THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 9, 1994 TAG: 9410070107
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G2 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: GARDENING
SOURCE: ROBERT STIFFLER
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
I have a Christmas cactus that is approximately 70 years old and very large. It has been repotted into larger containers twice in the last 20 years. I am considering dividing it into two or three smaller plants. Can this be done without harming the plant? Who would you recommend that would do a good and careful job? Should I just repot and leave it alone or divide it?
Betty Waff, Norfolk
Jimmy Laugher of KB Plant Farms and Flowers by Kings says to cut it into two or three pieces and repot now, before it starts forming buds. If it has started forming buds, (October is the usual month) wait until after it blooms. Repot in containers no larger than 2 inches wider than its root system. Otherwise, most people overwater. It should recover and live even longer. If you can't do it yourself, I suggest Laugher at 547-5564.
A few years ago, there was an article in the Pilot concerning the making and use of a ``tomato ring.'' I cut out the article and made the ring, and results were astounding. I had my back yard dug up in 1977 for a swimming pool and the article became misplaced. This year I tried to construct another ring from faded memory but had only moderate success. Can you send me a copy of the article so I can again enjoy a ``Japanese Tomato Ring?''
Frederick J. Paquin, Virginia Beach
The tomato ring method has been the subject of books and numerous articles. It consists of building a compost pile inside a fence, planting tomato plants in the edge of the pile and training them up the fence. Another method is to use bales of hay or straw and grow tomatoes in the bale, fertilizing and watering often with Miracle Gro.
I've never been convinced the work of making these rings is warranted, but those who do are convinced they pick many more and better tomatoes. I'm forwarding reprints that tell you how it's done.
There is also a book, ``Tomatoes - The Multi-Plant Method'' by Leopold Klein (Prentice-Hall, Paperback, $3.95, when published in 1974). It may be hard to find, but it covers all methods of growing tomatoes.
While traveling in Holland last year, I found what I think is called a ``Jerusalem Fern.'' I believe it grows in water. I was unable to buy it and am now wondering if you may know anything about it or where I can purchase one.
Deanna Hatcher, Virginia Beach
None of my well-informed horticulture friends could identify this plant, so I called friend Elvin McDonald in Houston. He is this country's leading authority on house plants. He says it is ``Rose of Jerico'' or ``Resurrection Plant.'' Proper name is Selaginella lepidophylla.
It dries up when out of water but when given water again, it perks up. It is a mossy, fernlike green plant that grows in mounded clumps or upright with creeping branches to 2 feet long. It does well in a terrarium.
McDonald says that GlassHouse Works, P.O. Box 97, Stewart, Ohio 45778 may keep it. Their phone is 614-622-2142. They carry many Selaginellas. He also said most growers do not carry it, and the best place to find it is in a botanical garden gift shop. by CNB