Q. Is it true that apples force bromeliads to bloom?

A. Yes. Apples give off a gas as they ripen, which spurs blooming in bromeliads. Place two quarter sections of a ripe red apple on the topsoil and enclose plant in a plastic bag for three weeks. Remove bag and apple and soon a bract (flower) will begin to develop.

 

Q. A friend regularly washes the leaves of her African violets with water. Isn’t this bad for these plants?

A. Warm water rinses are not harmful, provided all moisture is blotted up with a paper towel. Cold water spilled on African violet leaves (or poured into the soil) usually leads to leaf spots and rings.

 

Q. Why are African violets grown in small plastic pots instead of clay, like most other potted plants?

A. The size of the containers is important. African violets prosper when their roots aren’t allowed to range. Plastic is used instead of clay because plastic holds soil moisture longer and African violet soil should never be allowed to dry out completely. The frequent feedings can also leave salt residues that leach through clay, build up on pot rims and lead to rotted leaves.

 

Q. What’s the best way to water plants (overhead, from the bottom or with wicks)?

A. Plants prosper when the soil is thoroughly soaked and then allowed to nearly dry out so that oxygen can enter the soil between irrigations. The best way to accomplish this is to water from the top. Let pots drain well and pour off the excess water from saucers. Bottom watered plants occasionally develop root rot and wick watered plants often don’t take up enough water to soak the roots well.

 

Q. How do I tell when it’s time to water my plants?

A. The most practical method is to push your finger into the topsoil to a depth of an inch. If it is dry, irrigate. With cactuses and other succulents, water once a month in winter and every 7 to 10 days in sunny summer locations.