Horticulture Guy

Q. This summer I made a purchase of this plant at the local Lowe’s. The
plant is turning yellow and then to dead leaves. What do I do, cut it
down to ground level? Cover it up with mulch? Can’t find any
directions for winterizing it here in the low country. I think we
are 8B zone. Thank you for any help you can share with me. Jackie Dittimer - Charleston, SC

A. Curcuma is a ginger family plant that is normally grown in a greenhouse when temperatures fall below 64 degrees F. according to the American Horticulture Society’s Encyclopedia of garden plants. They grow in frost free areas where they go dormant due to drought and not cold. So you may try digging it and potting it up and keeping it in a garage with the soil kept on the dry side all winter and then replant in spring. You local Master Gardeners may also have first hand experience with this plant.

-- HG

Q. This year I had lots of moss in my flower garden. Although I have had
patches of moss on other places before, I don’t remember much in my
garden areas. It’s gone now, having had my bed cleaned up for the
winter, but how do I keep it from coming back or killing it if it
does, without hurting my flowers? Sure miss your column in the Tacoma News Tribune.
The new format is not nearly as relevant. Betty Garrison - Tacoma, WA
A. The best way to get rid of moss is to do the opposite of if you wanted it to grow. It prefers a firm acidic substrate (it doesn’t have roots but does have root like structures that help keep it in place) plenty of moisture as well as indirect sunlight (thus why it loves the north side of roofs better than southern side). So if you have poor drainage improve it by adding organic matter to the soil and working it in. cultivate the surface of the soil each month (this also helps control weeds) with a hoe or similar cultivating tool. Check the pH of the soil. Unless you are growing acid loving plants like rhodies and azaleas add lime to bring the pH up just below neutral (6.8 -6.9). And if possible prune the exising plants to allow more light to the soil surface. You can also help the process by using a natural moss control product like Moss and Algae Killer. - HG

-- HG

Q. We have some questions regarding our Mass  Cane plant. We’ve had this
plant for 6 years but recently it started growing this long flower
like substance. Is it normal for this plants to grow flowers? Also,
it has a very strong scent. We are just concerned that it may be
toxic in any way. We have a baby in the house and a small dog. Please
look at the pictures I am sending you and please let me know as soon
as possible.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/2pwrful/Pic002.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/2pwrful/Pic001.jpg

Thank you,We have some questions regarding our Mass  Cane plant. We’ve had this
plant for 6 years but recently it started growing this long flower
like substance. Is it normal for this plants to grow flowers? Also,
it has a very strong scent. We are just concerned that it may be
toxic in any way. We have a baby in the house and a small dog. Please
look at the pictures I am sending you and please let me know as soon
as possible.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/2pwrful/Pic002.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/2pwrful/Pic001.jpg

Thank you,

Steve Slaughter

A. Mass Cane or Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans cv. massangeana) is considered not toxic to humans by most authorities.  The fact that it is flowering is uncommon in most home settings, but it does happen for many people especially when they manage to keep the plant form many years (for many the roots rot due to over-watering especially in the winter).  The plants will flower when they mature so longevity is key as are conditions that are similar to their native habitat in East Africa.

-- HG