Our Pineapple Plant

We have had this pineapple plant growing leaves for so many years that I have forgotten when I started it from a pineapple we bought at the store. It was just a couple of weeks ago that I looked in the middle of the plant and saw the new pineapple growing. When I saw this I was so excited and I just had to take some pictures and share them with you. I found a link as well to a site that is all about growing pineapples. And the most important thing that I gained from this website is, a pineapple needs little water, which is something that my plant hasn't gotten lately, so it has taken off. I always watered it too much. I can't wait to see how it grows and I will keep you all up-to-date.

Q & A - Plant with Orange Flowers that Always Blooms

Question: I am looking for a plant that blooms almost all the time and has orange flowers.
The plant you are looking for is called the firecracker flower (Crossandra infundibuliformis) and bears loose, soft tangerine-colored flowers. It blooms all year long as long as it has at least half-days of sunlight and night-time temperatures in the 60's.

Q & A - Growing Herbs

Question: Can I grow herbs indoors?
Yes, you can grow herbs indoors. Your herbs will need enough sunlight and also cool temperatures. Rosemary is the easiest, but basil, mint, parsley, thyme, chives and bay will grow as well. If you have been growing your herbs outside, you can bring them in during the winter and set them back out again in the spring.

Q & A - Ferns

Question: What type of fern would work best in a shady spot in my house?
The best type of fern would be the holly fern, Cyrtomium falcatum. It gets its name because it looks like English holly. This plant can grow in deep shade and needs little water and fertilizer.

Q & A - What is a hybrid plant?

Question: Could you please explain what a hybrid plant is?
A hybrid plant is the result of mating two related species of a genus, mating two genera, like with orchids or by mating true-breeding strains. Sometimes the result is a stronger, more attractive plant.

Q & A - Making Cut Flowers Last

Question: How do florists make cut flowers last?
1. They remove any leaves that would be below the waterline.
2. They cut a bit off the bottom of the stem to discourage bacteria from multiplying.
3. They use lukewarm water, not cold.
4. They add cut-flower food.
5. They add water daily.

Q & A - Oleander Bushes

Question: I recently visited Southern United States and I loved the oleander bushes. I live in a colder climate, so I can't grow them outside. Will they work as houseplants?
Nerium oleander (scientific name) can be grown as houseplants where there is lots of sun. Oleander bushes will begin to bloom when they are around 18 inches tall. You can keep them prumed to the length you desire. I would keep pets and young children away from these plants, because they are poisonous.

Q&A - Geraniums

Question: My geranium leaves do not have dark green rings and the plants have no flowers. What is wrong?
Not all geranium varieties have leaves, but it could be that there is not enough sunshine. The soil might be too wet. Keep your geranium in more sunlight, keep the soil drier and your plants should develop properly.