Plants – Page 13 – Everything is Not Black and White

Succulent Activity Inside and Outside

Albuca namaquensis More New Growth

Albuca namaquensis

The Succulent in the Courtyard

Succulent

Its Flowers

Succulent Flower

Seeds Developing
Succulent Seeds Developing

It Didn’t Die–African Violet Blooming

African Violet

Interesting Plants Today

Albuca namaquensis

The first sprouts of my new Albuca.

Albuca

Senecio articulatus

And the first leaves of my Senecio articulatus

Senecio

Kalanchoe fang Cuttings with New Growth

Kalanchoe_fang

Variegated Agave

Last week I cleaned up the insect infestation on the little agave. I left the plant sitting on the floor just inside the greenhouse. Today I found that someone had taken a bite.

Crazy, since I recently found out that I am allergic to agave. Still have a rash on my arm from contact. How is it possible that an animal could eat it?

Agave Variegated

Brachychiton

2018 March–Brachychiton Pods Found in Home Depot Parking Lot

Brachychiton Pod

2018 April–Planted Brachychiton Seed

2020 October The Largest of the Trees

Brachychiton Tree

Rhipsalis pilocarpa (Hairy Stemmed)

Rhipsalis

Cuttings for Propagation 2020 October 26

Rhipsalis Cuttings

World of Succulents–Rhipsalis pilocarpa

Royal Horticultural Society–Rhipsalis pilocarpa

Insect Infestation of a Variegated Agave

This morning I noticed that my little variegated agave had some yellowing sections. I first thought it might be the result of too much sun, not enough water, or maybe both.

Agave and Aphids

On closer inspection I found an insect infestation.

Agave and Aphids

I used a solution of water, alcohol, and Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap to remove the insects with cotton swabs.

Agave and Aphids

The agave was placed in a sheltered space in the greenhouse away from other plants.

How did I miss the start of the insect infestation? I have not been venturing out much because of COVID and the lousy air quality from the California wildfires. Not able to care properly for my gardens.

It is not unexpected to have insects, especially spider mites, in my gardens. We haven’t had rain for months. I did miss seasons and those all day rains that can occur in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest.

Agaves Allergic Reaction
Last week I began striping fiber from a dried agave leaf for possible use in a piece. What I found was the fiber was really too thin and that I am allergic to agave. I still have red welts on my arm. Today I tried to wear gloves when working on the little variegated agave, but it was too difficult to access small spaces. After I finished work, I washed my hands throughly several times. So far, no symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Agave Dermatitis UCLA Health