Fall Plants

Cool Temperature Plants

The end of summer signals the beginning of the fall planting season. Our gardens can continue to look beautiful well into autumn by planting some of the cool weather loving plants. The colorful leaves of the perennial Heuchera and ornamental grasses can be mixed with Calibrachoa (Million Bells), and Argyranthemum. Seasonal favorites such as mums,asters, and pansies can replace some of the summer annuals for a fresh new look. Ornamental kale and cabbage last well into late fall and early winter.
Gardens may be saying good bye to summer, but they can also be welcoming the cool crisp days of fall.

By Gayla Parker
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Orchids

Orchids

Orchids are an extremely varied group of plants. Most orchids fall into two categories; those requiring intense light such as Phalaenopsis and Cattleya, and those preferring medium to bright light such as the Paphiopedilum. Those requiring bright intense light would be best placed on a south facing window ledge with some shading from direct midday sun in summer. Those of medium to bright light would be best suited to an east or west facing window ledge. They would also do well under fluorescent lights.
Varieties with thick leaves should be watered thoroughly , then allowed to dry out before the next watering. Those with thin roots and smaller leaves generally need water as soon as the potting mix starts to dry. Most orchids need a short period of dry conditions in autumn to stimulate new flowers.
Although some orchids tolerate average humidity, it's best to offer them high humidity indoors. You can provide humidity by placing a saucer with pebbles and water covering the pebbles under your orchid pot.
Allow roots to extend beyond the pot as long as the plant continues to grow. When growth is inhibited, repot into a container one size larger in diameter than the original container, using an appropriate orchid potting mix.
Fertilize year round, full strength during the growing season of spring and summer, half strength during fall and winter according to directions on your fertilizer.

By Doris Koop
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Cacti & Succulants

Cacti & Succulents

Succulents are defined as any plant which has the natural ability to store water in it's roots or body. They usually have fattened leaves or thick stems that hold water in reserve for dry climactic conditions. Cacti are a type of succulent. Both cacti and other succulents are relatively easy care plants to grow, as they are very tolerant of neglect.
They have a dormant season when they rest, usually during winter months when daylight is short; and a growing season, when daylight hours and warmer temperatures trigger a growth response. Water according to the cycle they are in. If dormant, water sparingly, every few weeks and only enough to dampen the roots slightly. During the growing season, water thoroughly once a week, but only if they are receiving lots of daylight.
Also, fertilize only during the growing season, per instructions on the cacti fertilizer package. They prefer a formulation of 5-10-5 or a similar cactus fertilizer.
They will grow best in as much sunlight as you can give them, for instance a south facing windowsill, or you can place them outdoors in the summer. Most are not frost hardy; however, the prickly pear cactus is and will winter over in our hardiness zone(5-6).
There are a multitude of varieties available in the succulent plant species, from those varieties with thorns, to those without any prickly points to them. Check out a book on the many types at your local library, or online, or stop in to see Calico's selections at the greenhouse.

By Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Bouganvillea

Bouganvillea

If you are looking for a great plant for sun and heat, look no further. Bouganvillea plants thrive in the tropics in areas of low rainfall and intense sun and heat. Plant or place Bouganvillea in full sun, keeping the plants on the dry side especially if you want lots of blooms.
Bouganvillea bloom best when pot bound, and make great container plants for a south or west facing deck or patio. Fertilize with a water soluble plant food at half strength every ten days during the growing season.
When bringing indoors for the fall and winter, give the plant a hard prune and place in a brightly lit room, watering sparingly until early spring.


By Michelle Lynn
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Perennial Hibiscus

Perennial Hibiscus

Perennial Hibiscus are wonderfully easy plants to grow. They are not picky about soil, but prefer a soil amended with peat and compost. They grow best in at least 6 hours of sun, but would really like more. They bloom from July through August, according to variety, in a wide range of colors from reds to white and pinks and plum. Their blossoms are real eye catchers as they can be from 6-12" in diameter.
These perennials die back over winter, then emerge as one of the last to appear in late spring. They spend the early summer getting up to 4-6' high before buds begin to appear and the eye popping flowers open. Each flower lasts only one day, but once the plant is established will have many buds opening for up to a month or more. Water these plants frequently until they are well established (usually a year), thereafter only when it becomes very dry. Fertilize with an all purpose plant food when they begin to emerge every spring, then sit back and watch it take off to produce many years of enjoyment.
Calico checks on these beauties, pictured above, every day growing in our greenhouse garden. Stop by to see our selection soon!

By Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses