Native Plants
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
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Saturday - October 20, 2007
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
Region: California
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Care of non-native house plant
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have bought a 7 foot bird of paradise indoor plant, and have a decorative pot to place it into. The plant will remain in its plastic pot, will have a liner inside decorative pot, and decorative moss on surface. I have bought a meter to help determine when to water.What else can I do to keep this plant looking beautiful and healthy? Special fertilizer? Cleaner for the leaves? I have positioned the plant next to the French doors, and it will never receive direct sunlight, but gets plenty of indirect for 1/2 of the day.ANSWER:
Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise) is a native of South Africa. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is centered on the care and protection of plants native to North America. However, we realize that most indoor and potted plants are non-natives, and think you will find the above link helpful in answering your questions.More Non-Natives Questions
Problems in non- native weeping willow in Spokane WA
June 21, 2010 - My wife and I have a weeping willow tree that has done well for two years. This year some of the branches are loosing their leaves in late spring in Spokane, WA. I though it was from the wind but ha...
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Blossoms blowing off non-native navel orange tree from Ocala FL
September 08, 2009 - Why do the blossoms blow off navel orange tree?
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Problems with non-native weeping willow
September 20, 2008 - My weeping willow has black holish cracks in it. It is a yearling. Any suggestions? ...
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Problem with non-native sweet vernal grass, Anthoxanthum odoratum
June 24, 2010 - Hello there Mr. Smarty Plants, I have a question about growing Anthoxanthum odoratum known as sweet vernal grass. I'm trying to get Anthoxanthum odoratum, sweet vernal grass, to grow in my yard becau...
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Problems with non-native Pink Jasmine from Austin
March 23, 2011 - A week or so ago, I purchased two beautiful pink jasmine vines. The first few days after planting, they did wonderful. Now, some leaves and stems are turning brown and some flowers have fallen off. ...
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