Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Tropical Gardens and Plants 108, 1 by dyzzypyxxy

dyzzypyxxy wrote:
Mj, maybe more sun? My wimpy one, Charles Grimaldi, finally set a bud when I moved him into the pool cage which is pretty much full sun all day, filtered by the screening. The old noid pink is in full sun all afternoon plus it gets morning sun through the pool cage.

I can't think of anything else special I'm doing. The ones in pots get regular Miracle Gro at 1/2 strength every week. I got tired of the raccoons coming around when I'd use the fish emulsion. In the ground they get Osmocote 14-14-14 timed release at planting, (or end of May) and again the end of this month. We're on fertilizing restrictions here from June 1st to Sept 30th.

Watch out for spider mites, though! Had a huge infestation on Cherub, but she kept setting buds through it all. Soapy water with a little windex (thanks Deb!) have taken care of them for now. Check by running a finger along the underside of a few leaves. If your finger comes out with a rusty-brown stain, they are back. (my eyes aren't good enough to spot the little webs unless they're wet, or I'm wearing my glasses)