Treating Fungal Leaf Spot on Gold Capella (Schefflera arboricola)

Diagnosis Gold capella plants in Fort Lauderdale showing dark moldy spots on east/west exposures likely have a fungal leaf spot, exacerbated by roof drip-line moisture and poor air circulation. South-facing plants stay d

Protecting Sago Palms from Winter Cold Damage

Cold Response Sago palms (Cycas revoluta) in South Carolina turn brown in winter due to cold stress. This is common but preventable. Protection Strategies Frost cloth: Cover entire plant when freeze threatens; secure

Plumeria Winter Behavior: Dormancy, Fungus, and Leaf Drop

Normal Seasonal Cycle In zones 10 and below, plumeria (frangipani) goes semi-dormant in winter: leaves yellow and drop, leaving bare stems. This is natural, not a sign of death. Yellow Powdery Substance The yellowy gold

Saving a Declining Natal Plum After Landscaping Disturbance

Diagnosing the Decline Natal plum (Carissa macrocarpa) turning yellow and dying after landscaping likely suffers from root damage during digging and excessive rain in New Orleans. The combination compromises root functio

Transplanting Large Royal Palms: Managing Stress and Establishment

Post-Transplant Expectations Royal palms (Roystonea regia) 40 feet tall transplanted in October (Bonita, FL) will show stress: browning tips on older fronds, possible loss of lower fronds. This is normal as roots transit

Pruning Mussaenda (Mousseanda) Without Dieback

Understanding the Problem Mussaenda (often called mousseanda) typically responds well to pruning—removing spent blooms and shaping rambling limbs. If cut branches die back beyond the cut, the cause may be improper timing

Why Bougainvillea Stops Blooming and Indoor Oleander Care

Bougainvillea Bloom Failure In NE Pennsylvania, a bougainvillea that bloomed well last year but produced no flowers this summer likely received too much water. Excessive rainfall or irrigation promotes vegetative growth

Winter Protection for Flamboyant (Royal Poinciana) in Los Angeles

Climate Considerations Flamboyant tree (Delonix regia), also called royal poinciana, thrives in USDA zones 10–11. Los Angeles (zone 10a–10b) rarely experiences damaging freezes, but young trees benefit from protection du

Harvesting Apple Bananas: Timing, Technique, and Post-Harvest Care

When to Cut the Bunch Apple bananas (Musa Apple) are ready when fingers stop swelling for about two weeks—typically 2–3 months after the inflorescence emerges. Do not let fruit ripen on the stalk; it becomes starchy. Ha

Ganoderma Butt Rot in Palms: Identification, Spread, and Management

Understanding the Disease Ganoderma zonatum is a lethal fungal pathogen that causes butt rot in palms. It produces shelf-like conks (fruiting bodies) at the base of the trunk. There is no cure; infected palms decline slo

Overwintering Desert Rose (Adenium) in Cold Climates

Cold Sensitivity and Indoor Care Desert rose (Adenium obesum) thrives in full sun and heat but cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. If nighttime lows approach 40°F, bring the plant indoors immediately. Indoor Requirem

Diagnosing Brown Tips on Fishtail Palms in San Diego

Common Causes of Tip Burn Fishtail palm (Caryota mitis) leaf tips turning brown can stem from multiple factors: irregular watering, low humidity, salt buildup, nutrient deficiency, or root stress. In coastal San Diego, t

Yellow Mold on Dwarf Banana Plant: Harmless Fungus or Root Threat?

Identifying the Mold A yellow, powdery mold on the soil surface and yellow balls at the pots edge are typically saprophytic fungi feeding on organic matter in the potting mix—not the banana plant itself. This is common i

Protecting Queen Palms from Frost: Christmas Lights, Heat Tape, and Better Alternatives

Evaluating Winter Protection Methods In Jackson, MS, where temperatures dip below 30°F, queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) owners seek manageable frost protection. Christmas lights and heat tape are common suggestions, b

Dividing Giant Bird of Paradise and Majesty Palm: What Works and What Doesn't

Separating Offshoots from Large Tropical Plants Gardeners with mature giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) and majesty palm (Ravenea rivularis) often wonder if they can detach smaller shoots for replanting. The an

How to Save a Toppled Banana Palm: Propagation Tips for a Cherished Heirloom

Rescuing a Leaning Banana Palm When a banana palm leans dangerously due to neglected repotting, the instinct might be to cut the top and place it in water. However, this approach wont work. The top portion consists only

Identifying and Controlling Slug Damage on Container-Grown Sea Grape

Night Feeders = Slugs Sea grape in container with leaf damage: slugs feed at night, hide in soil by day. Slug bait or sand barrier (they wont cross sand) stops them. Simple Fix Ring the pot with sharp sand. Cheap, non-to

Controlling Aphids on Mussaenda with Horticultural Oil

Pinhead Eggs = Aphids Mussaenda with light brown pinhead eggs sucking life: aphids. Organocide works but Ultra-Fine Horticultural Oil is better. Application Spray undersides thoroughly. Let work overnight. Wash off next

Composting Banana Plant Trunks After Wind Damage

Chop and Compost Banana trunks broken by wind in Spain: mince and add to compost pile. They break down fast and enrich compost for healthy bananas. Otherwise, yard waste. No Other Use Not for mulch (too wet), not for cra

Choosing the Right Container Size for a Growing Bird of Paradise

Bigger Is Better for Bird of Paradise Bird of paradise in 12″ pot: they grow 25 ft in Florida. First sign of cramping = stunted crown. Use the largest container you can move. Bigger pot = more root room = healthier plant