Ask the Expert: Golden Pothos propagation question
Hi
I would like to propagate my Golden Photos and I have found a lot of instructions and advice on the web. But my question is:
My plant hasn't branched yet, it's just one long plant, probably almost three feet if you would unfold it. So there isn't a side branch to cut of.

Is it advisable to simply cut of the top of the plant - three or four top leaves (this would leave 13 or 12 leaves on the mother plant)? Would the mother plant automaticly start growing one or more branches afterwards if i did it?

I'm surprised it hasn't branched yet. I got the plant from a friend half a year ago - he had had it in his bathroom and it had only about five sorry looking leaves on it. Now it look really healthy and perky, but it anoys me a bit that it's just one long snake - that it doesn't split itself.

I've been redirecting it towards the soil surface, so that it could re-root itself ith every new length (because it looked like it needed it). I'm wondering if doing his could have caused it to not branch - the fact that it never grew more than five new leaves away from the latest firmly rooted root. Shold i stop doing this in that
case?

Thanks

David

Plant Expert Reply:

Redirecting the plant as you say is one form of propagation.  Once those section have a strong root system you can cut them off the mother plant and you have a new plant.  When you cut it off the mother plant both plants will start to form new leaves.   You can also propagate a new plant by taking a leaf with a node and stick the node in the soil.  You can do this multply times from one long runner.  By doing this you will encourage more growth from the mother plant and often lateral grow as well.  Many times the plant will begin to form roots at the nodes on their own.  This makes it easy to propagate golden pothos. 

The nice thing about pothos is the tolerance of this plant.  You can cut, abuse it or ignore it and it will still live.  I personally find that trimming my pothos makes it healthier and thicker.  Sometimes I will start new plants from my cuttings and other times I don't bother with it.  The one thing I do when propagating these plants it to keep the soil moist when the roots are forming.

Good luck and let me know how it goes.

Summer is the time of weddings and babies. Both special occasions seem to center around this time of year which is why I've decided to include baby shower decorations in the fresh flower decorating tip this month. Whether celebrating Mommy's first child or fourth, you can use fresh flowers to create the perfect occasion. Here's how!

Tips For Decorating Baby Showers With Fresh Flowers

• Use fresh flower petals of tulips or roses to decorate the gift table. This adds color and uniqueness.
• Put a New Baby flower arrangement on a pedestal in the middle of the gift table or food table. (Gift table is probably best.)
• Present each guest with a rose boutonniere. The "can't say baby" game is so much more fun with rose petals! Plus, the remaining rose petals or a spare rose is (when dried) a great addition to the baby book.
• Have each guest bring a single flower stem. Use these as a fresh flower bouquet during the party. When the baby shower has ended, have the flowers preserved or dry them old-school style (inside a thick book) for use in the baby book.

Fresh flowers are a quick and simple way to cheer up everyone in the room. Preserving these flowers helps Mommy remember the kindness of her friends when she needed them most. Whether they'll be a memento or just a way to liven up the room, decorating with fresh flowers will take your baby shower up a notch–but you're planning it so it will already be great!

How did you use flowers to decorate for a baby shower? Are you planning a baby shower in the future? Let us know what you think is a great idea! Just place your comments in the comment section below.

Try The "Thinking of You" Bouquet with Larkspur

I won't keep you guessing. The July birth month flower is the larkspur. Of course, regular readers probably remember this from last year's July Birth Month Flower blog. For those who haven't gone back that far, here's a head's up.

The official birth month flowers of July are the larkspur and the water lily. You're not going to see many florists with water lily arrangements so most people tend to use larkspur instead. This is great though! Larkspur is gorgeous in birthday flower bouquets. It adds height and shape while looking as beautiful as any flower has a right to be.

What wasn't mentioned in last year's blog are the flower colors and flower meanings associated with the birth month flowers of July. Did you send birth month flowers last year? Send them again this year but add another dash of whimsy and character to the bouquet by using just birth month flowers in these colors:  green, russet and red. The flower meaning of larkspur is "laughter" or "levity." Who wouldn't want to send something so cheerful?

Whatever bouquet you choose to send this year, make sure you ask your local florist about using larkspur in the flower arrangement!

Avacado Tree 1 Year Old

Ask the Expert: What is wrong with my avocado tree?
The little thing is a year old. It did not get much sun at all this winter but now it has full southern exposure and plenty of light. I keep it inside and ensure it's nice and warm.
When new leaves sprout from the top the older larger leaves turn brown and fall off the bottom.
I have tried giving it plenty of water and I've tried to dry it out.
I've tried a little water each day but still can't stop what's happening to it. Dianne

Plant Expert Reply:

It looks like you have a water stress issue.  Instead of a little water each day, water it thoroughly and when the soil starts to dry out water it thoroughly again.  At some point you will need to water it with a very diluted solution of water soluble fertilizer.  I would remove the brown leaf.  Do watch for leaf spot.  If the leaves start to get rust colored spots, you will have to treat it for leaf spot disease.  Try to give it as much light as possible.  For the summer you might want to put it outside.  Good Luck and Keep Me posted.

Ask the Expert: Drooping Chocolate Soldier
I have a chocolate soldier that about a month ago got way too much water.  Since then I have transplanted the plant into a pot that drains well.  However, my plant is still really really droopy and I am worried that it may not make it.  The blooms on it are still coming but they do not open.  Any help would be appreciated but please hurry.  Norma

Plant Expert Reply:

Give the plant time to recover.  Try to keep the conditions consistent. Chocolate solider needs to have a visual dryness between watering. Use tepid water when you do water them and try not to get the leaves wet.  Keep them in partial sun or shade (an east, west, or northern exposure). A little direct sunlight is beneficial; try to avoid hot noonday sun. They need warm temperatures above 65 degrees. Follow these care instructions and the plant should make a full recovery. Good Luck and keep me posted.

Ask the Expert: Peace Lily flowers are turning green
We have
several peace lilies planted outside next our patio out of the sun and for
several months they were blooming abundent white flowers but now the majority of
the white flours are turning green.  What can I do to correct this problem. Tyrus

Plant Expert Reply:

This is the natural process of peace lily blooms.  They will start out white then turn green and eventually turn brown.  You need to remove spent the blooms.  Follow the stem to the base of the plant and cut the stem off.  This will encourage the plant to produce new blooms.

Many readers probably remember last year's post about zodiac flowers for Cancers.  Cancers are people with whose birthdays fall between June 21 and July 21. In my family, that's a lot of people! Finding unique gifts for each of them becomes very difficult each year. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.  These are the people who have everything, enjoy only a few hobbies, and have spent many years collecting gifts so they don't seem to need anything either. What to do, what to do!?

Just enough Delphinium to be exciting!

I can say that just like last year I stand beside cancer zodiac flowers as awesome and unique birthday gifts. I mean, come on. Who would expect something which requires so much thought and effort (or so it seems)?

My local florist makes it practically effortless to pick up a pretty birthday bouquet for my friends and family. I just call up June and say "I need an arrangement centered around zodiac flowers for cancer. They are roses, lily of the valley, hydrangea, iris, cornflower, delphinium, and ferns. Can I get something in an X price range?" That's almost the entire extent of the conversation and the birthday gift shopping is done!

Yeah. As far as zodiac flowers are concerned, two thumbs WAY up for Cancer zodiac flowers!

Lavender Rhododendron

Ask the Expert: What kind of flower is this?
My friend has this flower in her yard and doesn't know what it's called. I think it''s beautiful and I would love to use it in  my wedding but cannot find the name of it.
Thank you! Lindsey

Plant Expert Reply:

Your friend has a lavender Rhododendron.  This shrub is fantastic in the garden.  However probably not a good one for wedding flower use.  If you want to incorporate these into your wedding, you will probably need to use potted ones.  Of you will need to check with your local florist as to the availability of potted Rhododendron in your area and during the season of your wedding.  Your florist might be able to provide potted Azaleas which are part of the Rhododendron genus.

Rosary Vine - Ceropegia

Ask the Expert: what type of plant is this?
I have a plant that was given to me. It consists of long, string-like tendrils with small leaves.. the leaves are green with a whitish pattern. They are spaced approximately 3 inches apart.
I have attached a picture and would really appreciate it if someone could help me identify it so that I can figure out how to propagate it.
Thank you
Janet

Plant Expert Reply:
This plant is called Rosary vine, Hearts on a String, Sweetheart vine and string of hearts. It is formally known as Ceropegia linearis or Ceropegia woodii.

You can propagate it by seed in the early spring when temperatures are around 66 to 77 degrees. If you want to propagate it from stems cuttings, you will need to take 4 to 6" stem cuttings in the early summer and root them in a sand and peat mixture.

Good luck and keep me posted on your propagation.

Flowers.

Come on. Did you ever expect me to say anything besides "flowers"? Hostess gifts are easy to pick out when you have time to go shopping. Those of us with a busy day job and our second job (family) don't have much time to go look. Personally, I can't stand shopping. Don't want to do it. Bringing along a bouquet of flowers that matches the theme of the party is simple enough, quick, inexpensive and tasteful. The best a gal could ask for!

My local florist is awesome. I can say "pool party hostess gift" and she'll come up with something perfect for the occasion. Maybe even a mermaid on the enclosure card. Being with Flower Shop Network, I get to meet some of the most creative florists and floral designers in the country. I'm constantly impressed by their floral designs. If you're lucky enough to have a talented florist nearby, make great use of that opportunity!

"Indian Summer" Is Perfect For The Poolside Table!

So picture it. You're walking up in your little bathing suit and cover-up. You have a towel and some sunscreen in a bag over your shoulder. You're rocking the shades and own the look. So what's missing? The hostess gift.

I was explaining one aspect of "southern hospitality" to my friend's daughter last night. She's new in town and we had just met so I wanted to get her a gift. I explained that just like arriving to a party, you never show up anywhere empty-handed especially if it's your first time. First impressions matter. Incidentally, she was attached to my hip the rest of the night.

In the same way, it's important to keep a cool hostess gift handy for occasions just like this. Pool party hostess gifts may not be the first thing on your shopping list every week but keep your local florist in mind when it does come up. You'll feel great knowing you gave a gift that they liked. They'll feel good knowing how polite you are and that you appreciated their hospitality. You'll feel wet because of the pool, but it's the summer flowers that will make a splash.