Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Friday - June 14, 2013
From: Atlanta, GA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Container Gardens, Pests
Title: Pill bugs in potted plants in Atlanta GA
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Hello, I repotted four aloe vera plants two days ago with a cacti soil and watered them thoroughly in terra cotta pots according to directions on the bag. Well the next morning the pots had pill bugs all over them. I swept as many a way as I could but of course I see some in the soil and believe there are many in the soil. Should I just allow the soil to dry out or is it best to repot the plants and not water at all? The patio that the plants are on gets an eastern morning sun and I've always seen pill bugs there but didn't realize they could cause damage to plants as this is my first time potting plants. Thanks.ANSWER:
This is a little out of our line since we are native plant gardeners and not entomologists; however, we will see if we can find something on the Internet to help you.
The Bargain Hunter Pill Bugs a Beneficial Guest
University of California Integrated Pest Management Sowbugs and Pillbugs
More Container Gardens Questions
Failure of Gerbera daisies in hanging basket
July 08, 2008 - I had perennial Gerbera daisies in a hanging basket, the flowers died,I was not sure whether to remove just the flower or to go from the flower to the stem at the plants main stem? There is nothing re...
view the full question and answer
Non-native house plants stressed from Allen TX
July 30, 2011 - I have three house plants that were plants I received from my father's funeral services. They were healthy for about two years and then we added some soil and now they are turning brown and appear t...
view the full question and answer
Making Ruellia nudiflora thicker in pot from Tucson AZ
June 25, 2012 - Can Ruellia Nudiflora be propagated in the same pot as the parent plant?
Can it be cut back to stimulate a denser plant?
I have plants in several pots and would like to 'thicken' the plant.
Tha...
view the full question and answer
Vine for trellis in Brooklyn, New York
June 11, 2014 - Hello, I am looking for a native vine to grow on a trellis in a large container. I live in Brooklyn, NY, and the area is in part shade. Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Choosing large containers (pots) for plants in Dallas, Texas.
May 24, 2007 - Hi, I was wondering if you could help me pick a plant for a container garden. We live in Dallas, TX. Our soil is very clay, but I thought we could do something fun in containers with sand or something...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |