Strange Plant Monday: Strangler Fig

Stranlger Fig

                          
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    You would think that being a tree you wouldn't have to put up with being strangled. I mean really, how do you strangle a tree? Well, leave it to nature to find a way, the strangler fig.
   Strangler figs start out on a host tree and send their roots to the ground. They grow around the tree and form a barrier. As the years pass, the strangler fig kills the tree. The tree will rot and leave a hollow structure, a strangler fig tree,pictured below.
    Rain forests have an intricate, entwined vine system. If the strangler fig kills the tree before it can establish a secure base the tree will fall, and bring several others down with it. So it seems nothing is safe in the rain forest.
   


                
                                                        Image Source                               


    -Wesley
                                                 
                

Dianthus

  Dianthus (Dianthus) ,with USDA Hardiness zones 4-8. Dianthus is a low growing mounding plant, meaning it will grow in dome-like shape. They have a deep green, grass-like leaf that magnifies the pinks, whites, reds, and purples available.

    Dianthus thrive in full sun (6+hours).and enjoy a semi-moist to semi-dry soil. (A drought tolerant plant). Over watering dianthus can lead to root rot that can kill the plant. The plant will turn yellow if it is being over water. Often times I will stick my finger into the soil, if it dry 3" down I water it.

             Pruning is simple: Remove any spent flowers throughout the season (these are the flowers that have bloomed and begin to die), they will turn brown. During midsummer dianthus will grow to around 4-30" tall and 4-18" wide. They make great cut flowers for indoor decoration.

The above information has worked for well me. Feel free to leave any questions or additional information in the comments. Thanks.

        -Wesley