Herself's Houseplants

Rising fertilizer prices have been effecting farmers and home gardeners all year.  Prices doubled then tripled in 2008.   Most of the rise in prices is due to the idiotic ethanol fiasco.  Another reason is that natural gas prices have been rising which is the main source of nitrogen in many fertilizers.  So you would think a company that makes organic fertilizers, would benefit from the rising market.  Instead one company California Liquid Fertilizer spiked its organic fertilizers with ammonium sulfate.

California Liquid Fertilizer claims to make organic fertilizer from fish and chicken waste and by products.  The rising price of gas would not have effected their costs, yet make it able for them to charge more keeping with current prices.  So it is difficult to understand why they would do such a stupid thing.

Many organic farms are now at risk of losing their organic status.

The California regulatory agency was informed of the problem by a whistleblower in 2004.

More information:
Organic Farms unknowingly used a synthetic fertilizer
Rising fertilizer prices causing quite a stink

Another, yet unamed organic fertilizer company is also under investigation.

The New Mexico Master Gardeners organization has put together an excellent pdf booklet with tons of information on Houseplants care etc if you are looking for information on a plant I haven’t covered try here.

The Colorado State Extension office has an excellent reference on Managing Houseplant Pests

Ming Aralias

Ming Aralias is a very delicate, oriental looking plant. It can grow to four or five feet or it can be trimmed and kept small like a bonsai.

They want bright light and high humidity. I’ve had them grow just fine in low light and drier conditions, but you ‘ll get faster, healthier growth if you have it near an east or north window.

These can be grown in bogs, so it is OK to sit the pot in a dish of water ( ~1″-2″ deep ) as you would for a bog plant. The problem with sitting a house plant in water is bacteria. If you have your plant in water it is imperative you keep the water fresh. Do not let this plant dry out.

I find they grow slowly at first and pick up speed once they get comfortable in your home. This is a very low maintenance plant.

See also:
Choosing plants for decoration

More Information:
Polyscias – Ming Aralias

Jasmine needs to be in a south facing window where it will get lots of sun. If you live in a place where winter strikes you’ll find it is difficult to get this plant all the light it desires in the winter. It is happiest in a sunny, drafty window.

The flowers are heavily scented and there are almost always a couple in bloom. What is nice is that they don’t fill the house with the scent you must be up close to the flower to catch a whiff of the scent. Flowers are usually white, occasionally yellow.

Keep the soil moist watering this plant does not like to be dry.

More information:
Thanks for the photo, also there is more information on Arabian Jasmine here
Simple regimen keeps jasmine thriving