Native Plants
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Thursday - October 06, 2005
From: Chandler, AZ
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Care for non-native Indian Banyan Tree
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I was given a Ficus benghalensis (Indian Banyan Tree) cutting, rooted in water. I need advice on how to plant it, what kind of dirt, best type of pot ie. plastic, glass, etc. The cutting is 1 foot in height.ANSWER:
The Indian Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is a tropical plant native to India. It has been introduced to North America and now grows in the wild in the tropical climate of Florida. Its recommended USDA Hardiness Zones are 10-12. It is drought tolerant and does have some tolerance to frost but isn't likely to do well outdoors in Arizona. It should function well as a houseplant, however. You can plant it in any container, with adequate drainage, in sterilized potting soil. It should be watered thoroughly and then the soil allowed to dry out before again saturating with water. You can read more about the Banyan tree and its care on the Floridata webpage.More Non-Natives Questions
Leaves on non-native Confederate Jasmine dry up in Buda TX
June 23, 2011 - Leaves on star or confederate jasmine vine dry up. Not due to lack of water and I can't find any insect damage. Starts with one shoot and then spreads to entire plant.
I will try to attach picture...
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Non-native poinsettia care
October 07, 2007 - I have a poinsettia that I have nursed from last Christmas. It is in big pot and looks really good. I'm trying to make it bloom. I have it out front with a sw exposure. I'm afraid of too much sun...
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Is common yarrow a Texas native?
October 16, 2009 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
Is common yarrow Achillea millefolium a Texas native? Please enlighten me.
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Cotton plant for yard in Plano
July 27, 2008 - I wish to plant a specimen cotton plant in my yard - will it grow in Plano, Texas, do you have any tips for maintaining them, and will they survive freezing temperatures?
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Care of the non-native Aralias (Genus Polyscias)
January 04, 2008 - Today I purchased a POLYSCIAS common name "Aralia"
I was told that can be happy inside, little light. Please could you inform me how to take care: feeding, fertilizing, watering needs? Does it bl...
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