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  • Author or Editor: Richard T. Poole x
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Abstract

Christmas cactus (Zygocactus truncatus Schum cv. Christmas Cheer) can be forced into bloom during the hot (22°C minimum - 32 maximum) summer months of Central Florida when placed under short day (8 AM - 5 PM) for 6 or more weeks. Plants bloomed 9-14 weeks after placement in short days and bloomed for 4-8 weeks after first flower opening.

Open Access

Abstract

Fertilizer levels of 500-220-400 and 750-330-600 mg/liter N-P-K reduced growth of Brassaia, Chamaedorea and Peperomia when compared to 250-110-200 mg/liter but had no effect on Philodendron and Maranta. As fertilization level increased, pH of the leachate decreased and soluble salts increased. As fertilizer level increased, leachate increased from pots with Brassaia and Peperomia and to a lesser extent from Maranta and leachate from Philodendron and Chamaedorea were similar. Fertilizer of 800-360-680 mg/liter N-P-K reduced fresh weight and root grade of Peperomia and Brassaia. Amount of leachate doubled as fertilizer and volume of water applied increased.

Open Access

Three factorial experiments with various combinations of N, P or K were conducted over 3 years with Schlumbergera truncata (Haw.) Moran. Blooming was influenced by fertilization. Number of blooms was reduced by both low and high fertilization. Nitrogen appeared to be the most influential element, with high levels decreasing time to bloom and number of blooms. Potassium had no effect, and an increase in phosphorus decreased time to bloom and number of blooms.

Free access

Abstract

Soil temp, maintained with electric heating cables to 75°F and 85° during the winter and 80° and 90° during the summer accelerated development of cuttings and seedlings of tropical foliage plants in central Florida and reduced time required for propagation up to 50% during the cool months of the year. Generally, plants held at 75° responded as well as those held at 85°.

Open Access

Abstract

Unrooted cuttings of ‘Janet Craig’ Dracaena were propagated in peat amended with various levels and combinations of dolomite, calcium carbonate and superphosphate. Plant damage expressed as leaf chlorosis and necrosis was increased by additions of F contained in the superphosphate. Damage was reduced by dolomite and calcium carbonate with calcium carbonate the most effective. Increased tissue F is related to increased leaf damage.

Open Access

Abstract

Single node propagation of Ficus spp. produces many more plants per stock plant than the common method of air layering, but large leaves of some Ficus spp. require large propagation areas. Root grade was reduced when 50% or more of the leaf was removed or the entire leaf rolled. A 0.17% auxin application did not influence rooting, and soil mix had only a slight effect, with 2 Florida peat : 1 cypress shavings : 1 pine bark (v/v/v) performing better than a mix containing 100% Florida sedge peat.

Open Access

Abstract

Grade and color of the bromeliad, Aechmea fasciata, improved with increased N. Increased K fertilization increased grade but decreased color. Phosphorus had no effect. Placement of the fertilizer solution and water in the vase of the bromeliad was not essential for the production of quality bromeliads under greenhouse conditions.

Open Access

Abstract

Unrooted cuttings of ‘Warneckii’ Dracaena were propagated in various media under mist or surface irrigated 3 times weekly. Cuttings propagated in German peat had more foliar chlorosis than cuttings in bark or calcined clay. Cuttings not receiving mist had slightly more chlorosis than cuttings under mist Foliar chlorosis was positively correlated (r = 0.95) with fluoride content

Open Access

Abstract

Leaf mottling (chlorosis and necrosis) of Dracaena fragrans (L.) Ker-Gawl. ‘Massangeana’ was most severe on plants receiving either superphosphate or sodium fluoride (NaF). Plants with most severe leaf mottling also had highest tissue levels of fluoride (F). Application of dolomite increased pH and reduced leaf mottling on plants that did not receive F applications, but had little effect on plants receiving 180 or 360 mg F/20 cm pot. Fluoride was implicated in leaf mottling of D. fragrans ‘Massangeana’ under interior environments.

Open Access

Abstract

Method of fertilization application and leaching had little effect on response of Dieffenbachia maculata (Lodd.) G. Don ‘Perfection’ (dumbcane) and Brassaia actinophylla Endl. (schefflera). The recommended fertilizer rate increased top but reduced root growth. Plants utilized 5 to 10% more water when leached. In a second experiment, plant grade and vegetative growth decreased with a decrease in the fertilizer rate but root grade and growth increased. Plants growing in the peat/sand (3:1) potting medium were rated superior to plants in the peat/bark/shavings (2:1:1) medium. Leaching with 10% excess water or fertilizer solution slightly improved plant response of schefflera, but overall data indicate leaching of pots is unnecessary for short term foliage crops fertilized properly. Increased fertilizer rates increased water utilization efficiency and vegetative growth, but reduced root growth.

Open Access