Forced bulbs are too weak to bloom a second time outdoors

TIM MOREHOUSE, GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Originally published Saturday, January 19, 2002

Q: I am forcing paperwhites in bowls of stones for winter bloom. After they bloom, should I plant them in my garden?

A: Enjoy the blooms while they last, but don't try to replant them in your garden. These bulbs are usually so weakened by forcing that it's not worth trying to bring them around a second time. Throw them out. Buy fresh bulbs each winter.

Q: What flowers other than those of the Monarda species will attract hummingbirds to my garden?

A: Day lilies, fuchsias, honeysuckles, hollyhocks, nicotianas, weigelas and many red and orange trumpet-shaped blossoms will attract hummingbirds.

Q: Large patches of my lawn have been burned by a neighbor's dog who visits. How can I bring the grass back?

A: When turf is injured by salts from urine, drench the damaged patches with water to push the salts into the soil below the root zone of the grass. If the grass is living, new growth should appear. If the grass is damaged and won't come back, loosen the soil and reseed.

Q: My jade tree has been dropping its leaves, and some of those remaining on the plant are wrinkled and spotted. What's wrong?

A: Spotted leaves on a jade tree (Crassula argentea) may be caused by edema, a condition of the leaf cells caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Root rot may be present. Remove the plant from the pot and check its roots. Any dark brown or black roots are rotten and should be cut off. Repot the plant in fresh soil. Decrease the pot size in proportion to the size of the remaining root system; the jade plant does best when pot-bound. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Q: My basement apartment doesn't get much light. Can you suggest houseplants that might survive?

A: Many attractive foliage plants will adapt to and survive in low-light conditions: species of aglaonema, aspidistra, dieffenbachia, dracaena, howea (Kentia palm), pandanus, monstera, philodendron, sanseveria, spathiphyllum and tolmiea.

Growth will be slower, and plants will require less fertilizer and water. They also will be more susceptible to disease and bugs. It's a good idea to clean the foliage periodically with warm water and to remove all dead or dried foliage.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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