PlantAmerica's Plant Care Sheet
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is general term for fungus conditions that may cause severe defoliation, especially in trees, but rarely results in death. Sunken patches on stems, fruit, leaves, or twigs appear grayish brown, may appear watery, and have pinkish-tan spore masses that appear slime-like. On vegetables, spots may enlarge as fruit matures.
Prevention and Control: Avoid overwatering. In rainy climates, grow resistant varieties. In the vegetable garden, stake and trellis plants to provide good air circulation so they may dry. Increase sunlight to plants by trimming limbs. Prune, remove, or destroy infected plants and remove all leaf debris. Select a fungicide labeled for anthracnose and the plant you are treating. Follow the label strictly.
How-tos:
Fertilizing Houseplants
Houseplants may be fertilized with either water-soluble, quick release fertilizers, temperature controlled slow-release fertilizers, or organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion. Water soluble fertilizers are used every two weeks or per lable instructions. Controlled, slow-release fertilizers are worked into the soil usually only once during the growing season or per label directions. For organic fertilizers, such as fish emulsion, follow label directions.
Preparing Containers
Containers are excellent when used for their ornamental value, as a planting option when there is little or no soil, or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden. When growing more than one plant in a container, make sure that all have similar cultural requirements. Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container. Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay. All containers should have drainage holes. A mesh screen or paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out. It is not necessary to add pebbles or broken crockery to the bottom of the pot, especially if you are using a high quality potting soil. The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen. Quality soils (or soil-less media) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet. Water running off of soil upon initial wetting indicates a need for amendment.
Prior to filling a container with soil, wet the potting soil in a tub or wheelbarrow until evenly moist. Fill container about halfway full or to a level that allows plants to be just below the rim of the pot. Rootballs should be level with soil line when the project is complete. You may add a layer of decorative moss, mulch, or pebbles to top of pot to hold soil in place. Water well.
Pests:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, slow-moving insects that suck fluids from plants. Aphids come in many colors, ranging from green to brown to black, and may have wings. They attack a wide range of plant species, causing stunting, deformed leaves and buds, and can transmit many harmful plant viruses. Aphids, generally, are merely a nuisance, since it takes many of them to cause serious plant damage. Aphids do produce a sweet substance called honeydew (coveted by ants) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold.
Aphids can increase quickly in numbers and each female can produce up to 250 live nymphs in the course of a month without mating. Aphids often appear when the environment changes (spring and fall) and they often mass at the tips of branches feeding on succulent tissue. Aphids are attracted to the color yellow and often hitchhike on yellow clothing.
Prevention and Control: Keep ant population under control; they tend to cultivate pests that produce the honeydew of which they are fond. Keep weeds down, use screening in windows to keep them out or your home. On edibles, wash infected areas of plants by hand, or introduce lady bugs and lacewings that love aphids. Insecticidal soaps, neem, and dusting leaves and stems with diotomacious earth also help, covering tops and undersides of leaves. Dormant oil sprays may be used on dormant roses. As a last resort, treat severe infestations with pyrethrin, malathion, or acephate according to label.