There is a thickening at the site of the new leaves.
Previous Posts
2020 October 27
Ludisia Flower Buds
When a plant seems to not grow for nearly two years, what could that mean? Loads of stuff.
Wrong potting mix.
Wrong light.
Wrong watering.
…
When I bought the plant at the local Farmers’ Market, I thought the grower told me that the plant is an Impatiens.
Today when I did a google image search, I found that it is a Ludisia, a type of orchid. And that the soil was wrong, light wrong, and watering wrong, feeding wrong. Nice that it survived in spite of my incorrect care. I should have been caring for it like an African Violet.
I repotted it and suddenly it began to grow.
Could all be a coincidence, or maybe it finally had the right growing conditions.
New Growth
Flower Buds
2021 January 3
2021 January 16
2021 February 3
2021 February 24
2021 March 2
2021 April 25
Kew Science–Plants of the World Online, Ludisia
The American Orchid Society, Ludisia
Wind Toppled Trees
When I walked into the kitchen I noticed both potted pine trees had toppled over.
Apparently even though we put a ton of weight in the bottom of the pot, the Norfolk Pine is still top heavy enough to be toppled over by the wind.
Moved it closer to the corner of the house, hoping to prevent another fall.
This is the tree we brought in for Christmas the past several years.
Moved it closer to the house to protect it from the wind.
Unfortunately, the Norfolk Pine isn’t fragrant, but nice greenery.
Thought the container of bits might be fun to knit into a small bowl.
Norfolk Pine Bits and Wool I-Cord Started
Norfolk Pine Bits and Wool I-Cord Completed
Succulent Activity Inside and Outside
Albuca namaquensis More New Growth
The Succulent in the Courtyard
Its Flowers
Seeds Developing
It Didn’t Die–African Violet Blooming
Vote
In California you can follow your ballot. Mine was received and is ready to be counted.
Interesting Plants Today
Albuca namaquensis
The first sprouts of my new Albuca.
Senecio articulatus
And the first leaves of my Senecio articulatus
Kalanchoe fang Cuttings with New Growth
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?
Brachychiton
2018 March–Brachychiton Pods Found in Home Depot Parking Lot
2018 April–Planted Brachychiton Seed
2020 October The Largest of the Trees
Rhipsalis pilocarpa (Hairy Stemmed)
Cuttings for Propagation 2020 October 26
World of Succulents–Rhipsalis pilocarpa
Royal Horticultural Society–Rhipsalis pilocarpa
Why?
I went to Home Depot today to pick up a couple of bags of concrete. While there I stopped by the plant department to look around. As I walked through the department I saw these shockingly ugly succulents.
What possesses folks to do this to plants? Why would anyone want to buy them?
If folks want brightly colored plastic looking plants, they should buy plastic plants.
Succulents should be appreciated for their natural beauty.
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.
On closer inspection I found an insect infestation.
I used a solution of water, alcohol, and Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap to remove the insects with cotton swabs.
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.