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| African Violet |
Day 21 - A healthy
African violet will bloom for nine months and then rest for three. Despite
their delicate appearance, they are not difficult to care for. Keep their soil
moist to dry and allow it to dry out between waterings to encourage blooming.
Because water can damage their leaves, always water them from the bottom by
placing the container in a tray of water. Allow the plant to absorb the water
for about 30 minutes. Place your African violet in moderate to bright, indirect
light, and avoid exposing them to sudden temperature changes. Pinch off wilted
blossoms and leaves to encourage blooming, and fertilize monthly or when the
plant is actively growing new leaves and buds.
 |
| Areca Palm |
Day 22 - Areca palms are
generally hardy plants and prefer medium to bright light. Keep their soil moist
but not soggy. If you allow the soil to become too dry, areca palms wilt
dramatically, but it's easy to revive them with just a little water (though
some of their fronds may turn yellow). Trim back palm fronds that become
damaged or turn brown.
 |
| Spathiphyllum |
Day 23 - With dark green leaves that can be more than a
foot long, the spathiphyllum plant, commonly known as a peace lily, produces
hood-shaped white blooms, and in some cases, can grow up to 4 feet tall
(although many varieties are developed to be compact). These plants can wilt
easily, so it's important to keep the soil moist, providing good drainage and
emptying excess water from trays or saucers to prevent their roots from
rotting. If your plant does begin to wilt it will typically perk right back up
after being watered. Display them in a spot with bright, indirect light. Low
light slows their blooming cycle, and too much direct sunlight may cause burn
spots on their leaves. Wipe their leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
 |
| Pollen |
Day 24 – What’s up with plant allergies? Allergyware.comreports
one of the main reasons certain plants and flowers effect people with allergies
stems from the plant's gender. Monoecious plants are ones that have separate
male and female flowers living on the same plant, such as a corn plant. Because
the male and female flowers are separated, the males, which contain the pollen,
must send the pollen through the air to fertilize the female flowers, in order
to make more blooms. Although the pollen is meant to be delivered to the
female, some bits get sent out into the air, causing people to have allergies.
Plants that are dioecious, that have either all male or female flowers also
rely on wind travel to pollinate and create more blooms. Allergy sufferers may
want to instead look for what is referred to as "perfect flowers," or
ones that contain both female and male parts, like the rose. This is the best
option as these flowers don't need to use air travel to pollinate.
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| Pet Friendly Bachelor's Buttons |
Day 25 - Here is a brief list of common pet friendly flowers and
plants:
· Common
Name| Scientific name· African daisy | Arctotis stoechadifolia
· African violet | Saintpaulia spp.
· Alyssum | Allysum spp.
· Bachelors buttons | Centaureaa cyanus
· Begonia | Begonia spp.
· Celosia | Celosia spp.
· Common Snapdragon | Antirrhinum majus
· Easter Daisy | Townsendia sevicea
· Orchids | Barbrodia, Sophronitis, etc.
· Peruvian lily, Brazilian lily | Alstroemeria spp.
· Rose | Rosa spp.
~Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, DVM, PhD, DABVT, DABT
Vice President and Medical Director
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
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