Dear Plant Doctor,

They used to be one large plant until February or so, when a friend who works in Austria helped split them into three. Since then, they have reacted differently, most recently drying out quite a bit, and losing new gowth rather rapidly. I realized in the smallest one that a fungus seemed to be gathering in the soil (rusty colored, salt like deposits) which seemed to clear up and aid in new growth in all three plants when treated with a little milk and water. There do seem to be some occasional bugs near the stalks that look like fruit flies. We've tried wiping down the leaves with a sponge and water, and are hoping for some further recommendations or a potential house call. The photos show the dried out leaves in particular, and some of the new growth. They aren't, unfortunately, completely representational...
Thanks,

Peter

Dear Peter,

The plant in questions seems to be some type of Philodendron .
The drying leaves are sometimes indicative of root injury... maybe from the re-potting or could be from too low humidity.
The crust on the soil is possible salt build up from fertilizers. That should be removed.
The flies are probably fungus gnats- a problem when soil is kept too moist.
I suggest that the soil be allowed to dry out a bit ,but humidity increased by placing them all on trays with pebbles that are kept barley moist.
They may recover.
If not... they are readily available in the market place.
Best,

Plant Doctor

Cecilia:
Hi Plt. Dr.

I am very interested in turning my lawn (or at least most of it) into a native meadow.
I live on a suburban looking block in an urban area (k.c.), and am concerned about breaching city codes in regards to grass heights etc.
Do you know of any resources where i could find out more information about city codes and letting your yard go back to nature?

Thanks.

Posted by Cecilia | August 30, 2007 1:25 PM

The Plant Doctor:
Hi Cecilia:
It is great that you are considering city ordinanaces before you undertake such a major project.
One source of information may be the Powell Botanical Garden right in your own city. They have many resources for gardeners especially with regard to making meadows and using native plants.
good luck... it is a great idea...... just find out as much as you can about caring for it and maintaining it before you begin.

Posted by The Plant Doctor | September 14, 2007 2:26 PM

Sandy:

Hi There. I live in the midwest where we have four solid seasons of extreme weather. Extreme hot, extreme cold. How do I know, other than the expensive trial and error method which plants that are outside of our normal "5" zone may survive in the yard over the winter. I'm thinking mainly along the tropical plant lines - I'd hate to lose them in the winter!

Posted by Sandy | August 30, 2007 12:25 PM

Continue reading "Tropicals in Kansas City" »

sara:

Hi plant doctor!

I have a small sunny space in my front lawn in Kansas City (I'm told its zone 5) where I used to keep a young dogwood tree. Unfortunately the direct sunlight scorched the poor tree and dried its blooms. I finally transplanted it to a shadier spot in a friend's lawn, and I am now contemplating what to put in its place. I'm thinking some bright perrennial flowers... and have recently discovered the yarrow flower. I've read that it has long lasting blooms and attracts good insects like butterflies and bees. Do you find this to be true? What else can you tell me about the yarrow? Thanks for your help!

Posted by sara | August 30, 2007 2:55 PM

Posted on August 30, 2007 14:55

The Plant Dr.:
Hi Sara:
Yarrow or Achillea ( as it is it's latin name)is a great sun loving perennial plant.
It can attract bees & butterflies to its flattened blooms. It has great foliage as well.
There are many cultivars ( types )available . One variety I like is " terracotta" with orange blooms,or " moonshine" with pale yellow blooms.
You should know they like to stay on the dry side and like excellent drainage.
Good luck !

Posted by The Plant Dr. | September 14, 2007 2:20 PM

contact: plantdoctor(at)citydirt.net

Hi Plant Doctor,

I live in Brooklyn and have no outdoor space at all (sob). Is there any
kind of food-bearing plant (tomatoes, basil, etc.) that I could grow
inside? I get lots of direct sunlight through big windows.

Thanks.

Posted by Katy | August 21, 2007 12:18 PM

Katy:

Thanks for your question. Many people have asked me a similar question
and I am glad you sent it in. Yes ! you can grow herbs such as basil or rosemary etc indoors if you have south or east facing windows.They may start looking a little poorly in the winter, but you can certainly get at least a season of fresh herbs indoors.

Vegetables such as tomatoes however are another matter. They require polination to set fruit....by bees that are probably not welcome in your apartment !

However, you could try lettuces or other greens.

Good luck.
The Plant Doctor