We answer your plant questions

With World Garden Day coming up this weekend, we asked Waafeka Vardien, our expert horticulture technologist to answer all your green-thumb-related questions.

 

 

 

WHAT PLANTS DO WELL IN LOW LIGHT?

Low light essentially means no direct sunlight. Examples of plants that do well in low light include Spathiphyllums or Peace Lilies, Philodendrons, Monsters and Draceana.

HOW TO KILL APHIDS?

The best homemade solution is mixing a few drops of liquid dish soap in 300ml of water in a spray bottle and spraying it onto the affected parts of the plant (leaves/stems/buds). This will eradicate the aphids without causing any harm to the plant.

WHY IS MY SPLIT-LEAF PHILODENDRON GOING BROWN ON THE LEAF EDGES?

Browning edges is usually under-watering or overwatering. Water the plant thoroughly, until water flows out of the pot's drainage holes and then monitor the soil. Do not let it dry out before watering the plant again. Browning edges can also be mechanical - are you walking past it and brushing it against something?

 

​HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GIVE PLANT FOOD TO POTTED PLANTS?

It depends. In summer, plants can be fed once every two weeks, but in winter - once a month is sufficient.

I think my spekboom is dying. Please help?

Spekboom typically only dies as a result of overwatering - but it can be saved! Simply cut or break off a piece of your spekboom, let it dry out for a day or two and then stick it in a pot with soil. Give it a little water once a week and lots of sun.

I got a WW blueberry tree as a gift. How long until it will bear fruit?

Woolies blueberry plants are sold with fruit on the plant. They are great container plants but can also be planted out. You require two plants for pollination. Fruit can be harvested every spring until summer - in winter the plant may go dormant.

 

I never manage to get my orchids to flower again the next year, what's the secret?

Patience and time - prune the flower stem 2 or 3 nodes (the little bumps on the stem) above the base of the plant. Carry on watering once a week in summer and once every two weeks in winter - you will be surprised! Also use the Orchid Plant Food once or twice monthly.

How do I know when I must repot a plant?

There are a few signs that a plant needs to be repotted: when the roots are growing through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot, or the roots are pushing the plant up, or when the plant is top heavy and starts leaning over. Sometimes plants do not need a bigger pot but rather a change of potting mix.

I accidently overwatered my pot plants? Can they be saved?

Yes, let them drain and dry out slightly. And skip a watering session!

I can never keep those kitchen windowsill herbs alive. What am I doing wrong?

Use them! And give them sun. Herbs have lots of  delicious oils in them that come alive in the sun, the more you pick them, the faster and bushier they will grow. Also, herbs can be quite waterwise so don't overwater.

Is it okay to keep pot plants in their plastic pots or should I repot into terracotta?

Any pot is absolutely fine as long as there is adequate drainage, many plastic pots are used inside of decorative pots with no drainage, so make sure you take the plastic pot out of the decorative pot to water the plant.

How do I get rid of mealybugs?

Same way as you do the aphids! Mealy bugs also like living in the roots just below the soil surface, you might need a non-toxic systemic drench, you basically water the soil with a non-toxic pesticide. Mealybugs also have a give and take relationship with ants. Deal with any ants at the same time. Practice plant hygiene and make sure you clean and wipe leaves occasionally. Check new plants before bringing them home.

My granadilla plant is taking over the garden. How do I prune it?

Granadilla plants need pruning to remove overgrown growth or keep the vine under control. The best time to prune is late July to early spring as new growth resumes. Avoid removing main stems, just cut back unwanted twining stems. A trellis can also be used to assist with the growth of the plant.

Should pot plants ever be pruned?

Some yes, generally it's always good to cut back dead or dying leaves. Pruning also helps to maintain shape and control wild stems.

One of my bonsais is thriving and the other dying. What's happening?

It could be a few things? Bonsais like plenty of sunlight and also humidity, they can be very sensitive to a draught. Also ensure that you water the bonsai when the soil feels slightly drys and check that excess water is removed through the drainage hole in the pot.