- Author: Andrea Peck
- Editor: Noni Todd
Bloomin' Orchids
By Andrea Peck UCCE Master Gardener
There is nothing like an orchid in bloom. The lanky stem that reaches into infinity, the perfect row of flowers, often delicately scented, the lush green of the leaves, and even the gnarled gray-green roots that reach outward from beneath the bark.
But, it isn't always lush and scented and floral. Sometimes getting the darn thing to bloom turns into a series of maddening decisions that end in a bloomless houseplant relegated to a dusty corner.
Following a few simple orchid commandments should have your plant flowering for months---if you're lucky, you may even see blooms more than once a year.
Location
There is often a misconception that because the orchid is a tropical plant, it will grow well in low-light and high moisture---like the bathroom. But, orchids demand light to bloom. If your orchid is in a low-light locale, move it to an east or west facing window---one that gets direct light for a few hours a day. During the hotter season, make sure the orchid does not develop burning of the leaves---if you see this on your plant, move it to a slightly less sunny spot, or pull a curtain on those really hot days.
The Container
Your orchid often comes from the store in a plastic or solid container. Over time this setup has a tendency to hold in excess moisture and lead to rot. The orchid needs sufficient air circulation and drainage. It is worth it to get an orchid-specific container that has holes along the sides. Wait until after your plant has finished blooming and then carefully replant it using an orchid planting mix.
Watering and Fertilizing
Overwatering means certain death for most orchid plants. Water once weekly and allow the water to drain thoroughly. Rinse off the leaves gently to remove dust buildup. If the weather is particularly hot and dry, you can leave a dish of water near your plant to humidify the air. Fertilize monthly using a 20-20-20---or use the ''weak-weekly'' method preferred by growers. That means diluting the monthly recommended amount of fertilizer and using 1/4th the solution during your weekly watering.
With your orchid in the right place, the right pot, and on the right watering and feeding schedule, you'll soon see blooms---keep your eyes peeled, the camouflaged stalk will sneak up on you.
Growing Orchids, The Farmers Almanac: https://www.almanac.com/plant/orchids
The Orchid Society: https://www.aos.org/
Have you thought about becoming a Master Gardener? Go to http://ucanr.edu/mgclassof2022 for information and an application.
We are still here!!!
No in-person workshops for now, but you can view workshops on:
Instagram live at slo_mg or visit our You Tube channel
at “San Luis Obispo County UC Master Gardeners”.
Visit our website; https://ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/
or email us at anrmgslo@ucanr.edu
Our physical offices are closed, but you can still call or email questions:
San Luis Obispo 805-781-5939
Arroyo Grande 805-473-7190
Templeton 805-434-4105
- Author: Deborah Pacheco
- Editor: Noni Todd
Croton
By Deborah Light-Pacheco UCCE Master Gardener
Common name of plant: Croton
Scientific name: Codiaeum, Variegatum “Pictum”
Planting area: Sunset zones, 24; H2; or Indoors
Size: Grown outdoors can reach 6 feet or taller, Indoors about 2-3 feet tall.
Bloom Season: Blooms insignificant
Exposure: Bright light, indirect sunlight, 6-8 hours a day
Pruning needs: As needed to maintain size
Water needs: Regular to ample water
Snapshot: This plant is native to Malaysia, the Pacific Islands and northern Australia. It is a woody based perennial that is typically grown for its glossy, leathery and brightly colored leaves which range from yellow, pink, orange, red, bronze, purple and green to any combination thereof. The leaves are also patterned with blotching and striping. This plant is better suited for use indoors on the Central Coast as it does not tolerate temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They like a balmy 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit which can be achieved by placing your plant on pebble trays. Crotons love bright light, the more light, the more color variations and overall vigor. The moisture should be kept even and the soil should be one that drains well. Fertilize once a month. Crotons will drop their leaves if things aren't quite to their liking. They are fairly disease resistant, but may, on rare occasion, suffer from mealybugs, thrips, scale insects or spider mites. Crotons may be propagated by taking stem cuttings of 3 to 4 inches at the top of the plant. The cutting should have 3 to 5 healthy leaves. Then the cutting can be placed in a container of water until it roots. Change the water weekly and make sure the cuttings are in bright light. Once roots are about 2 inches, they can be repotted into soil. The cuttings may also be started in a moist soil by letting them grow normally. Note that the milky sap from this plant is toxic, so keep away from children and pets. It may also cause skin irritations.
Resources: Sunset Western Garden Book, houseplantcentral.com, gardeningchores.com
Have you thought about becoming a Master Gardener? Go to http://ucanr.edu/mgclassof2022 for information and an application.
We are still here!!!
No in-person workshops for now, but you can view workshops on:
Instagram live at slo_mg or visit our You Tube channel
at “San Luis Obispo County UC Master Gardeners”.
Visit our website; https://ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/
or email us at anrmgslo@ucanr.edu
Our physical offices are closed, but you can still call or email questions:
San Luis Obispo 805-781-5939
Arroyo Grande 805-473-7190
Templeton 805-434-4105
- Author: Polly Nelson
- Editor: Noni Todd
Mulch
By Polly Nelson UCCE Master Gardener
Want to Conserve Water? Mulch Your Planting Areas
Water conservation is the major reason to mulch your landscape. Mulch is any material, organic and inorganic, that covers the soil but is not mixed in. Covering bare soil moderates soil temperature and creates a buffer to reduce water evaporation. Less water lost to evaporation, means more water for your plants.
The benefits of mulch are many. Weed suppression - blocking sunlight impedes weed germination, and if airborne weed seeds land, the roots will have difficulty taking hold. Fallen leaves and other organic mulches break down over time and add nutrients back into the soil. A newly mulch garden bed also simply improves curb appeal.
Straw, common in vegetable gardens, will break down and provide soil nutrients and food for worms. Cover with a more stable mulch if needed for windy conditions. Wood bark comes in varying sizes and shapes. Large pieces decay slowly but do not provide significant nutrients. Smaller sized wood chips help retain soil moisture but break down faster. Shredded wood mulches decompose the quickly, but the fine texture works well for weed control and overall coverage.
Check for products that use non-toxic dyes if decorative color bark is desired in edible gardens. Rubber bark, recycled shredded tires, may leach toxic chemicals, harming soil, plants, and nearby water sources.
Organic mulch offers the greatest range of benefits, but inorganic mulch (like gravel, stones, and pebbles) are also common choices that withstand heavy foot traffic. However, the weight of the stone coupled with the transfer of heat to the soil may damage roots, especially with young plants. Additionally, these inorganic mulches do not break down and offer no additional organic matter to the soil.
Apply mulch after carefully removing weeds. Apply a 2–4-inch layer, keeping clear of plant stems and tree trunks while making sure drip emitters are accessible. Fine-textured mulches will be more compact and can be applied at a shallower depth. Replenish the mulch periodically as it decomposes.
Mulch can help you conserve water and reduce your water bill by making sure the water you provide does not evaporate, while at the same time decreasing weed germination and adding beneficial organic matter to the soil.
For more information:
https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8672.pdf
http://sonomamg.ucanr.edu/Sonoma_Gardener_Articles/Mulch--a_Gardeners_Best_Friend/
Have you thought about becoming a Master Gardener? Go to http://ucanr.edu/mgclassof2022 for information and an application.
We are still here!!!
No in-person workshops for now, but you can view workshops on:
Instagram live at slo_mg or visit our You Tube channel
at “San Luis Obispo County UC Master Gardeners”.
Visit our website; https://ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/
or email us at anrmgslo@ucanr.edu
Our physical offices are closed, but you can still call or email questions:
San Luis Obispo 805-781-5939
Arroyo Grande 805-473-7190
Templeton 805-434-4105
- Author: Alissa Bright
- Editor: Noni Todd
Jelly Bean Plant
By Alissa Bright UCCE Master Gardener
Sedum rubrotinctum
Planting Area: USDA zone 9
Size: Can grow up to 7-8”tall
Bloom Season: Perennial (bring indoors during frost season)
Exposure: Full Sun
Pruning needs: None
Water Needs: The rule of thumb for succulents is to underwater, and water deeply once the soil is completely dry. You can either use a moisture meter or your finger to feel if the top inch is dry before soaking the top 1”of soil, roughly every 9-14 days. Do not overwater!
Snapshot: This Mexican native, aka “jelly bean plant”or “pork and beans”, Sedum rubrotinctum is the chubby-leaved succulent that can save your green-thumb status. While its colorful, green, red-tipped leaves are fragile when bumped or moved, the jelly bean plant is one of those plants you won't have to worry about when you leave for vacation. It prefers to be ignored and under-watered and can survive in well-drained soil.
This succulent is exceptionally tolerant of full sun and drought but needs protection from frost. Thankfully, it easily propagates new plants, and will readily grow roots from both stem cuttings and leaves.
Warning to fur parents: even though this succulent is named after a tasty treat, the “jelly bean plant”can be mildly toxic for your pets.
Have you thought about becoming a Master Gardener? Go to http://ucanr.edu/mgclassof2022 for information and an application.
We are still here!!!
No in-person workshops for now, but you can view workshops on:
Instagram live at slo_mg or visit our You Tube channel
at “San Luis Obispo County UC Master Gardeners”.
Visit our website; https://ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/
or email us at anrmgslo@ucanr.edu
Our physical offices are closed, but you can still call or email questions:
San Luis Obispo 805-781-5939
Arroyo Grande 805-473-7190
Templeton 805-434-4105
- Author: Linda Lewis Griffith
- Editor: Noni Todd
Salvia Spathacea
By Linda Lewis Griffith UCCE Master Gardener
Common Name: Hummingbird Sage, Pitcher Sage
Planting Zone: Sunset 7-9, 14-24
Size: 1-2 ft. high, spreading 3 or more feet in width
Bloom Season: March through June, with some repeat blooms in fall
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Pruning Needs: Option to trim back flower stalks after blooming
Water Needs: Drought tolerant, but prefers occasional water. Tolerates regular garden water
Narrative:This hardy, low-growing California native thrives in coastal woodland communities from Sonoma County south to Orange County. It is frequently found among native oaks and on grassy slopes often close to the Pacific Ocean. It is hardy to 20 degrees F. Salvia spathacea is a sprawling, perennial herb with deep green, lance-shaped leaves that are 4-6 inches long. Foliage has a distinctive fruity aroma and was the source of a decongestant tea made by Aboriginal Californians. Tall, vigorous spikes covered in magenta-red flowers appear in early spring. While the blooms are irresistible to hummingbirds, they are also a source of food and nectar for assorted bees, butterflies and caterpillars. Hummingbird sage is easy to grow, tolerating a variety of well-drained soils and irrigation schedules and requires minimal maintenance. Even though S. spathacea dies back when water is scarce, its system of strong, underground rhizomes allow it to survive long periods of drought. Hummingbird sage makes a perfect, self-generating ground cover and is ideal in any habitat meant to attract wildlife. It is also resistant to deer. It can be planted under trees or large shrubs, such as Coast Live Oaks, Bay Laurel and Madrone. It can also be used as a companion for other understory plants, such as California Peony, Yerba Buena, Ocean Spray, Miners Lettuce and Canyon Sunflower. S. spathacea is readily propagated by either seeds or rhizomes. Sow seeds directly into the soil in fall. Or divide larger plants into individual rhizomes, taking care that each segment has several good-sized roots. Plant rhizomes in pots or directly in the soil, keeping them uniformly moist until established. The name Salvia is derived from the Latin word salvus meaning safe, well or sound and refers to the medicinal properties attributed to this genus.
