Question
I recently went shopping for plants and ended up getting 3 that I really liked:  Massangeana Cane, a Ti Plant and a Ficus (not sure of any other distinction for this plant).  All of them appeared to be exceptionally healthy.  Since I brought them home about 2 weeks ago, I repotted them all in slightly larger pots.  The Massangeana Cane seems to be doing all right, although I think I overwatered it after reading some other articles on the plant...the tips of the leaves have turned brown and dried up a bit, but I've since trimmed them and am letting it dry out.  It appears also that the Ficus is doing fine.  

Today, however, I noticed that the Ti Plant had a whole bunch of leaves on the bottoms of the stalks that were dead, so I removed them.  Is this normal or is there something wrong with my plant?  I'm pretty sure it is still growing at the top because there are light pink colored leaves sprouting.  Also, currently, I have the Massangeana Cane and the Ti Plant in the same room.  I live in an apartment with very poor lighting, so I have a plant bulb in one lamp to help them out.  How long should I leave it on??  Is it okay that I keep these two plants in the same area?? Any suggestions you have about artificial lighting for these plants would be very much appreciated.  

Also, I have an African Violet which was doing very well at first, then my rabbit ate off all of the blooms.  This was about 2 weeks ago, and it still does not show any signs of new growth.  Is there anything I can do for it??    

Just a question of curiosity...how do Massangeana Cane plants grow, is it just the leaves at the top, or do the entire stalks grow too??

Answer
Hi Kristin,

You have lots of questions! And that's fine. I will do my best to answer all of them, but I may need a little more help from you.

I would have to see a photo of your Ti plant to understand better what happened. Ti plants are grown in many different sizes and forms. Off hand, I suspect that inadequate light may be the problem. A Ti plant does better close to a window where it gets lots of bright light. Under a plant light, it must be as close as possible to the bulb, but not close enough to burn the leaves. The light should be on for 8 - 12 hours per day. Overpotting could also be a problem. Again, a photo will help me determine this.

Massangeana canes can get by with less light than your other plants. So give light priority to the others.

Your Ficus tree requires the most light of all and should be right in front of a window. I have written an article on the care of Ficus trees that I can email to you if you provide an address.

The most cost efficient artificial light is a fluorescent fixture with standard fluorescent bulbs. The initial cost of the fixture is more, but the cost of energy savings is enormous. Because fluorescents burn cool, you can place plants very close to them. I have also written an article on light for plants.

If your rabbit just ate the flowers, then it should be fine. African violets grow in spurts, so they often go through periods where not much of anything happens. Just be patient and don't force the issue by adding more water or soil or fertilizer.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. I look forward to your reply.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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