Root Awakening: Propagate spider plant via new growths on stolon

Wait for baby plants to grow

I was gifted this spider plant in a kokedama (moss ball). How do I care for it in such a way that it continues to grow more baby spider plants?

Gloria Yeo

The spider plant does best in a location with filtered sunlight for four to six hours a day. It cannot survive in deep shade. If your living space is not bright enough, you can install grow lights.

The plant should be kept in a growing mix that is well-draining and moisture-retentive. Be careful not to keep the roots wet for a long time or allow it to dry out totally.

The baby plants that are growing on the long stem, called a stolon, can be removed and planted separately when they are much larger. You can do so once they are three to five times their current size.

Hibiscus may be infested with scales

What are these white specks on my hibiscus? How can I get rid of them?

Victor Choong Yu Fook

The pest cannot be seen clearly in the picture, but could be mealy bugs or scale insects. These sap-sucking pests can weaken the plant over time.

Try using a pesticide such as summer oil to suffocate them. Spray all parts of the plant thoroughly and regularly to keep them at bay.

Male papaya can be useful

I was told that this papaya tree is male and will not bear fruit. I understand that hammering nails or sharp wood into its main stem will stress the tree, forcing it to change sex. Is this true?

Danny Yeo

Your plant is clearly a male, and is producing male flowers on the long, hanging branches. As such, it will not bear fruit. Even if the tree produces female flowers due to the stressors applied, the outcome may not be rewarding.

A male papaya tree is not without use. Its flowers have a slightly bitter flavour, and can be stir-fried and eaten.

Fruit may have been aborted due to environmental stress

My papaya plant is bearing fruit, but they wither and fall. Why is this happening and what can be done?

Kok Sau Ting

The abortion of developing fruit could be due to a number of reasons.

First, there could be a lack of pollinators. Grow pollinator-attracting plants and reduce use of chemical pesticides, if any.

Next, protect the plant from excessive wind and ensure it receives direct sunlight.

Finally, papaya plants are sensitive to moisture stress, either from lack of water due to drought or excessive amounts due to high rainfall.

Grow your plant in a well-draining location, and water deeply during hot and dry weather. Mulch the soil with good-quality compost to keep roots cool and prevent them from drying out.

Burnt leaves likely due to heat stress

The avocado plant in my garden has brown patches on its leaves. Are these due to heat, fungus or disease?

Mah Yoke Yoong

Did the leaves develop the burn marks during a hot and windy period? They can lose excessive moisture when they are exposed to constant hot and dry winds, and the roots may not be able to transport water fast enough to replace what was lost. Injured leaves will not recover.

Prevention is better than cure. In extreme weather, install shade nets on the sides of your plant to help reduce the impact of drying winds. Mulch the base of the tree with good-quality compost to keep its roots cool and reduce excessive evaporation of water from the soil. Water your tree thoroughly, while taking care not to overwater.