Growing plants in containers
In this article, we will discuss how once you have obtained or reared your plants how to keep them as healthy as possible. I have talked about pests and diseases in the past, but in this article, we are going to talk about what you can do to minimize damage to your plants.
Pests and diseases are part of life for gardeners as they are important actors in the natural cycle of life of decay and death. The arrival of pests and diseases does not need to …
In this article, we will discuss why and grow you should save your seed.
Most people have lost the ability to save seeds, as this is one of the best ways to save money, the question is why should you buy seeds when you can save your own?
The problem is that in the last 50 years or so gardeners have gradually turned from seed gathers and savers to buying commercial seeds.
This is because most seeds you buy are …
In this article, we will be discussing what plants can be grown inside container ponds that will flourish in the shade. In a previous article, we talked about water plants that can be grown in a container in full sun, but for completeness, we need to see what plants that can be grown in the shade.
As you can imagine, the selection of plants that can be used in the shade is very slim pickings, as most need some light to put on their best show.
Do not …
In this article, we will be talking about plants that ideally can be used and placed inside a container pond. In previous articles, I talked about how to make various container pond features from bubble fountains, marginals in containers, creating a big water feature, bog plants in containers etc., but now it is time to expand to what plants can be used inside these containers.
Reflection of colourful aquatic plants in containers in full sum make a magical scene in gardens, but more so in small …
In this article, we will learn how to repot a typical Paphiopedilum, which believe it or not, is one of the easiest orchids to repot. You may wonder why this is so, but this is because Paphiopedilums are the closest to a standard houseplant in its requirements. It is one of the easier orchids to repot as you will see in this article.
They do not have thick rhizomes and thick roots, which are easier to clean and then repot, and you do not need any tools.
In this article, we will discuss why you want to repot a Vanda-type orchid and the process itself. Vandaceous orchids can grow straggly as they reach for the sky, making them look out of place. When this state is reached you know that it is time to repot it.
To do this, you will need to firmly stake the plant in the centre, so that the centre of gravity of the roots is closer to the centre to give a more balanced plant.
In this article, we will discuss how to repot and divide members of the Cymbidiums. This is an important job as cymbidiums tend to overwhelm small pots very quickly and as a result, they need to be potted on and divided quite frequently.
The process of repotting can lead to divisions being made and for the grower the opportunity to prune off dead roots and for the growing media to be refreshed. If you do this right you could divide a healthy cymbidium into two plants and so …
In this article, we will discuss how to repot a Cattleya orchid by using a packaging material that often has no other use –Styrofoam peanuts. Styrofoam peanuts often make an excellent additive to the orchid potting mix, as it will aid drainage at the bottom of the pot.
Another advantage is that it allows the home grower to use less bark. If you do this, make sure that you do not use peanuts that will dissolve in water. The best way to check for this is to place …
In this article, we will discuss how to repot a typical, evergreen oncidium. Plants with the Oncidium family are vigorous growers and have extensive new root systems.
This would mean that the plant will exhaust the nutrients in the growing media around the orchid, making repotting a necessary task that needs to be carried out at least every two years. You are repotting to give the roots more room to grow, but also for the plants to have access to a new source of nutrients.
In this article, we will discuss the best way to repot a Dendrobium. Dendrobiums are wonderful and attractive orchids but they soon will outgrow their own home and they will need to be repotted. In this article, you will find out how to do this.
The dendrobiums have short rhizomes and fine roots that can be easily damaged. This means it is best to repot in a slightly small plastic pot, where the plant is stabled and well staked.
First, you will need to disinfect …
