Sunday, September 26, 2010

Problems in my balcony

I am very bothered by a couple of problems I'm having in the balcony.

A few of my potted plants seemed infested with these very tiny white insects that dart in and out of the soil. They are really fast and seem to even hop around a bit. This is bad news because I am hopeless when it comes to dealing with insects. They often end up winning the battle and killing my plants.

Another problem I'm having is Ms Flamenco. She seems stressed up because some of the leaves are turning yellow.. and many of her buds drop off. I've heard that it is common for hibiscus be all stressed out when relocated.. Hopefully, she'd get better though.

Can anyone offer any tips for my woes pls?

My portulacas aren't doing very well.. their leaves are turning yellow

The previously botak frangipani is doing very well though. 
Look, another bunch of flowers on the way...

7 comments:

Blur Ting said...

Portulacas need lots of sunlight. They also age very quickly. What you could do is plant a new batch by breaking off branches from the existing plant and poke into new soil.

I believe your soil is infested with those mites. Use fresh soil and put them away from the other infected plants.

The hibiscus could have been imported from Cameron Highlands where the weather is cool. It's either over watered or distressed due to the different environment. Maybe have to harden it slowly by putting in the shade first before introducing more sunlight.

Petunia Lee said...

Ummm... Stop the milk fertiliser? Too much of it acidifies the soil. Some of my plants turn yellow too when I overdo the milk.

If your plants are not edibles, then water with nicotine tea. It stays a while in the soil and in the plant.

1 bag of tobacco leaves from 7 Eleven + 20 litres of water + 4 to 5 squirts of dishwash.

Don't spray because inhaling is bad for you. Water to soil about once a week over 5 weeks and you should have no problems. Nicotine stays stable in the plant sap and whatever bites the plant will die. It sticks around some in the soil too.

Only for inedibles yeah?

For hibiscus, I agree that it should go a little into shade first.

Open Kitchen Concept said...

Thanks Ting and Petunia... Erm.. Just a silly question - when you mean Tabacco leaves.. you mean cigarettes from 7 Eleven right?

Petunia Lee said...

They sell tobacco leaves in small bags for poorer people who wanna roll their own cigarettes.

Open Kitchen Concept said...

I see.. It sounds really interesting. I'd try it out! Thanks!

Wen-ai said...

I cant offer much advice since I am a newbie at gardening, but I can offer a lot of encouragement! JIayou and may your plants get better soon!

Open Kitchen Concept said...

Thanks Wen Ai. So sweet of you! :)