Dear Master Gardener: My Kalanchoe longiflora has roots coming from the stem. Why are roots coming from the stem and should I do anything about it?
Answer: The roots coming from the stem of your Kalanchoe longiflora are called aerial roots and are normal. They can develop for several reasons. If your plant is getting leggy, it may need better anchorage (plant stability) or more light. A south-facing window is ideal for Kalanchoe. Another reason for aerial roots is the need to absorb moisture from the air, especially if the soil is too dry. Water your plant thoroughly then let the soil dry out before watering it thoroughly again.
You do not have to do anything about it, as it is quite normal to get aerial roots. A great option though is to propagate a new plant by cutting the stem just below the aerial root and planting it in soil.
Dear Master Gardener: I purchased a houseplant this week called Streptocarpella Concord Blue. It looks like an African violet except the flowers are on wiry stems. It didn’t come with instructions on how to care for it. What can you tell me about this plant?
Answer: Streptocarpella Concord Blue is a tropical plant native to the forests of Africa. It is in the same family as the African violet. It has fuzzy green leaves like an African violet and the flowers look similar, but as you stated, the flowers sit atop wiry stems called scapes. Place your Streptocarpella in an area with bright, indirect light. Near a south or east window is recommended. Water it well and allow the soil to dry between waterings. Like an African violet, you will want to avoid getting water on the leaves, as it could cause browning, leaf spots, or fungal problems.
Dear Master Gardener: I was at a garden center and there was a sign that prohibits smoking on the premises. Do cigarettes harm plants? Isn’t tobacco used as an insecticide to protect plants?
Answer: Tobacco is a wicked member of the nightshade (Solanaceae) family and contains nicotine, a highly toxic alkaloid. Many nurseries and garden centers prohibit smoking on their premises, especially in greenhouses because it can harm plants. The most important reason is the prevention of a highly contagious disease called Tobacco Mosaic Virus, which is easily transmitted from tobacco products to plants. Smokers who handle plants can transfer the virus from their hands and tools to plants. Tobacco Mosaic Tobacco Mosaic Virus does not typically kill plants, but can infect and severely damage them, especially those in the nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants, and petunias.) Smoke and vaping aerosol can carry virus particles and toxins that can land on plant surfaces and harm them or transmit disease. The heavy metals and other toxins from discarded cigarette butts can also cause damage to plants and soil.
Nicotine is a powerful neurotoxin, which has been used as an ingredient in insecticides. If you look at gardening books published before 1930 you will find that tobacco was often an ingredient in insecticides. According to Professor Jeff Gillman, author of “The Truth about Garden Remedies,” “Homemade mixtures that use tobacco are likely to work but getting the right amount of tobacco into the mix is a difficult task. Nicotine is an effective insecticide and homemade concoctions that include chaw are likely to be effective.” Keep in mind that insecticides kill both good and bad insects! In addition, as stated above, tobacco is host to Tobacco Mosaic Virus, a nasty plant disease. Since aphids and spider mites are the typical insect problem, it is safer to use insecticidal soap.
Dear Master Gardener: Can we grow persimmon trees in Minnesota?
Answer: Yes, the American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is hardy to zones 4-8. It is a North American native that can grow to be 35-60 feet tall, depending on the cultivar. The unique bark looks like alligator hide; the early summer, small white flowers attract bees; it has lovely fall color; and the female trees produce edible fruit. If you do not want a messy tree in your landscape, this might not be the tree for you because the female tree drops its fruit in winter making quite a mess. On the other hand, wildlife sure enjoys it!
Dear Master Gardener: Next to my garage I found a “surprise” plant with red berries. When I looked up the plant online to identify it, it said it is a Jack-in-the-Pulpit. Does it get a flower and are the berries poisonous?
Answer: Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is a Minnesota native wildflower. In spring it produces a 3-4-inch tall, hooded, green and brown flower, which then produces a cluster of bright red berries in late summer. According to Michigan State University Extension, the berries are poisonous and cause intense irritation and burning if put into the mouth.
Dear Master Gardener: My late blooming panicle hydrangea has very few blossoms. What could be wrong?
Answer: There could be several reasons why your Hydrangea paniculata isn’t blooming well. Panicle hydrangeas need at least four hours of bright sunlight per day — six is even better — to get the most flowers. Could you have over-fertilized your hydrangea? Less is better when it comes to fertilizing hydrangeas — they often bloom better if a little starved. Too much nitrogen will promote lush foliage at the expense of blooms. If there was a late frost in April or May it could have damaged the buds. Pruning at the wrong time could also be a cause of few blooms. Hydrangea paniculata should be pruned in late fall, winter, or very early spring.
You may get your garden questions answered by calling the new Master Gardener Help Line at 218-824-1068 and leaving a message. A Master Gardener will return your call. Or, emailing me at
umnmastergardener@gmail.com
and I will answer you in the column if space allows.
University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners are trained and certified volunteers for the University of Minnesota Extension. Information given in this column is based on university research.
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