Question
I live in an hoa and we have a large stand of cast iron plants unerneath some old live oak trees.  Our landscaper (who has shown in the past his lack of knowledge) wants to rip them out and replace them since they look so sorry.  I have lived here 6 years and doubt they ever received any fertilizer.  There are lots of dead leaves under the plants.  My thinking is to remove the leaves, cut back some of the leaves and fertilize them.  Just wanted to check with you first.  My thinking is that if cast irons can't grown there nothing can.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Ellen,
Thanx for your question.  I couldn't tell where you said you lived but I'm assuming if you have live oaks and cast iron plants growing outdoors you are in a very mild climate.  Okay, I would cut all the dead growth off the cast irons and remove any other dead material.  In fact, I would be prone to cutting the entire plants back, give them a balanced fertilizer 12-12-12 or side dress with well composted manure, water once a week if no regular rain.  I think the plants just need to be renewed that's all.  I hope this helps.
Tom