ZZ Emergency
Dear Ivy,
I had 2 very healthy ZZ plants (several branches over 2 feet long), that I left outside for a few weeks in the Sydney winter. They were in a dry spot but when I brought them in side, most branches died off, lost their leaves and even fell off the plant; one has [...]
Gardenia Bonsai
Dear Ivy,
I was given a Gardenia Bonsai as a gift. How do I care for it?
Dear Reader,
Excellent question! I had to figure this out for myself earlier this year! I was given one as a gift as well. It arrived in a box full of styrofoam packing peanuts. So far, it’s done pretty well. I [...]
Special Ivy Plants
Dear Ivy,
I have two ivy plants from a family member’s funeral. They are turning brown and dying. What do I do? Please help!
Thank You
Dear Reader,
Let me start off by saying I am so very sorry for your loss. I know many people that have “funeral plants”. I personally have one. These are living plants used [...]
Christmas Cactus Quandary
Dear Ivy,
How often should I water my Christmas cactus?
-Christmas Chris
Dear Chris,
Let’s explore some things about this interesting little exotic! First off, let’s get one thing out of the way… The “Christmas Cactus” Is not actually a cactus. In fact, it’s an epiphyte, like an orchid. CC’s and orchids share the same habitat in the wild. [...]
The Elusive Orchid
I’ve finally cracked the orchid code! My orchid re-bloomed last month, and it’s the first time I’ve ever gotten an orchid to re-bloom successfully. I know, I know. I’m as embarrassed as you are shocked. Here I sit, with the greenest of thumbs, and I have trouble with orchids. Well, I’ll tell you what it [...]
Give your plants a bath!
When the heat gets to be too much, set your plants in a few inches of water. This will allow them to fully absorb all the liquid they can hold, without you having to worry about over or under watering. You can spray or mist the top of the plant and get all the dust [...]
Reader Mail
Dear Ivy,
What would happen if you put a plant in an airtight container?
-Curious Carey
Dear Carey,
Here’s the short answer… It’ll die.
I’ve seen those enclosed containers that you can order from catalogs that say “TOTALLY ENCLOSED CONTAINER!!” “NO CARE NECESSARY!!” And I’m here to tell you that they are… well, they’re a crock, to be honest…
You see, [...]
Yellow ZZ
Dear Ivy,
The leaves of my Zanzibar Gem are yellow, I think it has been over watered. What should I do?
-Karen
Dear Karen,
Although the ZZ can tolerate drought, they also will relish lots of water. The yellowing of the leaves could be due to poor water quality. Some municipalities put flouride and chlorine into their water systems, [...]
Plants in any place
Recently I was talking to a friend. She lamented that she wanted houseplants, but didn’t have anywhere to put them. She thought she would have to wait until she moved to a new home.
Never say never! I excitedly told her she could create a good environment for a plant anywhere in her home where she [...]
Getting Out of the House
Dear Ivy,
Can I put my indoor plants outside for the Summer?
-Hesitant Harriet
Dear Harriet,
Don’t hesitate! Your indoor plants will love the fresh air, sunshine and rain water that mother nature can provide for them! I put as many plants outside as I can in the warm months.
The two potted plants are Dracaena and the hanging plant [...]