Root Awakening: Cherry tomatoes easily propagated via stem-cuttings

Monitor pest activity on tomato plant to time pesticide use

Is it better to propagate this variety of cherry tomato from cuttings or seeds? Will there be significant differences in quality? Whiteflies are common on this plant and I am using soap to treat it. Before it fruited, I occasionally used Spinosad. Are these the right treatments? Are there better options?

Adrian Ling

Tomatoes, especially the indeterminate types with a climbing habit, are easily propagated via stem-cuttings. If flowering stems are used for propagation, they take less time to fruit than those that start from seeds. If a healthy root system can be achieved via stem-cuttings, there will be minimal difference in fruit quality.

As for pest control, avoid overusing Spinosad, as it is expensive and pests can develop a resistance to it. Install yellow sticky traps to monitor pest activity. When pest populations are low, you can use targeted, less toxic pesticides to manage the issue.

Soaps and oils may be used for less severe infestations. You can use more potent pesticides that provide rapid knockdown if the infestation worsens. Rotate pesticides with different modes of action to reduce the likelihood of pests developing resistance.

Check for pests on orchids, give plants optimal growing conditions

My Cattlianthe Amaroo orchid has produced deformed pink flowers and my Phalaenopsis orchid’s leaves are turning yellow. How can I help my orchids recover?

Also, what is the name of this variegated plant with aerial roots? I have tried pruning it and redirecting the roots into the soil, but the plant looks limp and the aerial roots are still growing.

Cheong Yin Ping

If you are not using an orchid fertiliser to feed your Cattlianthe Amaroo, it may not be getting the nutrients necessary for proper development. Water-soluble fertilisers can be used whenever you water your plant. Also, check for the presence of pests such as thrips, which feed on flower buds. They are small and difficult to spot.

As for your Phalaenopsis, the yellowing of leaves could be due to a root issue. This orchid is an epiphyte, so it should be grown in a porous medium instead of water-retentive substrates like sphagnum moss. When the flowers fade, carefully remove the moss and pot the plant in charcoal chips, which are more suited for growing orchids in Singapore’s climate.

Ensure your orchid plant is well watered on hot and windy days and do not let it dry out. However, wet roots will lead to overall rot, so you may need to withhold watering on overcast or rainy days.

The plant with arrow-shaped leaves is the Goosefoot plant (Syngonium podophyllum). It will grow into a climbing vine and can be trained to grow on a vertical moss pole. Give it at least six hours of filtered sunlight a day. Shady conditions will lead to elongated stems that look stretched out.

Podocarpus could be dying due to poor root health

Why are my Podocarpus polystachyus’ branches dying?

Paul Teo

You can check if the tree is still alive by bending its branches. If they are brittle and snap easily, they are probably dead.

This tree needs to be grown in a sunny spot and well-draining soil, as it does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Water it on hot, dry days, as the tree should not be allowed to dry out. Avoid disturbing the root system.

Check for pests on pandan plant

What is wrong with my pandan plant?

Esther Leong

The yellow patches could be due to a pest infestation. Check for scale insects – they appear as brown bumps that can be scraped off – or spider mites, which are small, reddish dots that need to be seen up close.

Minor infestations can be managed by wiping the leaves with a cloth soaked in diluted soapy water. Inspect your plant for pests regularly and act promptly. For more severe cases, you will need to regularly and repeatedly spray your plant thoroughly with summer oil. Wash the leaves before using them for cooking.

This plant needs at least six hours of direct or filtered sunlight daily. A lack of light can lead to poor health and increased susceptibility to pest attacks.