Question: I'd like to know how to propagate my coontie plant. I know it's a slow grower and comes from seed, but what should I do?
Answer: Collect the bright orange seeds when the pod splits apart, this summer. You need to remove the outer seed coat (orange part) and then nick the hard coat inside with a file. To remove outer fleshy part, try soaking the seeds in a bucket of water to rot off the fleshy part. Plant nicked seeds in regular potting soil, place outdoors in a partially sunny area, water and be patient!
Question: Our shed caught fire and burned our mature cabbage palm badly. What are the chances for survival and regrowth? Any suggestions on how to care for it?
Answer: Cabbage palms (our state tree!) often experience fire in the wild, with little negative effects. Remember that even if the outer trunk is damaged, because palms are moncots with lots of "straws" and not the traditional zylem and phloem system, they survive. Also, the bud is somewhat protected in the top or heart of the palm. A little fertilizer, regular watering if it doesn't rain, and patience would be recommended.
Question: What can I use to get rid of scale on my holly bushes? How can I avoid future infestation?
Answer: Use an ultra-refined horticultural oil according to label directions. Reapply in two to three weeks. You'll have to check the scale to see if it's still alive, as the dead bodies don't fall off easily. If a reddish fluid squirts out when the scale is squished, they're still alive! Reapply the oil regularly until you get them all. To avoid future outbreaks, avoid overwatering and too much fertilizer; mulch; prune to thin bushes; and stay away from traditional pesticides, which can kill beneficial insects such as wasps, lacewings and ladybugs.
Question: I live in Deltona, and I've been trying to grow a coconut for two years. What can I do to help it grow?
Answer: Coconut palms are not well adapted this far north in the state. You should keep the plant in a container, bringing it inside to a warmer location on very cold nights. Use a well-drained potting soil, fertilize as you would other container plants, water when dry, and put in the hottest, sunniest spot you can find. Palms can be very slow to get started but will grow quickly once the root system has developed. Good luck!