Houseplant of the Week - 2/6/19

Dieffenbachia

        Dieffenbachia is an herbaceous, tropical plant with a straight stem and simple and alternate leaves that contain white spots and flecks, making it attractive as indoor foliage. Species in this genus are popular as houseplants because of their tolerance of shade. If the leaves are chewed or eaten it can cause temporary swelling of the tongue and throat,

leading to a temporary loss of speech - hence the plant's common name of dumb cane. This is caused by the effect of raphides (needle shaped crystals of calcium) in the leaves of the plant. While it is usually not serious, it can cause

suffocation. Avoid placing this plant where children or pets might be tempted to taste it.

       Most dieffenbachia varieties do best in a filtered light situation, where bright to moderate light shines through a sheer curtain or other filtering window cover. Filtered light is particularly important in the spring and summer, when the dieffenbachia houseplant is producing new, tender leaves that are subject to sunburn. Rotate the plant regularly to provide adequate light to all sides of the plant and prevent it from reaching toward the light on one side. Most cultivars do fine in a low light environment; growth may be slower or stop, but the plant will remain healthy and attractive.

       Overwatering is a common problem with many houseplants, and the dieffenbachia plant is no exception. Plant the dumb cane in a well-draining soil and water lightly, keeping the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Check the soil to make sure it is dry an inch down before watering. Fertilize twice a month to encourage growth and health. A houseplant food high in nitrogen can be applied at half strength.

       Browning bottom leaves on the dieffenbachia is normal for the plant; Snip them off to keep the plant tidy. If other leaves appear bleached, with a webby substance on the underside, check and treat the plant for spider mites with insecticidal soap spray or neem oil.

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20% OFF
Dieffenbachia Plants 

Good through 2/12/19. Not good with any other sale, coupon or discount or on previous purchases.
Print this page or mention offer at the checkout counter.

Code: 004

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Houseplant of the Week - 1/29/19

Tillandsia (Air Plants)

       Tillandsia plants are epiphytes and need no soil because water and nutrients are absorbed through the leaves. The roots are used as anchors only. They are sensitive to frost and are used as an indoor plant in our area. Reproduction is by seeds or by offsets called "pups". A single plant could have up to a dozen pups. Tillandsias love bright, indirect sunlight. Some Tillandsia will bloom on a regular basis. In addition, it is quite common for some species to take on a different leaf color (usually changing from green to red) when about to flower. This is an indication that the plant is monocarpic (flowers once before dying) but offsets around the flowering plant will continue to thrive.

       If the air is dry where you are growing Tillandsia, you will need (at minimum) to submerge the plant in water for 2-3 hours about every two weeks. Otherwise, you can use a soaking mist once or twice a week (more often in a hot, dry environment; less often in a cool, humid one). In conditions of extreme drying, and consequent moisture loss, Tillandsia cannot get replacement water from their roots like a terrestrial plant, or draw on internal reserves like a succulent. Do not water with distilled or softened water because of the salt content. Filtered water, tap water that has sat long enough for the chlorine to dissipate, or bottled water is fine. Pond water, aquarium, or rainwater is preferred if possible.

       Tillandsia make great terrarium and mini garden plant choices. They are fun to grow in areas that plants needing soil cannot be grown. They are also a fun plant for children to grow.

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20% OFF
Tillandsia Plants

Good through 2/5/19. Not good with any other sale, coupon or discount or on previous purchases. Print this page or mention offer at checkout counter.
Code: 004

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Bird of the Week - 1/29/19

Blue Jay

Basics: This bird is easily recognized by it’s perky crest and blue, white, and black plumage, as well as it’s noisy calls. The Blue Jay is a very aggressive bird at the feeders, because of its size and character. Even though some people do not like to attract Blue Jays, they are a beautiful addition to the winter backyard.

Housing: Open flat platform nesting is necessary, as in their natural habit they are attracted to flat spaces on tree branches.

Food: Offer a variety of food, to attract the maximum amount of Blue Jays to your area. Peanuts, black and striped sunflower seeds, elder berries, cherries, dogwood and acorns are Blue Jay favorites! Since the blue jay's bill is powerful and all purpose, it can handle peanuts either in the shell or out. Suet is also something that attracts jays.

 How to attract: Install a bird bath, put out a variety of seeds, berries, and suet, as well as maintaining flat platform areas around your yard.

Fact: Dinnertime is all the time for birds. Birds have a high body temperature and a high rate of metabolism, and digest their food rapidly. Each day they have to eat a lot to store energy and body fat.

Tip: Use baffles or put up temporary covers to keep the feeders from becoming clogged with ice and snow.

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20% OFF
Whole Peanut Feeders 

Good through 2/5/19. Not good with any other sale, coupon or discount or on previous purchases.
Print this coupon or mention offer at the checkout counter.
Code: 004

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Bird of the Week - 1/22/19

Eastern Bluebird

Basics: Eastern Bluebirds are the Missouri state bird. Male bluebirds are a brilliant royal blue on the back and head, and warm red-brown on the breast. Blue tinges in the wings and tail give the grayer females an elegant look. This species of bird is one of our favorites along with the Cardinal.

Housing: Eastern Bluebirds don’t often visit feeders, but they are a great prospect for nest boxes if you have the space to put one up in your yard, and if your yard isn’t too hemmed in by trees or houses. Bluebird houses that are available in the garden center or one built to suit them are best. They need a smaller entryway and a deeper nest box. The houses should also be cleaned out before each nesting season. The bluebird houses should be placed 4-7 feet above the ground. Face the houses on fence posts or tree trunks that face south to protect them from the prevailing northern winds.

Food: Their feeder favorites are mealworms and small pieces of fruit or berries, including raisins. When insects and other natural food supplies are scarce, they will also eat small peanut and sunflower kernels, as well as suet. Bluebird feeder types range from dish-style to the predator-resistant, house- style.

How to attract: Offer mealworms, (available dried or live). Put a birdbath out in your yard (a heated birdbath in winter)! Blue birds are quite attracted to water, especially running water. Above all, patience is required when learning how to attract bluebirds. Bluebirds are very loyal visitors if they find what they need for survival. They are social birds as well, and travel in pairs.

Fact: The oldest recorded Eastern Bluebird was 10 years 5 months old.

Tip: Discourage feral cats, and keep pet cats indoors to decrease the threat to the bluebirds.

Houseplant of the Week - 1/22/19

Peace Lily

       Peace lilies (spathiphyllum) - which are not true lilies, but a member of the Araceae plant family - are renowned for their easy care and make excellent houseplants for the home or office. The peace lily is hardy, forgiving, and will even let you know when it is thirsty - look for the telltale droop. Most commonly, these plants have dark green leaves and white “flowers.” But what most people think of as the flower is actually a specialized leaf bract that grows hooded over the flowers. These lovely plants not only brighten up a living space, but are also excellent at cleaning the air of the room they are in, breaking down and neutralizing toxic gases like carbon monoxide, benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde. 

       Peace lilies prefer medium to low light. They will produce “flowers” when they receive more light; they will bloom less and look more like a traditional foliage plant in low light. Avoid putting your peace lily in a window sill or in a spot where it will receive direct sun light. Keep the plant several feet away from a window to help keep light levels consistent.

       Peace lilies like a consistent temperature between about 65 and 80 degrees F. Protect your plant from drafts and cold or drastic changes in temperature. Fertilize peace lilies in spring and summer to help them bloom. Use an organic fertilizer since they are sensitive to chemical fertilizers. Peace lilies like to be watered a lot at once, but also need a chance to dry out afterward. The plant will droop a bit when thirsty, telling you when it needs a drink! Watering about once a week and spritzing leaves with water will help keep your peace lily hydrated. If your plant seems to completely droop, don’t give up: water and spritz it and give it a chance to revive. They will usually will perk back up. They do not like chlorinated water. If your water is chlorine-heavy, let a container of water stand overnight before watering the plant.

       Note: Keep peace lilies out of the reach of small children and pets, as all parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate, an irritant and toxin.

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20% OFF
Peace Lily Plants

Good through 1/29/19. Not good with any other sale, coupon or discount or on
previous purchases. Print this coupon or mention offer at the checkout counter.
Code: 004

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National Squirrel Appreciation Day is January 21!

SQUIRRELS! Whether you love them or loathe them, National Squirrel Appreciation Day, January 21st,  is a great time to take a few moments and learn about these nutty animals. We found some great articles on the National Wildlife Federation's website:

10 Nutty Facts to Make You Appreciate Squirrels
Dani Tinker, NWF.org

Nutty Ways to Celebrate Squirrel Appreciation Day This Year
Danielle Brigida, NWF.org

Visit us for this special offer in honor of Squirrel Appreciation Day:

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20% OFF
Whole Peanuts

Good through 1/22/19. Not good with any other sale, coupon or discount or on previous purchases.
Print coupon or mention at checkout counter.

Code: 004

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