Extension Winter Garden Packet-1
Published: Nov. 19, 2007
NOTE TO EDITORS: This is the first installment of University of Illinois Extension's Winter Garden Packet. The second installment will be sent on Nov. 26, the third on Dec. 3, and the fourth and final one on Dec. 10. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for your consideration. Bob Sampson, Extension Communications Specialist, (217) 244-0225, rsampson@uiuc.edu .
November 19, 2007
Source: Jennifer Schultz Nelson (217) 877-6042 Contact: Bob Sampson (217) 244-0225 Extension Communications Specialist e-mail: rsampson@uiuc.edu
African Violets
A popular indoor plant that can bring color on a dreary winter day is the African violet, one with a "worldly history," said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.
"Most everyone has owned or at least seen an African violet," said Jennifer Schultz Nelson. "Because it is sold in such everyday places as grocery stores and discount giants, you might not think it's a very exotic or exciting plant. But, in fact, the lowly African violet has a very worldly history."
Its introduction to the world beyond Africa dates back to 1892.
"At that time, most of East Africa was ruled by Germany and that nation had officers stationed in the region," she related. "One of them was Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire, who had an interest in botany. This interest was most likely fueled by his father, who was a long-time patron of the botanic garden at Herrinhausen, near Hanover, Germany.
"Baron Walter made houseplant history in 1892 when while touring in East Africa near Tanga in Tanzania, he found a low-growing plant with very hairy, fleshy leaves, and striking blue flowers."
He collected samples of the plants and sent them to his father, who in turn shared some plants with Herman Wendland, director of the botanic garden at Herrinhausen. Wendland recognized that the plants were from a previously unknown genus of the plant world. He named the genus Saintpaulia, in honor of the father and son who had shared their discovery with him.
"Today, we know this genus by the common name African violet," said Schultz Nelson.
To date, there are 21 species, six variants, and two natural hybrids of African violets known.
"Each species has its own tiny specific habitat unique to East Africa," she said. "They do not grow naturally anywhere else in the world. These wild species vary in all aspects of growth habit and form, and flowers range in color from nearly white to dark purple.
"Who knew that such a unique member of the plant world was being sold for $1.99 at your local grocery store? The colors and forms we see today are descendants of the original collections, a result of generations of careful breeding."
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November 19, 2007
Source: Ron Wolford (773) 233-0476 Contact: Bob Sampson (217) 244-0225 Extension Communications Specialist e-mail: rsampson@uiuc.edu
Christmas Tree Selection Tips
Start a family tradition and think about purchasing a real Christmas tree this year, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.
"Why should you purchase a real Christmas tree? Christmas trees remove dust and pollen from the air," said Ron Wolford. "An acre of Christmas trees provides for the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people. They also provide a habitat for wildlife.
"Recycled trees have been used to make sand and soil erosion barriers."
Artificial trees may last for a few years in your home, he noted, but they will last for centuries in a landfill.
"Plus, what can beat walking into a room with a real tree and smelling that wonderful Christmas tree aroma?" he added.
Local Christmas tree farms can be found listed on University of Illinois Extension's Christmas Trees & More (http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/trees) website. Research on Christmas tree types can be done at: http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/trees/treetypes.html .
"For example, the Scotch pine has excellent needle retention with the needles hanging on for weeks even when they are dry, plus it keeps its aroma throughout the season," Wolford said.
A listing of tree farms can be found at the Illinois Christmas Tree Association (http://www.ilchristmastrees.com).
"Decide on where you will place the tree," he said. "Will it be seen from all sides or will some of it be up against a wall? Be sure to choose a spot away from heat sources, such as televisions, fireplaces, radiators, and air ducts. Place the tree clear of doors."
It is important to choose a tree that fits where it is to be displayed. For example, if the tree is displayed in front of a large window, then all four sides should look as good as possible. If the tree is displayed against a wall, then a tree with three good sides would be okay.
A tree with two good sides would work well in a corner. The more perfect the tree, the more expensive it will be.
"Measure the height and width of the space you have available in the room where the tree will be placed, but remember to subtract the height of your stand and the tree topper you want to use to get the maximum tree height you can fit," he said. "Trees on farms are trimmed to an 80 percent taper, so a 10-foot tall tree would be eight feet wide at the bottom.
"There is nothing worse than bringing a tree indoors only to find it is too tall."
Wolford recommended taking a tape measure along when going to pick a tree. Also, bring along a cord to tie your tree to the car and a tarp to cover it to avoid exposure to drying winds.
"If choosing a tree from a retail lot, remember that trees sold on retail lots in urban areas may have come from out-of-state and may have been exposed to drying winds in transit," he said. "On my way to work in mid-November, I have seen flat-bed semi-trucks piled high with trees coming from Michigan.
"Most Christmas trees are cut about three to four weeks before they arrive on a retail lot, usually the weekend after Thanksgiving. Buy trees early before the best trees have been sold. Ask the retailer whether his trees are delivered once at the beginning of the season or are they delivered at different times during the selling season."
Choose a fresh tree from the lot. A fresh tree will have a healthy green appearance with few brown needles. Needles should be flexible and not fall off if you run a branch through your hand. Raise the tree a few inches off the ground and drop it on the butt end. Very few green needles should drop off the tree. It is normal for a few inner brown needles to drop off.
"If you decide to go to a cut-your-own farm prepare for a day in the country," said Wolford. "Wear comfortable shoes and old clothes. Bring gloves and a camera.
"Go into the field and choose the tree that fits your predetermined needs. Make sure the handle or base of the tree is straight and at least six to eight inches long so it will fit easily into the stand. Keep in mind that pines will usually have, at least, some crook in their trunks."
Most farms will provide saws. After you cut down the tree, many farms will net the tree to make transporting it easier. If you are not putting the tree up right away store it in an unheated garage or some other area out of the wind and cold temperatures. Make a fresh, one-inch cut on the butt end and place the tree in a bucket of water.
"When you decide to bring the tree indoors, make another fresh, one-inch cut and place the tree in a sturdy stand that holds at least one gallon of water," he said. "Keep the tree watered. A fresh tree can take up to a gallon of water the first couple of days.
"Enjoy your tree and the holiday season."
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November 19, 2007
Source: Greg Stack (708) 720-7520 Contact: Bob Sampson Extension Communications Specialist Phone (217) 244-0225; rsampson@uiuc.edu
Cacti and Succulents as Houseplants
If you want to invite a wide and varied bunch of plants into your home, you might consider cacti and succulents, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.
"Many of these unusual plants are quite content with most home conditions and occasional neglect, asking nothing more than a bright, sunny location," said Greg Stack. "In return, they will give you interesting shapes, varied patterns of spines, and some really beautiful flowers."
For starters, it is important to know the difference between a cactus and a succulent, he noted.
"All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti," he said. " That statement alone will make people wonder if maybe you've been reading too many gardening magazines. But there is a difference. While both cacti and succulents have the ability to store moisture for use when times are tough, that is where the similarity ends.
"A true cactus has something called an areole. It looks like a patch of cotton from which spines, flowers, and roots grow. While some succulents may have spines, they will not have areoles."
Many places sell succulent plants. Following a few buying tips can ensure getting the best, he said.
"Check the base of the plants for signs of softness," said Stack. "This indicates a rotting problem and a plant not long for the world. Avoid plants where the new growth is thin and pale in color. This suggests plants that have been kept in poor light conditions for too long. And always check for insects, especially scale and mealy bug."
Once the plants are in your home, a few basic growing conditions need to be met to ensure happy and healthy plants.
"All cacti and succulents need bright light areas," he said. "If the light is too low they will often stretch and even round, barrel-shaped cactus will become very thin and elongated.
"Cacti and succulents have growth cycles and it is usually in response to water and temperature. At one time of the year when temperatures are cool and moisture low, succulents will go dormant. When temperatures are warm and moisture more abundant, succulents grow more actively."
Most cacti and succulents have their active growth cycle during the spring and summer, gradually slowing down and going dormant in the fall and winter. Plants with this growth cycle include the Echinocactus, Ferocactus, Opuntia, and Notocacus.
"These plants should be kept warm and well-watered during the natural growth cycle and cool and dry at other times of the year," Stack said. "The more succulent tree dwellers such as Christmas cactus prefer warm temperatures and moist soils during the late spring and summer and cool temperatures and dry soil for several months before their yearly blooming."
Temperature is an important factor for cacti and succulents. Providing the proper temperature can often result in encouraging the cacti and succulents to bloom. Proper temperature is dependent on whether the plant is growing or dormant.
"Dormant plants prefer temperatures between 45 and 55 degrees," said Stack. "These cool temperatures combined with occasional light watering 'hardens' the plant. Flower buds are more likely to form at the cooler temperatures.
"Many cacti, particularly the globe-shaped ones, will bloom readily if given this cool, dry period. Areas right next to windows often provide the perfect growing environment during the winter and can satisfy the cool temperature requirement. Growing at normal room temperatures will by no means harm the plant but if you want to see flowers, cold helps."
During the summer, cacti and succulents like to be outdoors. Locate them where they get light shade and keep them watered.
"Even though cacti and succulents can tolerate dry conditions for extended periods, they do like to receive water for best growth," he noted. "Watering is based first of all on whether they are dormant or growing. During the growing period, water the plants thoroughly when the soil gets dry and don't let them sit in a saucer of water.
"Water again only when the soil gets dry. During the dormant period, apply water very sparingly. Let the soil get dry and then apply enough water to slightly dampen the soil. Overwatering during the dormant period can lead to rotting."
Stack recommended a few cacti as good starter plants. These are easy to maintain and often will flower.
The Mammillarias, or pin cushion, cactus is perhaps the most commonly sold. They form nice clumps and have silky hairs covering the body of the plant and have names such as owl's eyes, birdnest cactus, old lady cactus, and feather cactus. They are easily grown and will flower readily when young, producing white to pink flowers in a circle around the top of the plant.
"Another group of reliable cactus is the Notocactus," he said. "These also form clumps or nice ball-shaped plants. They are reliable bloomers at a young age. Look for such names as Sun Cap, Silver Bell, and Scarlet Ball.
"Aeoniums are succulents that grow in the form of flat pinwheels. They can be green, bronze, or silver in color and are very architectural looking. In nature, they grow during the winter but indoors may switch to summer growing. Watch for signs of dormancy by a closing and shrinking of the leafy rosette."
One of the more challenging but truly unique succulents is the Lithops or living stones. In nature, they grow submerged in the soil with only their tops exposed, looking just like pebbles. Allow the soil to dry completely between infrequent light watering during their summer dormant period. In the fall and winter, water the plant more frequently but still maintain the soil on the dry side. The frequent reward for this care is daisy-like flowers in November or December appearing in what looks like a crack in a rock.
"Cacti and succulents can be the almost perfect houseplants--asking very little but offering much in way of interest," said Stack.
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November 19, 2007
Source: Richard Hentschel (630) 685-2317 Contact: Bob Sampson Extension Communications Specialist Phone (217) 244-0225; rsampson@uiuc.edu
Insects' Winter Plans
Cold temperatures send some outdoor insects looking for a warm home, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture specialist.
"Late fall and winter is a period when most outdoor insects go dormant, just like our trees and shrubs," said Richard Hentschel. "Insects can overwinter as adults, huddled together or by themselves in cracks and crevices or in leaf litter, hoping to avoid extremes in temperatures.
"Other insects overwinter in a cocoon rather than as adults; still others overwinter as eggs above the soil in leaf litter or in bark crevices or below ground. Any protection, no matter how they overwinter, affords them a better chance of winter survival unless they are very hardy."
Insects like yellow jackets and hornets find a place to hide underneath the bark of trees and sit out the winter by themselves. This is in contrast to box elder bugs that gather in enormous numbers. Most of the lady beetles overwinter in numbers at the base of trees and shrubs by the hundreds.
"A very well known garden pest, the tomato hornworm, overwinters in vegetable garden debris as a cocoon," he noted. "Earwigs can be found in leaf litter and in bark crevices all summer long, yet overwinter as an egg in the soil.
"Some of our tree-boring pests overwinter as larvae or pupae just underneath the bark in the cambium layer. This is the case for the recently discovered emerald ash borer in the northeastern part of Illinois."
Why do we have box elder bugs all winter in our homes? As the weather turns cool and then cold, the Box Elder bugs seek out warm shelter and find their way into our outer home walls through existing cracks and crevices for the winter, Hentschel explained.
"Remember, they are dormant, not dead, so as heat continues to escape into our walls from inside, the box elder bugs are naturally drawn to the heat and find their way to the interior of the home," he said.
In the fall, when all manner of outdoor insects are looking for a place to overwinter, using a foundation spray outdoors will keep a great many of those crawling insects at bay, he added.
"Those that make it inside can be vacuumed up while they are moving about," he said. "Many insects cannot survive indoors without their natural food sources and are often drawn to a window. They can be removed from the window sill once dead."
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