is often the case with house plants.
Carrots are that easily recognizable, bright orange vegetable favored by Bugs Bunny. Have you ever wondered how they grow, and which part of the plant you're actually eating when you eat one?
When you try to raise a plant indoors, you face challenges if you want to make sure it keeps on growing. Plants in nature have adapted to the soil composition, the changing light, temperature and a host of other factors. So if you find your indoor plant is not growing, there are several factors to check.
Essentially topsoil is good clean healthy soil that has been sifted and screened to remove any sticks, rocks, or other contaminants. While topsoil is not usually infused with fertilizer it is a good rich soil by itself and a wonderful additive to any gardening and lawn planting. Topsoil has many uses in a garden or lawn.
If you are like most people, you probably think that a little fertilizer, sunlight and water are all that are needed for plants to grow. Although plants cannot grow without sunlight and water, these are the bare minimum. For optimum growth, a combination of growth factors must be considered and adjusted to meet the need of the particular plant or crop grown..
Peppers can be a difficult plant to grow and many pepper plant owners find that their plants don't yield as many peppers as they would like. However, there are a few pruning methods that can help keep the plants healthy and producing more peppers. Some people also prune peppers at the end of the growing season to make the existing peppers mature before the frost sets in.
You started your tomato seeds inside too early, and now they're leggy--pale and stretched out, with more stem than leaf. This can happy to any vegetables, flowering plants or house plants. Lack of light or too much nitrogen are the most common causes of this, and common wisdom is that leggy seedlings must be thrown out--but there are other ways to fix them.
The African Iris, which is also know as the Morea Iris or the Fortnight Lily in some parts of the world, is a plant which has sword-shaped leaves that can be long as 2 feet. The African Iris has two flowers on it. The larger flower which has white and gold petals houses the smaller lavender colored flower. African Irises bloom in the spring and summer. They add beauty to any garden and, in order to make this beauty last, it’s important to take proper care of the plant.
Caution must be used when transferring large seedlings into a bigger plant to encourage growth. Learn more in this free educational video series.
Learn how not to grow too big too fast, plus beginner gardening tips, advice and ideas for easy garden care and maintenance in this free gardening video.
The philodendron is a houseplant that's used to a jungle floor in the wild, so it doesn't require a lot of sun to be a successful grower. Crowds don't bother it either. In fact, when the roots are a little cramped it tends to grow better. If you want to grow more of this attractive foliage, you can propagate it with ease. Read on to learn how to propagate philodendron.
