- Prepared by: UC Integrated Pest Management Program
If you've noticed tiny, dark insects flying around your houseplants, you likely have fungus gnats. These tiny flies can be a nuisance indoors and may also damage your plants.
Fungus gnats lay their eggs in moist soil and their larvae feed on plant roots and decaying organic matter. Because of this, the key to managing fungus gnats is to let the soil dry out in between watering and don't overwater plants. Water plants from the bottom using saucers under pots. This keeps the top of the soil dry, discouraging fungus gnats.
Sticky traps can be placed in pots or near plants to catch fungus gnat adults. This is also a great way to monitor for fungus gnats. Pesticides,...
- Author: Sue Bohigian
In my opinion, you can never have too many African violets! Lush green leaves with beautiful flowers - they just bring joy. And I have learned that they are easy to propagate - if you are patient.
African violets like filtered sun (north facing windows are best). They need sun to promote flowering. In the winter months with shorter days it is helpful to use a plant light. They like humidity and temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees. They like to be root bound and do not like to get their leaves wet. They are definitely indoor plants that need special love.
Here are the steps for propagating African violets:
Advice for the Home Gardener from the Help Desk of the
UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County
Client's Request: We have been having an issue with our Ficus benjamina for several months. It has been getting increasingly worse. It has mealy bugs. They are on the leaves and branches.
We've tried several recommended treatments made at our local garden shops and online gardening websites. None of them have been effective. The infestation reduces but returns after a period of time. We have had the tree for 28 years. It has always been an...
Advice from the Help Desk of the UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County
Client's Questions: My daughter has a Peace Plant that has not been re-potted for about ten years, the soil is about 5 inches below the top of the pot, and the stems are about 6 inches long. I am thinking that if I add soil (about 2 inches at a time) to the pot that the stems will develop roots and then can be divided and re-potted. Or if I divide it and re pot with soil at the same level how will I get rid of the stems? Or will the plant start new shoots at the soil level and then I can cut off the old stems? What do I need to do to re-pot it?
MGCC's Help Desk...