Q.
I have an Angel’s trumpet and understand it is no longer called Datura. What is the new scientific name and how is it propagated? Also, how do I control spider mites on the plant? – S.B., Fort Lauderdale
A.
Your white Angel’s trumpet is now called Brugmansia X candida. It is easily propagated by cuttings. Dip in Roottone and put cuttings in a pot with a well-drained soil mix. Place the cuttings in a shady area and they should root in about two months. If your spider mites are a problem, you could hose them off.
Angel’s trumpets are beautiful when in flower and not very exciting out of flower. They get mites and fungal leaf spots and drop leaves periodically. I would not plant them close to the house. Place them toward the perimeters of the property. When they look miserable, they are away from the casual viewer, but can come into prominence when they flower. I feel the same way about other plants with caterpillar problems including oleander and night-blooming jasmine.
Q.
My African violet is beautiful, but the bottom leaves are turning brown and yellow. What is the problem? – A.L., Boynton Beach
A.
It is natural for bottom leaves to die off as new growth comes from the top. Cut damaged leaves off close to the plant stem. The leaf sample you enclosed did not indicate any pests, but be alert for mealybugs and cyclamen mites. Mealybugs are the fuzzy white sucking insects that attack many plants. Cyclamen mites distort flowers and leaves. They can be controlled by submerging the entire plant in 110-degree water for 15 minutes. Drain off the water and the mites are gone. You will need a laboratory thermometer for this cure.
Q.
I bought some mosquito plants. The odor of the plant is said to protect 10 square feet. Rubbing the leaves on your body is also supposed to repel the insects. I am told to water the plants when dry and to feed them once a week. What kind of plant food should I use? – B.C., Hollywood
A.
Use Miracle-Gro 20-20-20 or Peter’s 20-20-20. I would fertilize every two weeks at the most. Mosquito plant is a type of geranium, and they like bright light, good drainage and water when the soil feels dry to the touch. Put your finger into the soil as far as it will go. When it feels dry to your finger, water again until moisture comes out of the bottom of the pot.
Q.
What is chewing on my rose leaves? – D.S., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
A.
The culprit is the leaf-cutter bee, but don’t worry. The damage is cosmetic and will not hurt the rose. The bee is a good pollinator for fruit trees, so it should be left alone.
Note: Robert Haehle will give a free plant clinic from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Living Color Garden Center, 3691 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale. Bring samples of your plants for diagnosis.
Robert Haehle is a horticultural consultant based in Fort Lauderdale. Send your gardening questions to him in care of Lifestyle, Sun-Sentinel, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33301-2293. Please include your FULL name, address and daytime telephone number. Personal replies will not be possible.
