Here is another favorite or popular succulent.  LOVE the name
Zebra Plant    
Haworthia attenuata is the kind of succulent whose bark is worse than its bite, as the plant has a spiky look but not thorns or sharp spines to threaten an inquisitive touch. The white tubercles that give the plant its name distinguish them from similar-looking aloe plants. Zebra plants grow in low clumps, and look striking in small containers tucked in with light green reindeer lichen, or in mini glass hanging terrariums. Reduce watering during the semi-dormant winter state.
taken from https://www.thespruce.com/most-popular-succulent-varieties
 
How to Care for Little Zebra Plants
A succulent that consists of a rosette of plump, stiff, upright leaves, little zebra plant (Haworthia attenuata) is named for the horizontal ridges of small, white bumps that give the plant a striped appearance. From spring until fall, little zebra plant displays tiny flowers atop long, thin stalks. This South African native reaches heights of 6 inches at maturity, with a spread of about 4 inches. Little zebra plant grows outdoors in U. S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 and 10. In cooler climates, grow it as an indoor plant.
1
Water little zebra plant deeply, but only when the soil is dry. Provide enough water to soak the soil to a depth of approximately 6 inches. Never water if the soil is still moist from the previous watering, as zebra plants, like all succulents, rot quickly in waterlogged soil.
2
Stop watering in winter unless the leaves appear wilted, and then water sparingly, providing enough water to barely moisten the soil. The plant rots quickly in wet soil during its dormant period.
3
Feed the plant a slow-release, dry fertilizer applied at the rate recommended on the label as soon as new growth emerges in spring.
4
Cut the long flower stems as soon as the flowers wilt. Removing the flowers keeps the plant neat and promotes continued blooming.
5
Spread a sheet or other light covering over the plant when nighttime temperatures drop to 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the covering in the morning, as moisture collecting under the cover may cause the plant to rot. Place plants in pots under the shelter of a tree or other protected area.
6
Spray the plant with insecticidal soap if you notice pests such as mealybugs, scale insects or spider mites. Reapply as needed, as the spray kills pests only on direct contact. Avoid crowding the plants, as adequate air circulation makes the plant less susceptible to insect damage.
Things You Will Need
◾General-purpose, slow-release dry fertilizer
◾Pruners
◾Sheet or other protective cover
◾Insecticidal soap spray
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/care-little-zebra-plants-69103.html
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa

       The names of some of the succulents aren't very colorful, wonder where they get them?  Have you grown this one? 
Ox Tongue Gasteria Plant 
The Gasteria genus features low-growing, stemless succulents that make wonderful additions to a dish container grouping, as they are slow growing. Try "Little Warty," which gains its "so-ugly-it's cute" character from bumpy growths on its leaves. Ox tongue plants like a half day of sun and weekly watering, so long as you don't let moisture accumulate between the leaves.
taken from https://www.thespruce.com/most-popular-succulent-varieties
 
Gasteria is a relatively rare, Aloe-like succulent whose G. ​verrucosa species goes by the unfortunate name of "ox tongue." Perhaps even more unfortunately, the plant is named for the sac-like shape of its flowers, which are supposed to resemble a stomach (get it...gasteria?). The genus is native to South Africa, where they grow in lightly shaded conditions with excellent drainage. As a result, they are adapted to relatively lower light conditions than some more well-known succulents and are good houseplants.
Depending on the species, Gasteria leaves are often marked with interesting patterns and coloration. The G. verrucosa species also has wart-like protrusions on its leaves.
 
Growing Conditions for Gasteria
Light: Bright light, but not direct sunlight. These grow in similar conditions to Haworthia succulents. White or yellow leaves usually signify too much sun.
Water: Water evenly and generously in the summer, letting the soil media dry out between waterings. In the winter, reduce watering to every other month, but do not stop watering. Never allow water to collect in between the leaves.
Temperature: Warmer summers but cool in the winter (down to 50 F). During warmer weather, your gasteria leaves might turn a lighter, brighter color or the plant might flower with small, colorful sac-shaped flowers.
Soil: Use a cactus mix or very fast-draining potting soil mixed with sand.
Fertilizer: Fertilize during the summer growing season with a cactus fertilizer.
 
Don't feed during the winter.
Propagating Gasteria
Gasteria can be propagated at repotting time using offsets from the mother plant or from leaf cuttings, depending on the species. When taking offsets, use a sharp knife or snippers and cut as close to the mother stem as possible to including as many roots as possible, then allow the offset to dry briefly before repotting it (similar to cuttings from other succulents).
Pot the offsets in a small pot, using the same soil as the mother plant, and put it a warm, bright spot and make sure to adequately water.
 
Repotting Gasteria
Gasteria are small, shallow-rooted, and relatively slow-growing. They are often grown in small clusters in wide, shallow dishes. Over time, clusters will naturally enlarge as the mother plant sends off small plantlets. When the cluster has outgrown its dish, repot in the spring or early summer into a new wide and shallow dish with fresh potting soil. This is also the time to take offsets for propagation.
 
Varieties of Gasteria
Gasteria have been in cultivation for hundreds of years and can be easily crossed with Aloe, which gives rise to a number of hybrids (gasteraloe) in addition to the species that are generally available. The most common Gasteria species are usually the G. verrucosa species, which has distinctive, thick and oblong leaves covered with white warts (these are the ones known as ox tongue or lawyer's tongue). The G. maculata species is similar, but lacks the tell-tale warty protrusions. Other species include the G. glomerata, which is a small plant that stays under two inches tall, and the G. marmorata.
 
Growing Tips for Gasteria
Gasteria are often grouped with Haworthia because the plants have similar cultural requirements.
Both are attractive, small succulents that can tolerate somewhat more shade than many succulents, which makes them more suitable as houseplants. Gasteria are susceptible to fungal infections, which usually appear as black spots on the leaves. These are the result of too much humidity or water on the leaves, but they should not spread too quickly. Gasteria have a natural defense mechanism against such fungal infections: they attack the invading organism and seal off the wounded spot. In general, any place where Haworthia and aloe thrive will be hospitable to a Gasteria.
taken from https://www.thespruce.com/grow-gasteria-succulents-indoors
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa

              Merry Christmas is still here so enjoy the reason for the season.  Here is an article about the traditional plants we associated with Christmas and a little history of why we do.   
7 Traditional Christmas Plants
It is not surprising that Christmas traditions and winter-solstice lore have sprung up around certain plants. For ages, people have made an emotional investment in them. For example, evergreen trees and the clippings of evergreen shrubs have long been harvested in snowy climates and brought inside around the winter solstice to remind us of better times to come.
When everything else on the landscape is dead or dormant, the plants of our Christmas traditions serve as symbols of the return of green grass and spring plants. They have become must-haves for Christmas decorating.
 Poinsettia Flowers    
Not all plants tied to Christmas traditions are evergreen. Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) have become as closely associated with the holiday season in North America as Christmas trees. But poinsettias are sub-tropical plants, native to Mexico. That is why florists in the North wrap up poinsettias so carefully for customers: Bringing them out into the cold, unprotected, would damage them. The most famous lore surrounding poinsettias is a Mexican legend.
 
 Holly Shrubs             
Decking the halls with boughs of holly (Ilex) is an enduring wintertime ritual. In fact, holly was part of winter-solstice lore long before there was a Christmas. It was an important plant for the ancient Celts. Holly also plays a part in another Christmas tradition: the carol, "The Holly and the Ivy."
 
 Mistletoe Plants       
At parties during the holidays, kissing under the mistletoe (Viscum album) is allowed, being a Yuletide ritual. After the kissing is over, we promptly forget about mistletoe for another year. That is unfortunate because there is much more in the history of this fascinating plant than just providing cover for stolen kisses. Like holly, mistletoe was revered by the ancient Celts.
North Americans may not associate the yew (Taxus) with the holiday season. In Europe, however, a Yuletide role has been reserved for this evergreen shrub or tree, easily identified by its unique red berries. As landscape plants, yew shrubs are valued as slow-growing, low-maintenance plants tolerant of shady conditions.
 
 Ivy (for Its Role in "The Holly and the Ivy")           
"The Holly and the Ivy" is a 17th-18th-century carol. The influences underlying the song go back much further than that. "The Holly and the Ivy" originated in a time period when people lived closer to the land. Because of this fact, they used plant symbology more than we do. The result is that "The Holly and the Ivy" strikes most 21st-century folks as a rather curious carol. This revered Yuletide song aside, English ivy (Hedera helix) is best known as a ground cover that is versatile but that can be an invasive plant.
 
 Christmas Trees       
No list of plants steeped in Yuletide lore would, of course, be complete without mention of the annual rite of selecting and buying a Christmas tree, taking it home, and trimming it with festive ornaments. But this icon was not granted a place in the Christmas tradition without a fight: Its pagan roots were a significant point of contention with Christians for ages before it gained general acceptance. In fact, to this day, there are Christians who feel that this evergreen symbol has no place in their observance of the holiday. But there is one thing that almost everybody can agree upon: That classic Christmas tree, the Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens), makes a good landscape tree.
 
 Christmas Cactus     
Like the poinsettia, the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is tropical in origin. If you live in the northerly USDA planting zones and receive one of these as a holiday present during the cold-weather months, you will have to keep it indoors and grow it as a houseplant for a while. Once summer returns, you can bring it outside. You could treat it as a patio plant, for example.
 
While it is growing indoors during the winter, locate it in a spot with bright, filtered light, not direct light. As with most houseplants, over-watering can be a killer, so be sure to water it only when its soil has completely dried out. If you want your Christmas cactus to bloom at a specific time (such as around the holidays), you will have to plan ahead and take certain steps. This will cause you extra work. But if you are content simply to have blooms at any time, a Christmas cactus is not that much bother to grow.
 
Each flower of this cactus plant appears at the tip of a leaf. The shape is quite unusual. It looks like a flower coming out of another flower.
    
 Natural Outdoor Christmas Decorations 
While Christmas trees and mistletoe are the plants that immediately come to mind when discussing the holiday season, they are not alone. Other plants, too are strongly associated with the season. Some even boast Yuletide or winter-solstice lore of their own, of which we may be unaware due to the fact that the culture in question existed long ago or resides in a faraway land. Several of these plants are great natural alternatives to store-bought holiday decorations. Sometimes they will be planted out in the yard as landscape plants, where their evergreen leaves or bright berries can be enjoyed during the winter season from your kitchen window, driveway, or the street. In other cases, sprigs or branches will be cut from them for use in containers that hold Christmas decorations, such as window boxes or urns to be displayed on your porch.
Taken from https://www.thespruce.com/traditional-christmas-plants-
till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa

      Larry and I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
We have been so blessed : 
 
 with a good year at Larry's Garage( 43 years) and Becky's Greenhouse! (27 years)
 
 to have good help to make all of this work! ( Marianne, Wanda, Collin, Pam)
 
 to have many good customers to make our businesses continue to grow! (thanks to all)
 
  with great kids! (3 and their spouses)
 
  with grandchildren! Leah (7 years old-Josh, Veronica), Dylan(7), Corbin(3), Brayden ( 9 months old- Amy, Randy, Abby(1)-Jen, Oscar
 
 with wonderful friends in our community, our church and fair board!
 
 with extended family being here this summer from  Sale Australia, Seattle Washington,           Salt Lake City Utah, Bellevue Iowa
 
 with friends and family visiting from other states  Wyoming, Idaho, Maryland, Washington State.
 
our trip to Wyoming in November to see Jen, Oscar and little Miss Abby. 
 
  to be able to work with our church, for me it has been teaching Sunday School.  We  have had as many as 9 in our class from 3 years old to 5th grade.  It takes many hands.  Thanks for all the hands that help.
 
Larry and I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and be safe, happy and healthy is what you have.  Till next time, This is Becky Litterer and Larry Litterer Dougherty Iowa   

               I have found lots of interest with the most common succulents so will continue with another kind today.  To tell you the truth in the middle of Dec in Iowa it is hard to think of what to blog about so glad I have found something many of you are interested in.  Here is another succulent that I didn't know about.  HOW about you? 
 
Propeller Plant
 The large, overlapping leaves of Crassula perfoliata are a striking feature of this two-foot tall native of South Africa. If you give your propeller plant an outdoor vacation in bright sunlight in the summer, you might coax the plant into producing its long-lasting bright red flower clusters, which resemble those of the penta plant. Sharp drainage is essential for this succulent, which can suffer from fungus in damp conditions.
taken from https://www.thespruce.com/most-popular-succulent-varieties-
 
propeller plant Crassula falcataWith flat and fleshy, bluish/silver/green leaves that reach out horizontally as if the plant may take flight, Propeller Plant (Crassula perfoliata var. falcata) is an aptly named South African succulent that I think you’ll love. For those who are curious, according to “Stearn’s Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners,” the Latin “falcata” or “falcate” means sickle-shaped and indeed they do resemble a series of sickles stacked up a stem. How’s that for a little Botanical Latin learning on a Thursday afternoon?
  
The bad news first: this plant is not hardy in my cold climate. Not by a long shot. This means that I am relegated to growing it in a pot and shifting it between the indoors and out depending on the season. I find it to be a slow grower. I’ve had this one for a few years now and its progress has been nearly unnoticeable. Were it a faster grower I would consider placing it into the ground for a short stint because its sculptural form and exceptional colour offers so many planting and pairing possibilities.
 
The good news is that it propagates fairly easily from leaf cuttings. Simply break one off and place it on top of the soil. If you’re in a warm zone (around zone 9-10), you will have no trouble growing the plant outside in the ground as long as the soil is dry and exceptionally gritty/well-draining. You may even find yourself graced with blooms of scarlet red flowers. I am told they smell of cinnamon. If you have grown one to bloom, please let me know if this is true.
 
Growing: I keep mine in a terra cotta pot using standard cactus soil with a bit of extra grit added. I find it does well in a slightly sheltered area with partial sun, but takes on that distinctive bright silver colour when moved to a sunnier spot. Remember that when shifting between indoors to out you should start it off in a shady spot and slowly move it to the sun so that it has a chance to adapt.
taken from http://yougrowgirl.com/succulent-fever-propeller-plant/
till next time, this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa

      Now the article is called the most common succulent plants, and I have grown some of these but some are new so will take a few days to go thru the list with pictures so you can see if you have them in your succulents. I haven't seen this one before....how about you?   I am always learning so love to do this blog as often as I can to keep learning.   When I have researched this genius of succulents, there is only 15,000 species in it...so here is one of them. 
 
Fishbone Cactus
Anyone who has observed the trailing rickrack patterned leaves of the Epiphyllum anguliger plant will find beauty in the foliage alone, but the fantastic orchid-like flowers that sometimes appear are the icing on the cake. Unlike some succulents, the fishbone cactus appreciates a humid environment. However, the plants get by on partial sunlight or filtered light. The trailing habit of the fishbone cactus makes it ideal for hanging baskets, or a sturdy container on a pedestal.
 https://www.thespruce.com/most-popular-succulent-varieties-
 
Fishbone Cactus Care – How To Grow And Care For A Ric Rac Cactus Houseplant
By Bonnie L. Grant
 
Fishbone cactus boasts many colorful names. Ric Rac, Zigzag and Fishbone orchid cactus are just a few of these descriptive monikers. The names refer to the alternate pattern of the leaves along a central spine that resembles a fish skeleton. This stunning plant is an epiphytic specimen that can grow in low soil situations where other organic media are present. Growing fishbone cactus is easy even for the so-called “black thumb” gardener. Bring in a fishbone cactus houseplant and enjoy the crazy zigzag pattern of its succulent foliage.
 
Fishbone Cactus Info
The scientific name for the plant is Cryptocereus anthonyanus (syn. Selenicereus anthonyanus), and is a member of the night blooming cactus family. Best known for its long, arching stems coated with serrated leaf nodes, fishbone cactus is found in its habitat in groups, which hang from trees. The plant originates in Mexico, where tropical rainforests create a moist, humid environment.
It is commonly found in garden centers as Ric Rac cactus or sometimes orchid cactus. Rarely the plant will bloom with soft pink flowers that open at night and last only one day. Fishbone cactus houseplant enjoys similar growing conditions as its cousin, the orchid.
 
Growing Fishbone Cactus Houseplants
The trailing stems offer an interesting feature for the home landscape. Choose a basket or unglazed pot for the cactus to enhance evaporation and prevent the plant from getting too wet. You can do a hanging basket, tabletop display or terrarium installation. Either way, the fishbone cactus will enhance and entertain. Use gloves when handling the plant, since it has tiny fine hairs, which will stick into skin and cause discomfort.
 
Fishbone Cactus Care
Novice gardeners could not ask for an easier plant than a fishbone cactus houseplant. The cactus grows in low soil media, such as orchid substrate. You can also plant it in cactus blend  mixed with compost to enrich the medium.
Fishbone cactus thrives in indirect light but can tolerate periods of bright sun.
Like most cacti, fishbone cactus houseplant does best when allowed to dry out between watering. During winter, cut watering in half and then reinstate when spring growth begins.
Fertilize with a water-soluble cactus or orchid fertilizer in early spring.
You can place your plant outside in spring and summer but do not forget to bring it in when temperatures cool. Best of all, the cactus will stand some neglect, so do not worry about it when you go on vacation.
 
Propagating Fishbone Cactus
 
This is one of the easiest cactus plants to propagate and share with your family and friends. You just need a piece of stem to start an entirely new plant. Take a fresh cutting and let it callus on the counter for a few days.
 
Insert the callused end into a low soil medium, such as peat moss mixture. That is pretty much all there is to it. Provide light moisture and medium light when growing Fishbone cactus stems. Soon you will have new plants to spread to your gardening family.
taken from Gardening Know How - https://www.gardeningknowhow.com 
till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa

I have grown these so this is fun to know the name...
Now the article is called the most common succulent plants, and I have grown some of these but some are new so will take a few days to go thru the list with pictures so you can see if you have them in your succulents.  I am always learning so love to do this blog as often as I can to keep learning.   When I have researched this genius of succulents, there is only 15,000 species in it...so here is one of them. 
Moonstones Plant 
How does your succulent garden grow? Whether you cultivate a pretty little dish garden, a rustic log planter overflowing with succulents, or a trio of concrete planters with large fleshy-leafed specimens, succulents have never been more trendy than now. The wide range of succulent colors, textures, and forms provide gardeners with a myriad of ways to update fairy gardens, living wreaths, and vertical planters. Learn about nine succulents that you can add to any sunny window as a low-maintenance houseplant options.
https://www.thespruce.com/most-popular-succulent-varieties-
 
How to Care for Your Moonstone Plant
With its whorls of silvery, plump leaves, the moonstone plant (Pachyphytum oviferum) makes an attractive addition to any collection of succulents. These members of the stonecrop family thrive in sunny areas in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 and 10, but also can be kept indoors under the right conditions. As with other succulents, moonstone plants can be trouble-free plants if cared for properly. To ensure your moonstone thrives, it must be given the right soil, enough light and the right amount of moisture.
Growing Moonstones Outdoors
1  Choose a spot in your garden for your moonstone that receives full sun throughout the year. In areas with intensely hot summers, the spot should receive dappled shade during summer afternoons.
 
2  Amend your garden soil if it doesn't drain quickly. Prior to planting, work in a 50/50 mix of compost and sand or pumice into the planting area to a depth of 12 inches.
 
3  Plant your moonstone no deeper than it was planted in the nursery pot it came in. Provide at least 12 inches of space around the plant to it to sprawl, since moonstone plants start out upright, but then spread out along the ground. Mulch around the plant with black pebbles to enhance its appearance.
 
4  Water your moonstone plant only when the soil feels dry to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. Overwatering moonstones or any other succulent will lead to root rot.
5  Protect your moonstone from cold weather. Although San Marcos Growers reports some moonstones can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees, it's best to protect your moonstone if there is any danger of frost. Protect the plant by covering it with a light blanket or sheet, or by mounding leaves over it until the danger has passed.
 
Container-Grown Moonstone
1  Place a layer of gravel in your container and then fill the container with a potting mix intended specifically for succulents. The container does not have to be very deep, but should be 8 to 12 inches in diameter to allow the plant to spread.
2  Plant your moonstone so the stem is in the soil no deeper than it was in the container it came in. Water the container well, and then add a layer of black pebbles over the top of the soil to complement and set off your silvery moonstone plant.
3  Keep your plant in a sunny spot of your home. Gardeners who live in USDA zones 9 and 10 can keep their moonstone plants outdoors most of the year, but should bring them indoors if there is any danger of frost. Gardeners in other areas can place their moonstone plant outside in a sunny location during the summer. If your area experiences intense summer heat, give your moonstones light shade during summer afternoons.
4  Water your moonstone plant when the soil in the container feels dry to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. Resist the temptation to overwater any succulent.
 
Things You Will Need
◾Small garden shovel or hand trowel
◾Compost
◾Sand or pumice
◾Black pebbles
◾Container with drainage holes
◾Gravel
◾Succulent potting mix
Tip
A good way to tell if your moonstone plant needs watering is to examine the leaves. If they appear plump and feel firm, the plant doesn't need to be watered. If the leaves appear wrinkly or feel soft, it's time to water. Since overwatering is the main cause of most succulent problems, it's better to underwater than to water too frequently.
 http://homeguides.sfgate.com/care-moonstone-plant-74903.html
till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa
 
 

     I know I have posted before about poinsettia but wanted to post this article because I have had some customers talk about the poinsettia being poisonous.  It is not according to this author.   
Poinsettia Pointers for Christmas
Did you know, the poinsettia plant actually has its own official day of the year which is December 12 th.  The House of Representatives passed a resolution back in 2002 honoring Paul Ecke Jr., known as the father of the poinsettia trade, in conjunction with the death of Joel Robert Poinsett.
 
Joel Poinsett was an American botanist, physician and minister to Mexico in the early 1800s.  He was the first ambassador to Mexico who discovered this plant and actually took cuttings and shipped them to his home in Charleston, South Carolina.  He was fascinated with this red flower and sent many clippings to friends and family.  The poinsettia plant is named after him as a tribute to his discovery.
 
Little did he know back then what an impact this plant would have on the Christmas season.  Today more than 34 million plants are commercially grown according to the USDA Floriculture statistics of 2013.  It is the highest selling potted plant produced yearly capturing more than 23% of the market of all potted plants.  In economic terms, that's close to 150 million dollars a year.  
 
Poinsettias come in many different colors and varieties from standard red, white and pinks to varied combinations with speckles, splashes and marbled colors.  Over 6,200 varieties exist with approximately 150 varieties that are commercially grown.  To add more interest to the color palette of poinsettias, a plant friendly dye or paint has been developed to give us combinations which would make Picasso's head spin.  From blues, to yellows, to burgundy and purples, the imagination is the only limit to creating a myriad of rainbow colors.  Our artists create amazing colors and even add a sparkle to the flowers by adding a few shakes of glitter to the plants.
   
Poinsettias are NOT poisonous.  If digested by animals or children, they may cause stomach discomfort or irritation.  Also the sap from stems may cause skin irritation to some.  If you are sensitive to latex, try to avoid contact with sap.
 
  Care for poinsettias is relatively easy.  Place in a bright sunny location in your home or business.  It is extremely important to keep plants from hot or cold drafts.  Poinsettias like to be kept moist but not soggy.   As soil begins to dry, water thoroughly.  If your pot is covered in foil or a container with no drainage holes, be sure to remove it before you water.  Never let your poinsettias sit in water for any length of time.  Do not fertilize poinsettia plants while plants are in bloom.   
 
Poinsettias prefer temperatures between 60-70 degrees. It is very important when transporting poinsettias to have them sleeved and kept in a warm car.  Exposure to cold outside temperature for even a minute or two can freeze or chill the plant causing leaf drop.  It is best once purchased to take straight home or its final destination.  Once home remove the protective sleeve.    If you are traveling or planning on being away from your home, try a new product called, "Vacation".  Vacation is an anti-drought plant treatment which puts the plant into a drought resistant mode for up to two weeks.  Vacation will work on all plants and is a great product.  Add it to your cut tree and reduce water needs significantly for up to 4 weeks.
 
If you cut your poinsettias for use in a flower arrangement, make sure you leave at least 4" of stem.   Seal ends of stem by dipping in boiling water or holding over a flame for 15 seconds.
 
To get your poinsettia to re-bloom next year, trim it back to 8-10 inches in April.  Fertilize regularly with 20-20-20 water soluble fertilizer.  You may place outdoors to grow once nights stay above 55 degrees consistently.  Another trimming in June will be helpful to keep plant bushy.  You may also consider transplanting to a larger pot size.  Once October 1 st rolls around, poinsettias need 12-14 hours of darkness every day for 8-10 weeks.  Place them in a room with no additional artificial light whatsoever.  Some will tell you to put in a closet or cover with a box, the key is to avoid street lights or lamps.  The change of the seasons will do the work for you.    You should see colorful blooms by Christmas.....
taken from sales@pandysgardencenter.com
till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse Dougherty Iowa

      
11 Houseplants Ideas That Outsmart Winter Depression
 Boost Your Mood Naturally
Plunging temperatures. Blustery winds. Pitch darkness by 6 p.m.! The polar bear is not your spirit animal so that cold, black hole called winter does a number on your well-being.
 
It is time to shake off that Slanket. Scientific studies suggest you can outsmart winter depression by decorating your space with houseplants — for real. Oh — and adding other natural elements like flowers and branches does not hurt, either. Here are 11 uplifting houseplant ideas.
 
Houseplants are Good for Your Mind and Body
How can houseplants make you feel better in winter?
 
Plants purify stale indoor air so you can breathe easier. But their uplifting effects does not end there.
 
Scientists say, just being around houseplants, flowers, and even artfully arranged branches (more on that later) can significantly boost your mood, reduce stress, improve concentration including ADHD symptoms, and even relieve aches and pains.
 
While experts have not pinned down exactly why this happens, in a nutshell, they suspect humans are hard-wired to connect with nature and other life-forms for the mutually beneficial feel-good benefits. For instance, taking care of houseplants can increase your happiness. No kidding!
 
Tip: Want to make your entryway more inviting? Antonia Schmitz, who pens the German lifestyle blog Craftifair, says adding a few houseplants to her foyer added a welcoming touch. See her plant-filled home on Instagram.
 
Mother Nature's Powerful Air Fresheners
To bust the winter blahs, the best plants for you should suit your lifestyle and particular needs. For instance, let's say you are looking for something fuss-free with superior air cleaning skills. Consider the low maintenance snake plant. It is an evergreen with tall sword-shaped leaves that thrives in dry conditions and indoor temperatures that range from 40 degrees to 80 degrees.
 
To keep this hardy plant looking its best, it needs medium to bright indirect light and water, about a 1/4 cup, every few weeks.  
 
When it comes to airborne toxins, it is one of the top five plants for improving indoor air quality according to NASA researchers.
 
The snake plant has one more superpower. While most plants do not release fresh oxygen at night, it does. Did you know purified air can help you sleep better? Interior plant designer, Lisa Muñoz of Leaf and June says that is why she has two snake plants bedside. Be warned, her Instagram page may turn you into a full-fledged plant addict.
 
Tip: Are you allergic to mold? The English ivy plant can seriously reduce the amount of airborne mold in your space.
 
This Leafy Beauty Has a Secret
Colorful Flower Pots 
Ceropegia Woodii (Rosary Vine) is another lovely option to grow indoors. It is also incredibly striking — those beautiful trailing vines of heart shaped leaves are positively swooning worthy and also hard working. They suck ozone, created by yucky smog, from polluted indoor air.
 
The plant can handle chilly indoor temperatures above 45 degrees and flourishes under bright but indirect sunlight.
 
Warning, overwatering will certainly kill it. Before doing make certain that 30 percent of the soil (starting from the top) is dry. You can use a moisture meter to gauge when it is time to water.
 
While these plants are almost always in hanging planters, Marlous Cutter from Oh Marie! says a tilted planter like the one shared above adds a dose of playful visual interest.
 
Tip: Looking for a plant that will not kill your furbaby? The white edged Swedish ivy plant (shown here) is nontoxic to pets.
 
This Herb Plant Will Help You Deal With Cold Weather
Fresh-Mint-Plant-Herb-Kitchen 
A peppermint plant can uplift your spirit big time in winter. It is why Elske Leenstra, a plant-loving blogger keeps one in her minty-fresh kitchen.
 
Research by neuroscientists revealed that peppermint's aroma boosts mood, memory and also mental awareness. We also love the fact that this plant is easy to grow year round indoors — just remember to keep the soil moist.
 
Tip: What is our favorite reason for growing a peppermint plant? A fresh sprig of mint will make your favorite, hot winter beverages, like hot chocolate, another mighty mood booster, more delicious.
 
Branch Out With Eucalyptus
Does cold weather leave you feeling run down? Decorating your home with fresh cut stems can snap you out of the winter doldrums.
 
The scent of recently harvested eucalyptus branches can calm overworked minds while easing mental fatigue. Do not invite nasty toxins that can pollute indoor air into your home. When buying, look for options that are both herbicide-free and pesticide-free.
 
Tip: Fresh cut eucalyptus branches will dry out naturally without water. Afterward, you can display them for up to one year.
 
Bring the Spirit of Spring into Your Space
 
It is a scientific fact that springtime weather is a huge mood booster. So it makes sense, decorating with houseplants can capture the spirit of spring at home year round.
 
There is also scientific proof that cute home accessories, including planters, can also uplift your spirits. That is why choosing a planter that also brings out the best in your plant, is a small but worth it victory according to ​Styling Bolaget, the home styling company that decorated this 300 square foot Swedish apartment.
 
For example, feast your eyes on this Alocasia Polly plant. We could gaze at those scalloped, heart-shaped leaves for days. See the attractive planter? It adds visual interest to the room and flatters the plant's beauty.
 
When it comes to plant care, the Alocasia Polly is a little needy. A significant need to know, it will die if kept on a sunny and drafty windowsill. Bright, but indirect sunlight, and room temperature hovering between 60 and 70 degrees are both key for its survival. Lastly, frequent misting is a must when indoor air gets dry in winter.
 
Tip: Unlike the Swedish ivy, many conventional plants (including the Alocasia Polly) are potentially poisonous to cats, dogs and other creatures if consumed. Learn more here.
 
Sick of succulents? Say hello to their prickly cousin the cactuses. Just like their fleshy leafed relatives, these plants come in many weirdly, incredible sizes and shapes, minus the leaves. Instead, most have sharp needles to repel hungry or thirsty predators.
 
There are around 2,000 types of cactuses, and most of them are in the succulent family (but many succulents are not cactuses- go figure.)
 
The mini cactus is a small space favorite. Its compact size makes it possible for anyone to create a modest windowsill garden. They are also really low maintenance — not to mention super adorable.
 
Barbara from Green Obsessions explains how she used a marker to create these whimsical planters for her mini cactus jungle.
 
Coffee Cups Make Great Planters
Coffee mug planters 
Many types of cactuses and succulents have root systems that stick to the top of the soil. When these plants are small, they can thrive in vintage coffee mugs like Marij Hessel, from My Attic shows in this photo.
 
Trees for Urban Dwellers
Just because you live in a small apartment and do not have a yard does not mean you cannot grow a tree.
 
The rubber tree is a resilient indoor favorite that is also low maintenance. The trick is to start with a small young one that you can adapt to your space with pruning.
 
To keep this plant happy, it needs indirect sunlight in a spot that does not go below 55 degrees or above 80 degrees. During the winter it should be watered once per month when the top soil feels dry. Springtime and summer the soil should be kept moist, not waterlogged, with weekly watering.
 
You will also want to give this tree's leaves a little extra TLC by wiping with a clean damp cloth every month. Why? Consider it payback. Each leaf cleans the stale indoor air by scrubbing out nasty airborne bacteria and icky mold spores.
 
Coffee Pot Planter        
Behavioral studies on the topic of gardening have consistently linked the activity to increased happiness. But who says you have to dig in the dirt to boost your serotonin levels? Instead, when the weather outside is downright frightful, you can keep your chin up with an easy to make air plant terrarium.
 
For air plants to thrive there are three must knows. First off, they do not need soil. Second, to keep them hydrated submerge them in a bowl of water for at least four hours. No worries about over watering. They only absorb what they need. Afterward, let them dry off for several hours. Third, they need plenty of indirect sunlight and a light misting every few days.
 
Enid, the passionate plant blogger behind A Charming Project, says she loves air plants because they are hard to kill. She also appreciates that you can control how big air plants get with regular grooming. To do, just trim their leaves and roots. No worries, it will not hurt them. See how Enid made a coffee pot terrarium for her mini air plants.
 
Flowers are Powerful
It is a no-brainer that receiving flowers can make you feel fantastic. But you may not know just displaying a fresh bouquet evokes positive feelings.
 
Psychology experts say the presence of flowers affects social behavior much more than you think from combating depression to soothing agitated or anxious behavior. And it makes sense. It is hard not to smile when you see a bright and colorful arrangement like this one created by the plant loving bloggers at PRCHTG.
    taken from https://www.thespruce.com/houseplants-ideas-that-outsmart-winter-depression-
till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa

      
Keep Deer Out of Your Yard and Garden
 
Seeing deer in the woods when you are hiking can be a beautiful sight (or if it has a 10-point rack, it can be a hunter's dream!). In your yard or neighborhood, a sculptured or plastic deer statue can be a pretty lawn ornament or decorate our roofs with holiday cheer. But, unless there are 10 reindeer hitched to a sleigh carrying a jolly old man with presents, deer on our property can cause more damage than beauty.
 
Deer have become pests of lawns and property because the human population's sprawl into forested areas has displaced them from their homes and results in more deer-human contact. Deer will eat a range of vegetable, fruit, and flowering plants such as tomato plants and dill, and they often eat every hosta, azalea, tulip, lily or pansy in the garden!
 
Additionally, deer can attract and spread deer ticks that can transmit Lyme Disease. And, on the road, deer can cause automobile accidents, impacting vehicles at the rate of 1.5 million times per year. Because of all this, deer in wooded habitats near cities or even outlying neighborhoods can be pests that need to be controlled.
 
Life Cycle of Deer
 
Adult deer, which generally weigh 100 to 150 pounds and live 5 to 10 years, breed in November and December. They will produce spotted fawns, the males of which will begin to grow "spikes" or small antlers at about six months of age.
 
As adults, the males then shed their antlers every December and January. With deer, size does seem to matter as the larger, because the more aggressive bucks are favored by the female does as their preferred breeding partners.
 
Deer are cud chewers with high nutrition needs, so they prefer soft, easily digestible plant leaves, which explains their fondness for flower and vegetable gardens.
 
The Deer's Senses
 
Deer have highly attuned senses:
■ Their ears are shaped to funnel in sounds; they also can rotate around, so their sense of hearing is highly acute.
■ The moist nose of a deer can trap odor particles from hundreds of yards away.
■ Although deer have poor depth perception -- as both eyes cannot focus on the same object at the same time -- they can see light in the ultraviolet range . This is one of the reaons that deer tend to feed in the early morning and late afternoon hours.
 
Deer Control
 
Fencing, foxglove and fiery peppers are effective deer deterrents:
■ Fencing should be at least 8 feet high and fabricated of black, polyethylene mesh. Supplies can be purchased at home or garden stores,. Some will even have ready-made fences or that simply need to be installed, or kits that include everything you need.
■ Your local County Extension agent's office can guide you toward deer-resistant plants that are appropriate to your area's growing conditions. Additionally, plants with fascinating names such as foxglove, yarrow, bishop's weed, dragon's head, spurge and buckthorn are some gardener favorites that aren't favored by deer.
■ Sprays of garlic, hot fiery peppers, rotten eggs and bloodmeal can be homemade or commercially prepared. By whatever source, it comes from, the spray must be re-applied to leaf surfaces after every rain for maximum deer deterrence.
taken from https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-get-rid-of-deer-
till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa