Tropical Plants LHAP 303

Slide 1 Tropical Plants LHAP 303 Crystal Price Slide 2 Schlumbergera truncata Christmas Cactus/Thanksgiving Cactus 2 Slide 3 Tropical Plants For Living Walls Pinching is necessary to promote branching out. Always pinch after a leaf node. A new stem will grow from a node Tip:  Pinch close to the stems (bare parts left will die) Make a clean cut with a sharp knife, scissors or small pruners Jagged tears can attract disease and insects 3 Slide 4 Always use tepid water for tropical houseplants. Cold water is a shock to tropical plants Tropical plants need high RH Can sit plant(s) on a tray of water with pebbles (not in the water) Use a humidifier near the plants Group three to four plants together 4 Slide 5 ARACEAE FAMILY 5 Slide 6 Alocasia x amazonica ‘Polly’Amazonian Elephant Ears Description: Dark green/purplish green, narrow arrow shaped leaves are wavy with ribs & margins a creamy bright white.  Grow from tubers.  Occasional yellow flowers. Origin: Southeast Asia 6 Slide 7 Environment & Culture Temperature: Warm 18 - 23 C + Heat loving plants Do not tolerate cold temperatures well Light: Bright indirect light Can tolerate 80 % shade No direct sun exposure Water & Humidity: Moist Do not like wet feet (soggy soil) Good drainage is important Water from below in morning In the winter give it a break and allow to dry between waterings May go dormant in the winter if let to dry too much High humidity, very important Increase RH water pebble tray or humidifier Can save tuber and plant in the spring Soil: Well drained potting soil Additional perlite or sand to increase aeration & drainage 7 Slide 8 Fertilizer: Every 2 weeks during the growing season Heavy feeder Dilute by ½ Stop fertilizing in the winter Allow to rest Special Care: Bleached or singed leaves Too much direct light Move into a dimmer location Insects: Spider mites is the main concern Mealy bug can be a issue Aphids Diseases: Root rot and fungal leaf disease Remove damaged leaves 8 Slide 9 Propagation: Division Corms can be removed and planted in a new pot Poisonous Level #4 Skin & eye irritant Swelling in the throat, mouth & lips (oxalic acid) 20XX Sample Footer Text 9 Slide 10 20XX Sample Footer Text 10 Slide 11 Anthurium andraeanumFlamingo Flower Description: Glossy simple leaves on a large stem.  Epiphyte.  Heart shaped flowers in a variety of colors.  Spathes or modified leaf (bracts) with spike like flowers.  Stem lengths are 15-20 inches, commonly used for cut flowers (flower for 3 weeks) Climbers, provide support Must be healthy to flower Collectors plants Not for the inexperienced grower Origin: Central & South America, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay 11 Slide 12 Environment & Culture Temperature: 21 - 32 C Warm temperatures preferred Does not like the cold Avoid strong temp. fluctuations, no drafts Light & flowering: Bright, indirect light Year round flowering Low light will reduce flowering Move to a bright location in the winter Water & Humidity: Moist at all times Roots do not like to be soggy, don’t overwater High humidity Supplement with regular misting - warm water Raise RH with humidifier Aerial roots like misting Soil: Half potting soil, half orchid soil Can use perlite instead of orchid soil Use a high quality potting soil Rich loose soil Fertilizer: Monthly fertilizing of a balanced fertilizer Only ¼ strength 12 Slide 13 Special Care Overwatering causes root rot & yellowing of bottom leaves Low RH Leaves burn easily in high light Too much fertilizer can result in leaf burn and inhibit flowering Sensitive to soil salt build up Monthly leaching Give them a rest period in the winter with little water for 6 weeks Promotes a greater flush of flowers in the spring 20XX Sample Footer Text 13 Slide 14 Insects & Disease Fungus gnats Bacterial blight & wilt Keep foliage dry Careful when watering Rhizoctonia root rot (discolored brown roots) Good drainage Cleanliness https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/PP292 14 Slide 15 Pruning: Remove flowers once they are done Prune any dead older leaves Trim aerial roots from older plants Propagation: Division is best during repotting Tip or stem cuttings Warm propagation temps 20XX Sample Footer Text 15 Slide 16 16 Slide 17 Very poisonous Skin irritant, eye irritant, painful to mouth if ingested 20XX 17 Slide 18 18 Slide 19 Epipremnum aureumGolden Pothos/Devil’s Ivy Description: Epiphytic (facultative epiphyte), climbing vine with aerial roots at nodes.  To 3-3.5 m in the home, 12 - 15 m in the wild.  Leaves alternate on a round stem.  Leaf blade ovate, glossy green with yellow streaks or blotches, 7.5 - 10 cm long when immature. Origin: Asia 20XX 19 Slide 20 20XX 20 Slide 21 Environment & Culture Temperature: Min. 10 C.  Likes an average of 25 C. Will tolerate occasional lower temperatures Light: Medium to high indirect light Under low light loses variation Under high light and dryness foliage will lose it’s color contrast (look dull) Can be grown in shade to partial shade Water & Humidity: Moderately dry Water well and then allow 50% of soil to dry out before watering again Like to dry out Damaged by high salts Basic household humidity Likes high humidity Can tolerate low humidity Soil: Well aerated, quick-draining soil that dries out quickly 21 Slide 22 Fertilizer: Fertilize every two weeks in the spring & summer when plants are actively growing Monthly in the fall and winter Well balanced plant food Dilute by ½ recommended strength Special care: Likes to be root bound.  Can top dress rather than repotting. Common problems with Golden Pothos Older leaves yellowing & dropping & plant death: Overwatering May get black spots from overwatering Bright yellow leaves and drooping: Soil has gotten to dry before you watered it Leaves turn black: Temperatures that drop below 7 C Will stop growing 22 Slide 23 23 Slide 24 Insects & Diseases Spider mites, mealy bugs, scale, fungus gnats, aphids Overwatering causes crown, leaf & root rot Once roots are destroyed, it is difficult to save 20XX Sample Footer Text 24 Slide 25 Propagation: Stem cuttings, tip cuttings with extra leaves on stem Pruning: Trim long runners to keep looking bushy 5 - 6” cuttings can be rooted in water to make new plants Can cut right back to the soil level to sprout fresh new growth 20XX Sample Footer Text 25 Slide 26 20XX Sample Footer Text 26 Slide 27 27 Poisonous: Level #2.  Best kept away from children & pets Slide 28 28 Marble Queen Pothos Jade Pothos Slide 29 20XX Sample Footer Text 29 N Joy White Pothos Slide 30 Philodendron hederaceumHeartleaf Philodendron Description: Heart-shaped, glossy leaves emerge bronze, then turn green.  Leaves 2-4” long cover long slender stems. Origin: Central/South America - Caribbean Height: Climbs or trails 4 ft (1.2m) or more 30 Slide 31 Environment & Culture Temperature: Average room temp. (18- 24 C, min. of 16 C) Light: Moderate to bright light, avoid direct light which can scorch the leaves. Solid green leaves can tolerate less light Others without solid green can tolerate more exposed indirect light or bright light Water & Humidity: Do not need as much water as other tropicals High light will need more watering Low light, cool temps. water less often Slightly moist spring through winter.  Allow surface to dry out between waterings. Especially in the winter months Likes humidity but will tolerate dry air.  40% RH or higher Browning of leaf tips if the air is to dry 31 Soil: Peat-moss based mix African Violet mix Slide 32 Fertilizer Program: Feed monthly spring - fall.  20-20-20 or 10-10-10 liquid or water soluble (diluted by half). Organic fertilizer can be used.  Feed monthly depending on organic source. Maintain 5.5 - 7.5 Special Care: Remove dead leaves & regular pruning to keep the plant from growing too big. Indirect light is best Regular dusting of leaves Insect Issues: Fungus Gnats Allow media to dry out Aphids Attracted to new growth Treat immediately Not too many pest problems Propagation: Stem tip cuttings (3 leaves attached) in spring.  Cut just below a leaf node.  Roots in water or moist soil. Can root right in water.  Very easy to propagate. 20XX Sample Footer Text 32 Slide 33 33 Slide 34 Common problems with Philodendrons Wilted Leaves: Medium has dried out or root rot Do not let it dry out Yellow leaves Overwatering Ensure drainage holes in pot Brown scorch marks Exposure to direct sun Fungal pathogens from water sitting on leaves Cut off infected leaves Good air circulation after misting 20XX Sample Footer Text 34 Poisonous: Yes very poisonous for people and pets Keep leaves trimmed back off the floor and from easy reach, # 2 toxicity Slide 35 Additional Cultivars Note: These are nice to know, you will not be tested on them. Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’ Sweetheart Plant Strokes of yellow & lime green across deep green foliage Stunning golden -variegated leaves Fantastic training plant in a living wall Spathes of green-white flowers 20XX Sample Footer Text 35 Slide 36 Philodendron hederaceum ‘Lemon Lime’ Beautiful bright cultivar Leaves emerge as a pinkish yellow Prolific grower Easy to grow 20XX Sample Footer Text 36 Slide 37 Monstera adansonii Swiss Cheese Plant (Vine) or Adanson’s Monstera Native to Central & South America Understory plants Can reach up to 10 to 20 m Indirect sun Peat-based soil Well lite space Deep jungle plants that thrives under high RH Try to mimic the natural growing conditions Regular pruning as it will get out of control 20XX Sample Footer Text 37 Slide 38 Monstera deliciosa Split Leaf Philodendron Slits or cuts in the leaves Big heart shaped leaves 3ft. Long & 2ft. Wide Bright light (avoid direct light) Leaves won’t split in lower light, & becomes leggy Warm temperatures with high RH Keep large leaves clean & dust free Aggressive trimming as they will take over Prefers a large growing space Appropriate for large living walls, good texture Smaller growing space to restrict/slow growth Propagate by stem cuttings (include a couple of leaves Will have air roots to help support the weak stems 20XX Sample Footer Text 38 Slide 39 Spathiphyllum wallisiiDwarf Peace Lily Description: Large oval leaves are a glossy green.  Ribbed leaf surface.  Inflorescence is a spadix with a long white spathe.  Fragrant blooms. Origin: Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Costa Rica Zone 10 39 Slide 40 Environment & Culture Temperature: Medium Minimum 16 C No cold drafts will turn black Light: Low to high (will thrive in low light) Filtered light Leaves will wilt, yellow & die under direct light Needs more light to flower Water (Picky): Moderately even moisture Allow 50% of soil to dry out No standing water as it will kill root system Do not let dry out does not recover well Destroys the root system Damage from fluoride & chlorine Allow 24 hrs to break down the chlorine High humidity is welcome Likes misting High RH is not a must Soil: Well drained, nutrient rich soil Add perlite or sand to increase drainage 20XX Sample Footer Text 40 Slide 41 Fertilizer: Well balanced fertilizer spring & summer Doesn’t need it very often Doesn’t grow enough in fall & winter to fertilize Good when flowering (weekly) Dilute by ¼ Special Care: Tips of leaves and flowers turning brown: Over fertilization (salt buildup) Hard water Yellow leaves from too much light Overwatering is the most common cause of plant failure Like to be rootbound Do not change pot size to much when transplanting Sample Footer Text 41 Slide 42 Insects: Spider mites are the most common, but other pests are possible Diseases: Root rot Avoid standing water 42 Slide 43 Propagation: Division, tissue culture & seed New crowns will develop (2 leaves should be present) Pruning: Prune out flowers once they fade Prune to the soil line Encourages more flowers Brown or yellow leaves should be pruned out Sample Footer Text 43 Slide 44 Sample Footer Text 44 Slide 45 Toxicity Level 2 toxicity. Poisonous to pets & humans Sample Footer Text 45 Slide 46 Flowering Brighter light, warm & humidity to encourage blooms Remove spadix to extend life of the spathe. Remove entire flowering stalk when spathe starts to turn green Stop producing flowers in the winter Start out as a green and turn a creamy white as they mature Sporadic bloomers, once per year Blooming could be anytime Jan. - Aug. 46 Slide 47 47 Slide 48 Sample Footer Text 48 Slide 49 49 Variegated Domino Peace Lily Sensation Peace Lily Grows up to 6ft tall Leaves 20” long Slide 50 50