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Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Reviewing Growing Bamboo In Our Garden

A Guide to Bamboo Varieties, Soil Conditions and Care.

Bamboo is such a beautiful and versatile plant. It adds a certain grace and elegance to the garden. As it is generally a tall, green and elegant plant it gives a garden an added dimension and is also very useful. Bamboo is an excellent screening plant for any ugly structure and gives privacy and shade in the garden.

I love the shape of its plentiful leaves and the smooth canes which depending on variety may be of a gorgeous colour. I love the wonderful sound as the wind blows through its foliage.

There are so many types available some suitable for most gardens, some very exotic.

However with Bamboo, maybe more than many other plants it is important to understand the different varieties and the care they require in order for it to be an asset to your garden and not a difficulty.

Varieties of Bamboo

Bamboo comes in various varieties, but they can broadly be classified into two types: clumping Bamboo and running Bamboo and it is vital to know which one you are buying or have inherited in your garden.

Clumping Bamboo

As the name suggests, clumping Bamboo grows in tight, compact clumps. This makes it easy to control and contain. This type of Bamboo is ideal for small gardens or areas where you want to prevent it from spreading too aggressively. Some popular clumping Bamboo varieties include Bambusa multiplex, Fargesia spathacea, and Chusquea culeou. We have a clumping bamboo with beautiful black stems and fresh green leaves with an arching habit and is very well behaved.

Running Bamboo

Running Bamboo tends to spread rapidly through underground rhizomes. The clue is in the name and that it is not easily contained. If not properly managed, it can become very invasive indeed and start popping up all over your lawn and borders and even into neighbours gardens.

Running Bamboo is really much better suited to larger landscapes or areas where its growth can be restricted. It is possible to grow it in a large container where its growth is restricted but I would even play safe and ensure the pot is placed raised on an area of hard standing so that the roots cannot get through to ground easily. Popular running Bamboo varieties include Phyllostachys aurea, Phyllostachys nigra, and Phyllostachys bambusoides.

Care Of Bamboo

Soil Conditions

Every successful plant story starts with the soil conditions being right for the plant. Bamboo is pretty adaptable and can live in a wide range of soil conditions happily and successfully. However it likes most a well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It is important to note that it really dislikes waterlogged poorly drained soils. We have heavy clay soil but ours lives at the top of a slope which means that it is well drained. So before purchasing a Bamboo it is wise to check your soil structure and type to see if Bamboo will be happy there.

Watering.

Most Bamboos like moist but not waterlogged soil. We found that our Bamboo required regular watering when establishing as a young plant. As with many plants it is better to give a deep watering once a week than a light watering more often. Once established we find there is no need to water as regularly. It is simply a case of watching the weather and watering often and deeply only in dry spells.

Feeding.

Bamboo thrives best with a regular feed in the growing season. This is especially true if we are growing it in a large container or have poor soil. If we are gardening on rich soil you may well need to do a lot less feeding. Our soil is rich and so we now do not need to feed very often. A balanced, slow-release fertiliser when the bamboo is growing will help to promote healthy growth.

Position Of Bamboo

The position Bamboo will thrive in depends on the variety you buy so it is always best to check the details for each plant. Some Bamboo species prefer full sun, others can cope with partial shade. We planted our Bamboo in a sunny south facing position and it is very happy there.

It is vital to research how much space each particular type of Bamboo you are interested in requires. Clumping Bamboo is generally well behaved and can be planted closer to structures or other plants. Ours is near a fence and other plants and does not cause any issues at all.

However running Bamboo should be given lots of space to spread sited far away from your house and other buildings and your neighbours. Give a running Bamboo even more space than you think it needs and do make a barrier to inhibit its spread. Alternatively grow it in a large, very sturdy container.

Bamboo generally grows tall and does cast gorgeous dappled shade and enchanting shadows on any fences and walls. However that does mean that plants living nearby must enjoy living in dappled shade, or even slightly heavier shade so we must choose the plants around a bamboo carefully for all to be happy.

Pruning and Maintenance Of Bamboo

Regular pruning of any Bamboo is really essential to remove any dead, damaged and diseased canes. An unpruned bamboo can also very quickly become crowded and look less attractive. With pruning this allows for better air circulation within the plant and inhibits the spread of diseases.

Pruning a large Bamboo can sometimes feel a little overwhelming so we always start by removing dead or damaged canes at their base. Then we move on to prune individual canes in order to bring light into the plant. I would advise standing back every few cuts to check how the plant looks and how much more you want to prune out.

It is important to prune each cane at ground level. I have seen Bamboo chopped off halfway so it ends up being three or four foot high and it always just looks odd to me to reduce the height of this graceful plant. We prune by thinning out the canes at ground level, which produces a manageable plant with a very graceful habit allowing air and circulation through and a healthier plant. I also like to prune off the lower leaves thereby showing off the really beautiful colour of the canes to full advantage.

We use our tall prunings as supports for other plants. They are very strong and can be cut to a desired length. We prune from the ground and then allow them to dry then they are used all over the garden to act as supports for other climbers. We often tie four or five of them together to form a wigwam shape for climbers to grow up.

If you do not have a Bamboo plant you can buy these very useful Bamboo sticks. They are very good for growing tomatoes, beans and peas and supporting young plant growth.

Mininfa Natural Bamboo Stakes 3 Feet, Eco-Friendly Garden Stakes, Plant Stakes Supports Climbing for Tomatoes, Trees, Beans, 25 Pack

Containing A Running Bamboo

If you are planting running Bamboo, it's crucial to install a barrier around its edge to prevent it spreading too far and wide. Use a very tough barrier such as metal at least 18 inches deep to try to control the rhizomes. Even so do keep a watch on it as it can easily escape.

Personally, I would only grow running Bamboo, beautiful as it is, in a large container on a patio, never in my garden. We do not have a large garden and have buildings and neighbours close by so it really is not practical. For us we would always grow a clumping Bamboo for its grace and beauty.

Bamboo At Kew Gardens.

We were lucky to visit Kew Gardens, London and see some of the Bamboos in the Palm House there. They were truly amazing plants, so tall and with such beautiful canes and leaves. Here are a few photographs I hope you enjoy.

Close Up Of A Bamboo Cane At Kew Gardens

Bamboo is A Beautiful Addition To The Garden

With a little knowledge and care Bamboo can be a beautiful graceful and welcome addition to the garden. I love its gorgeous foliage and the relaxing sounds and how it sways in the wind.

As most are evergreen you see its beauty all winter and it looks lovely covered in frost or snow as it does when the sunlight shines through it or the raindrops gather.

Bamboo is an excellent screening plant to cover up an ugly fence, the bins or just to give you more privacy in a part of the garden or away from the neighbours. Just make sure you get a suitable variety for your garden and check carefully what type you are buying.

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Air Plant As A House Plant Reviewed

Air plants are really fascinating and beautiful houseplants. We love having ours, it is such a pretty and unusual little plant. We bought one air plant and were delighted when it grew a baby airplant or delightfully named "pup". Now as you can see in the photos, the "pup" is nearly as big as its parent !

Their ability to survive and thrive with little or no soil is amazing and really beautiful, unusual varieties are now easily available.

They truly adapted beautifully to their natural environment and with a few care needs we can enjoy them close up as house plants. They originate mainly from Mexico and South America. They do not root in the soil like most plants but instead use their wiry roots to attach themselves to tree branches or rocks or even man made structures like telephone wires. In their natural environment air provides them with all they require.

Their official name as a group is Tillandsia but most of us will know them as Air plants which so aptly describes them.

There are over 600 different species of air plants, each exhibiting its own distinctive shape, size, and color. Some common varieties include Tillandsia ionantha, Tillandsia cyanea, and Tillandsia xerographica. All are really fascinating.

Air Plant

Care Of Air Plants

Air plants, live with no soil to sustain them and obtain all their nutrients and moisture from the air around them.

I find them quite easy care plants but there are a few vital needs that must be met to ensure the plants stay healthy.

1. Light

Air plants need bright but indirect light. So near a windowsill or in a well lit room would be a good place. These are not plants for shady dark rooms.

We need to avoid placing them in direct sunlight. This will burn or scorch the leaves so make sure that any light is diffused by the gentle light shade of other plants or a window covering.

2. Soil And Humidity

There are no soil requirements for Airplants.

All the water and nutrients are absorbed via special scales called trichomes which cover their leaves.

In their original natural habitat it would have been humid so it is important that we give them a mainly humid environment.

Misting them with water every few days or placing them in a tray filled with water and pebbles will increase localised humidity for them and they will appreciate it. They cannot tolerate soaking for days at a time though.

Just misting will not be enough though, they must also be watered.

3. Watering Air Plants

Watering is necessary but it must be done with extreme caution to prevent root rot.

It is best to submerge the plants in water upside down for thirty minutes every one to two weeks. I try to do it every week but if I forget the air plant does not seem to mind too much. I would not leave it any longer than 2 weeks though or the plants may start to suffer. In very warm weather you can water them in this way more often.

I simply turn mine upside down so that the water will not collect in the crown of the plant and submerge in a glass of warm water for about half an hour. I do find room temperature water is best, as I feel that ice cold water might be a bit of a shock. Also it is preferable to use rainwater rather than tap water due to the chemicals in tap water.

It's important to shake off any excess water to prevent moisture from pooling in their base. Once dry I gently place back in its holder. They should be allowed to dry completely before being placed back in their display area or container.

Air Plant Submerged In Glass Of Water Upside Down

4. Air Circulation

The main risk to air plants is rot. Air plants benefit from proper air circulation which prevents stagnant moisture from accumulating on their leaves, reducing the risk of rot.

To enable this process we must position them in places that are well-ventilated.

Alternatively you can use a small fan to create an artificial air current but it should be possible in most situations to give good natural ventilation.

In the summer it is fine to place the air plants outside on a warm day, especially if it is a humid day. I do always being them in at night.

5. Feeding Air Plants

Air plants in our homes appreciate a balanced, diluted fertilizer every few weeks. I find once a month is fine and enables me to remember to do it on the first of each month.

We need to buy a specialised fertiliser specifically for air plants to provide them with the necessary food to thrive.

How To Display Air Plants.

Due to their versatile nature, air plants can be displayed in various creative ways. You can get quite artistic with them to suit the style and decor of your own home or workplace.

ZOOELAY Hanging Air Plants Holders Black Airplants Plant Hanger Metal Geometric Inoor Planter Holder Air Ferns Display Rack with Chain 4Pcs …

They can be grown in plant frames, glass terrariums, mounted on driftwood or stones, grown on ornamental shells or placed in hanging plant holders. I currently have mine in a glass holder filled with white perlite.

As I get more I would like to have them displayed in hanging baskets and placed on driftwood as I think that is healthy for the plants and they look very beautiful and quite stunning that way.

Air plants are very low maintenance plants once we understand their needs and how to meet them. I feel with a little guidance they are suitable for a beginner with house plants or any garden plants.

Their stunning appearance and unusual habit also makes them a lovely choice for house plant collectors or anyone who likes a more unusual house plant display.

As it is easy to buy small specimens it means that you can have quite a lot in one room and they do not take up much space. In fact I think they add to the decor and ambiance of a room.

31%

Living with Air Plants: A Beginner's Guide to Growing and Displaying Tillandsia

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The Sarracenia Or Pitcher Plant Reviewed

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Reviewing The Growing And Care Of Dracaena As A Houseplant

Caring for A Mother In Laws Tongue As A Houseplant Reviewed

The Spider Plant As A Houseplant Reviewed

Care Of The Intriguing Carnivorous Venus Fly Trap House Plant Reviewed.

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Tuesday, July 25, 2023

The Sarracenia Or Pitcher Plant Reviewed

My husband and I have recently developed a fascination for these carnivorous plants.

I have been gardening and owning house plants for decades yet it has only been in the last few years that I became interested in these plants. It just shows that when it comes to gardening you never stop learning!

I knew nothing about these carnivorous plants and each one is slightly different so I applied the same methods I do when first growing any plant to learn about its habits, origin, position, water, feed and soil needs and do my best to help it thrive.

For me the introduction to Sarracenia came when talking to a very knowledgeable man at a plant fair with a huge display of carnivorous plants from his nursery. As I have said before most gardeners are only too happy to discuss plants with anyone who will listen, so I listened, asked questions and gained a huge amount of insight and knowledge and then I bought a plant from him.

The Sarracenia is also commonly known as the Pitcher plant, most likely due to the shape of its leaves. It is a fascinating plant and at the plant fair both adults and children were crowding around to see and understand more about these plants.

Characteristics of the Sarracenia Plant

Native to North America, this quite beautiful and striking carnivorous plant is known for trapping insects in its distinctive pitcher shaped leaves.

The Sarracenia plant possesses several distinctive features. The most striking trait is its pitchers, which are modified leaves that form long, tube-like structures. They come in various colours such as green, red and yellow which gives it a quite pretty appearance.

The inside of these pitchers secretes a compelling nectar that attracts insects. Once they land on it the slippery surfaces make escape very difficult and the hairs that point downward prevent insects from climbing out. Hence the insects are trapped and cannot escape and without delving into the gory details, become nutrients for the plant.

It is worth mentioning that the Sarracenia plant’s pitchers are not only used for carnivorous purposes, they also act as water collectors. They accumulate rainwater, which not only provides hydration but also serves as a habitat for beneficial organisms such as mosquito larvae-eating aquatic species.

Care and Growing Conditions For The Pitcher Plant

To ensure the healthy growth of your Sarracenia plant, it is essential to provide it with the appropriate care and growing conditions. Here are some very important factors to take account of for the plant to survive.

Sarracenia Or Pitcher Plant on windowsill

Position Of Sarracenia Plant

Sarracenia plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and need about five hours sunlight each day. However we need to be careful as too much strong sun can burn the leaves

So in the house somewhere that is a sunny windowsill but has filtered light would be perfect.

In the summer time we also take our pitcher plant outside during the day onto the patio on a saucer filled with rainwater to enjoy the semi shade semi sun conditions we have there. We do leave it out in light rain so it can naturally collect its rainwater but we do bring it in if we get heavy downpours and always bring it back inside in the evening.

Sarracenia Ideal Temperatures

Sarracenia plants are generally cold hardy and can tolerate quite a wide range of temperatures. However, they prefer cooler conditions, with a temperature range of between 60-85°F (15-29°C) during the day and about 45-55°F (7-13°C) at night.

So if you know that your house gets hotter than this do provide shelter for partial shade. This could be a simple piece of cardboard, other plants around the Pitcher plant or a screen of some kind.

Watering Needs of Sarracenia

Pitcher plants must have moist soil. They must not be allowed to dry out. However, it is very important we never use tap water on a Sarracenia, it can and does kill the plant.

Rather than tap water always use rainwater ideally, or if you cannot get that, then distilled water.

We do get periods of drought here now, so when it does rain we gather up the rainwater into bottles to save for use on our carnivorous plants.

38%

Small Watering Can for Indoor Plants with Long Spout for Flowers, Succulents 34oz(Green)

Preferred Humidity For Pitcher Plants

Sarracenia plants prefer higher humidity levels, ideally between 50 to 70%. It is not always easy to give the plants this level of humidity all year round and I find can be one of the most difficult things to get right.

However the most inexpensive solution is to put a saucer full of pebbles filled with rainwater under the plant to help increase levels of humidity. This way the plant is not waterlogged but gets the benefit of localised humidity.

It is often good for plants to live together so that they benefit each other so your pitcher plant can live next to say a Spider Plant or a Banana plant or any houseplant as long as they are in separate pots.

If you can afford a humidifier then that is a great solution. We do not have one and the saucer of water works well enough, but you have to remember to keep it topped up with rainwater.

Sarracenia Or Pitcher Plant with houseplants

Soil Requirements for Sarracenia

Most of us will grow Sarracenia as a houseplant indoors most of the year, so it will be growing in a pot.

The soil we use is crucial for the health and vitality of the Sarracenia plant and it is very particular. If you have one of these plants it is important not to deviate away from these soil requirements.

Sarracenia plants must have acidic soil to grow well and thrive. So the soil must be pH of 4.0 to 5.0.

This acidic ph level replicates their original natural habitat, which is often boggy and acidic due to decaying organic matter.

The soil must be acidic and very well drained, porous and loose with good aeration. Ideally it will be a mix of sphagnum peat moss, sand and perlite. This helps to prevent the plant becoming waterlogged which it dislikes and helps toward good root formation.

We do not need to use any fertilisers, in fact it would be detrimental to the Sarracenia. Fertilisers often contain chemicals and minerals that will harm or even kill the plant.

Due to the fact they are carnivorous plants, Sarracenia plants do not require any additional fertilisation, all the nutrients they require come from the insects they attract and capture.

Do not worry if your pitcher plant leaves goes thin. We were told that this is when they have insects inside the pitcher and are digesting them! A little gruesome but equally fascinating.

Ours is pretty thin at present as it has recently been eating very well! Makes me wish that I went thin when I ate!

So while there is a lot to learn to successfully grow these plants and I am certainly still on a steep learning cure myself, they are truly fascinating.

They also do a wonderful job of keeping down the insects and recently ours was extremely helpful in dealing with an infestation of a type of whitefly on my new strawberry mint. We simply placed the Sarracenia next to the mint plant and within 2 days all the flies were gone!

I know of people who keep a host of carnivorous plants in their greenhouses in order to keep insect pests at bay and apparently they work really well.

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The Sarracenia plant, with its fascinating characteristics, quite pretty coloured tubes and carnivorous nature, is an intriguing addition to our house plant collection. With care and attention it will reward us with an unusual and intriguing plant for many years. While maybe not a complete beginners houseplant, if you are prepared to learn it is certainly a wonderful plant to own. It was our first pitcher plant but I do not think it will be the last !