Comments for Drought Tolerant Plants - the Rebel Gardener

Comment on Grevillea, How to grow. by admin

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:05:33 +0000

My rule of thumb for pruning is after flowering. If in a frost prone area, never in autumn or winter. And if unsure how much to take off, never below green growth. If you want to find out if a particular plant can be pruned below the green growth (back to a stump or harshly) find a branch at the rear and experiment. Otherwise prune to shape or as desired.

Comment on Grevillea, How to grow. by admin

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:59:57 +0000

One way is to break the pot. I always root prune when I repot anyway. I soak the roots in seasol then root prune to remove. Then tidy up long roots that have coiled and then resoak in seasol. Just keep it protected afterwards until you’re sure it’s recovered.

Comment on Eucalyptus caesia "Silver Princess" by admin

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:57:01 +0000

Best bet is to take a sample to a garden centre for a professional diagnosis. My guess is you’ve had a lot rain lately and the soil is boggy? Always plant Silver Princess in a position where excess water can drain away. They tend to like it a little drier. Too much water makes them susceptible to problems.

Comment on Grevillea, How to grow. by admin

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:54:01 +0000

Fetiliser would not be a good option. In fact it sounds like the problem might have been caused by fertiliser. Maybe the roots have just grown out to an area that was fertilised in the past? One way to counter phosphorus toxicity is too fertilise with a high nitrogen fertiliser but only if that’s the problem. It may be getting too much water??? Is the soil boggy. Have you had a lot of rain lately?

Comment on Brachychiton Rupestris, the Queensland Bottle Tree by admin

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:47:39 +0000

I’ve be told that bottle trees like a high nitrogen fertiliser in spring. This will help. Plus for any plant, soil preparation will always assist with root growth and as such overall growth. Roots always grow easier in a free, lighter soil. If the soil is heavy or compacted freeing it up will help. Also if they are stand alone and don’t have other plants in the vicinity that are competing they will grow quicker.

Comment on Grevillea, How to grow. by admin

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:40:59 +0000

I’m guessing they were both grown from cuttings? If so all things being equal they should flower at the same time. Therefore the conditions are definitely playing a part. Maybe there is a bit of fertiliser in the soil for one or maybe one gets more sun or water?

Comment on Bonsai Bottle Tree by admin

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:37:18 +0000

Hi Bob, I had a look at your site and you got some great specimens. I cut the top off mine and it sprouted 2 shoots. It hasn’t grown very much though as it has been very neglected. The other one I bought at the same time has been in the garden for a few years now and is now about 2.5 m tall.

Comment on Euphorbia by admin

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:29:25 +0000

Not sure about the flies but most succulent type euphorbias are quite drought tolerant. I have many outdoors in pots that only get watered in the summer when it is hot. If you live in a cold climate then it is better to keep them dry when cold. The succulent type euphorbias don’t like to be cold and wet at the same time.

Comment on Free Plants, Propagating Plants from Cuttings. by admin

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:24:35 +0000

Thanks Gail, please let me know how you go.

Comment on Growing Agave Attenuata in a Pot by admin

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:23:33 +0000

I have agave growing in amongst yuccas, cactus and succulents and they seem to be in harmony. I always try to plant, plants together that have similar requirements of water, fertiliser, sun etc. Position is always important for any plant.