Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 9, 1992 TAG: 9202100226
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: John Arbogast
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
WHERE YOU PLANT TREE CAN INFLUENCE BUDGET
In planning now for landscape improvements in the spring, keep in mind that trees can help save money in heating and cooling costs. For that reason, careful consideration should be given to their locations. Deciduous shade trees placed on the south and west sides of a home make hot summers cooler. In the cold of winter, their bare branches let sunlight shine through to the sides of the house. Evergreen trees planted on the northern side provide an excellent windbreak from the chilly winds that often come from that direction.Trees also act as natural air filters, removing dust and excess gases such as carbon dioxide while adding oxygen. They also help prevent erosion caused by rain and wind.
It may take a few years before some of the savings are realized, though, because the majority of trees planted by homeowners are relatively small. Keep in mind that most shade trees sold as extremely fast growers are not suitable for the average landscape setting, because they usually are short-lived or prone to problems.
Q: I have a plant called Spathiphyllum Mauna Loa, which is also known as peace lily or spathe flower. At this time it is root bound. I can tell because I can't feel or touch soil near the edge of the pot. This plant looks very healthy. I feed it once a month with plant fertilizer. It has two blooms on it, which have turned from white to greenish color. It also has a bud. I'd like to change it to a larger pot but would like to know if this is OK. Also, I'd like to know when is the proper time to change to a larger container? Is a special soil recommended? And any other information about regular care, such as watering, etc. M.B.J., Roanoke
A: There are several varieties of Spathiphyllum, and they all are durable indoor plants that are great for locations of bright light but no direct hot sun. Your plant can be repotted now, because it is in a vigorous condition. Most indoor plants can be repotted at any time that the top or roots have outgrown the container.
Often, potted plants that need to be repotted will require very frequent watering, because the pot that is full of roots may leave little JOHN ARBOGAST room for water to be absorbed or held.
An important consideration for your Spathiphyllum, as well as other indoor plants, is never to put a plant in a container much larger than the present one. If that happens, there will be too much soil for the amount of roots to extract water from. That will result in uneven moisture retention and possibly root rotting. The soil for a Spathiphyllum should be any loose, fibrous (not made up of fine particles) potting mix. No special mix is required.
Spathiphyllums need regular watering when the soil about an inch under the surface is barely damp. This means they shouldn't be kept constantly wet but should not be allowed to get bone-dry, either, because that will cause yellowing of the leaves.
Keep Spathiphyllums out of drafts - hot or cold - and dust the leaves occasionally with a sponge or soft cloth dampened with warm water.
Q: I have a shortage of song birds at my feeder this winter. I have rose bushes, which are sprayed often in summer. Could this spraying cause the birds to stay away? Has anyone else had a bird shortage this winter? What could cause this? E.S., Penhook
A: I don't believe that sprays applied to your roses during the summer would be responsible for a decline in birds at your feeder. It is true that certain birds can help gardeners by feeding on insects that may be a problem on our plants. Reducing that supply of food by using insecticides to kill insects will force the birds to look elsewhere for food that time of year.
However, your efforts to feed the birds present during this time of year is a valuable winter service. To understand why you have seen fewer birds lately, keep in mind that birds require not only food but also nesting areas, water and cover. The absence of any of these factors can affect the bird population in that area. I haven't heard of anyone else having a bird shortage, but you may want to check further with any bird watchers you know or a store that sells bird materials.
Got a question about your plants, garden, lawn, or insects? Write to Dear John, c/o the Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010-2491.
1992 pest control recommendations
Consumers, businesses and agricultural producers who traditionally have called or visited their Virginia Cooperative Extension Service office for a copy of the latest pest management guides in order to follow Virginia Tech's recommendations for control of insects, diseases or weeds should be aware of a change this year.
The 1992 guides have been printed and are available from Tech only as "for sale" publications. Local extension offices are not to copy sections of the guides for free distribution to clients. Persons interested in obtaining the latest guides should contact their extension office for ordering information.
John John Arbogast is the agriculture extension agent for Roanoke