Tropical Hibiscus

Common name:
Tropical Hibiscus

Light:
Full sun

Water:
Moderate

Origins:
Asia and the pacific Islands






Hibiscus flower.Such a pretty red!




Topical Hibiscus Is a bushy plant. It has thick dark green leaves. This plant likes light so it will need some direct sun. I have mine in an Eastern window and flowers year around. Does good in a Western window as well. Let it dry out some before watering again but don't let it go bone dry. The leaves will kind of droop and won't feel as think when it's in need of a drink. The flowers are big and ahve 5 petals and has a long pistol that comes out the center. The flowers come in a variety of colors. Usually bright colors. If taken care of right it will flower year around. It is a tropical so it does'nt like cold so keep away from drafts. Any questions just ask.

-Ducky Layne-

African Violet

Common name:
African violet
Light:
Bright indirect light
Water:
Moderate




















African Violets are wonderful little plants. They don't mind being root bound and will flower every couple months if given the correct care. A North or east window is the best place for these little plants. Any direct sun burns the leaves. If you don't have a North window then bright indirect light from another window. It's best to not let them dry out but don't keep the soil soggy either. When watering water them from the bottom. If the leaves get water on them it can cause spots and the leaves can rot. Propagating is simple. I have a post on propigating if you would like to check it out. They have beautiful little flowers on them. The flowers come in several different colors. Dark purple w/ white edges, pink, light purple, burgundy, white, etc...When potting I recomment using African Violet potting soil. They have a special mix just for them. They also have special plant food for them. Any questions just ask.

-Ducky Layne-

How to propagate an African Violet from a leaf cutting.

You will need
-Your violets
-Scissors
-Aluminum foil
-Small glass,bowl



Cut the stem as close to the plant as you can.



Poke holes in the piece of aluminum foil big enough for the stem to fit through. Fill your glass with water almost to the brim. Wrap the aluminum foil around the top of the glass. Stick the cuttings through the hole and place it somewhere with good light.

Growing a Avocado from the pit!

I'm going to attempt to grow a Avocado from the pit! I'm quite excited! I've never tried this yet so we'll see how it goes.

You will need.
-Avocado
-Knife
-Four toothpicks
-Tall glass or jar
-Spoon



Cut the Avocado in half making sure not to cut the pit. Then twist and pull apart the two halves. Use the spoon to scoop out the pit.



Insert the toothpicks into the avocado pit about a quarter inch around the sides. About half way up the pit



Make sure the eye of the pit is facing down into the glass.



Balance the pit on the glass.



Fill the glass all the way to the brim. Place the glass on a kitchen counter or somewhere out of the way. Don't put in full sun though.



I'll update when it starts to do something(if anything lol).

2/28/2010
Looks like roots are starting to develop. Tool small to take a picture yet. I'll post a picture as soon as they get bigger.

3/25/2010
Still nothing :( I don't think the pits are going to do anything. I'm going to leave them a couple more weeks. If they don't do anything i'll start over and do it again. I think they might of gotten too cold. We'll see what happens.

-Ducky Layne-