Magnolia tree’s stems might be dead, but hope remains
the ones back that grow way above the normal height of the shrubs. Do refrain from heavy pruning that would remove the normal growth, as these have likely swelled noticeable plump buds that can open late winter or spring blooms.
The leaves on my azaleas have black spots. Is this normal?
Leaf spots that eventually cause leaf drop on azaleas are normal but not desirable. Most brown to black leaf spots are caused by a fungus called cercospora. It is too late in the season to obtain much control of the fungus. The leaf drop weakens the plants, but it should flower and produce new growth for spring.
Plants affected by cercospora could have an end-of-season fungicide spray applied at this time and resumed monthly starting at the beginning of the rainy season through early fall. The fungicide Daconil and some of the newer systemic fungicides are giving good control when used to prevent infection during the summer and early fall months following label instructions.
There are a number of bare spots in my St. Augustine lawn. Can I patch them at this time of the year with new sod?
St. Augustine turf can make lots of growth during the fall through spring months. Now would be a good time to add patches of sod so cool season weeds don’t fill the barren areas. The only risk would be possible freezes damaging turf that is making growth as it becomes established. Even during locally severe winters, St. Augustine is usually a survivor, so it is worth the risk of experiencing some cold damage to have a full lawn by spring.
I have a tall-growing dragon fruit with five shoots coming off the side and one at the top. Do I leave the side shoots or cut them off?
Traditionally, single or multiple stems of the dragon fruit plant, also known as pitaya and nightblooming cereus, are trained up a post or trellis and left to sprout shoots at the top. These shoots then flower and support the large, odd-looking fruits. Probably this is done more for commercial production and easy picking as the plants are thorny. It is doubtful production or the quality of the fruit would be affected if you leave the side shoots. The only shoots that should be removed are those close to the ground where the flowers and fruits would touch the soil.
In mid-November, my 5-foot-tall tomato plant finally decided to bloom. What are the chances it sets fruit?
Hope for lots of warm winter weather, as this is what tomatoes need to set fruits. A few fruits might form at this time of the year, but perhaps your best expectations would be an early start on spring tomato production. Keep the tomato growing through the winter, and by March, the seasonal temperatures should be consistently high enough for the fruits to hold on the plant.
My Christmas cactus is dropping whole stems that appear to be rotting. What can I do to save the plant?
Stem and root rot problems can spoil anticipated flower displays for the holiday season. Try to salvage this year’s color by first reducing waterings to only when the surface soil begins to dry. This may control the rot problem. The holiday cactus is tough and likes to stay on the dry side this time of the year.
If the rot problem appears to be extensive, repotting is needed to remove some of the old, infested soil. Replant in a loose potting mix. Clean the original container with a one part household bleach to ten parts water solution, or obtain a new container of the same size or slightly smaller. Christmas cactus also likes to be a bit pot-bound.
You could apply a fungicide, but products that give control are normally more expensive than the cost of several new plants. If needed, contact your local extension office for a list of root and stem rot products that would be effective.