Search found 694 matches

by oppalm
Mon Mar 02, 2009 2:11 pm
Forum: Indoor Palms
Topic: triangle palm
Replies: 2
Views: 3605

Hey wyatt sounds like you got a great deal. Give us an idea of where you are and what you grow. It is a good idea to put your location and your growing zone in your tag or in your signature so everyone knows where you coming from.
by oppalm
Mon Mar 02, 2009 2:06 pm
Forum: Member Introduction
Topic: Hello from Florence, KY
Replies: 8
Views: 7570

welcome Michael. nice to meet you and glad to have another tropical nut on board. There is alot of good information here, hope you participate , learn and share.
by oppalm
Fri Feb 27, 2009 6:13 am
Forum: Cycads
Topic: Split Caudex
Replies: 37
Views: 26430

I agree with Kansas. Those posts were headed down a destructive path. I too would be intertested in learning about the cycad scale but only if it remains civil and is informative and not accusatory.
by oppalm
Thu Feb 26, 2009 6:02 am
Forum: Cycads
Topic: Split Caudex
Replies: 37
Views: 26430

Here is a little fairness and objectivity for you. In fairness to Steve, this thread was about his split zamia caudex and the efforts he put forth to save it from the compost pile. I think its amazing that Steve's zamia recovered so beautifully from the split caudex syndrome. and quite objectively I...
by oppalm
Wed Feb 25, 2009 4:44 pm
Forum: Indoor Palms
Topic: Trachy Fortunei loves it at my work.
Replies: 2
Views: 3611

shoot that looks nice. I think I would like to have a T Fortunei that looked that good. Nice job, it apparently likes work.
by oppalm
Tue Feb 24, 2009 9:53 am
Forum: Indoor Palms
Topic: Majesty palm
Replies: 2
Views: 6023

the majesty palms roots are very sensitive to being disturbed. You can decide if your are willing to loose one or more of the palms by dividing.
by oppalm
Sun Feb 22, 2009 6:05 pm
Forum: Cold Hardy Palms
Topic: Question for you vetran trachy owners who protect their tree
Replies: 16
Views: 9751

I think you want to keep it dark and covered as long as possible. The roots are still very cold and not allowing the transfer of water from roots to fronds so the fronds are dying out. Cover it back up for at least another 30 days. I'll uncover my stuff in late March or early April (depending on the...
by oppalm
Sun Feb 22, 2009 5:52 pm
Forum: Member Introduction
Topic: Hello from S. IL
Replies: 4
Views: 6883

welcome Tom, you sound positvely "nuts" ................ just like the rest of us. Nice to meet you. You will fit in just fine. ask questions, post pictures, tell us of your palm and tropical plant growing experiences.
by oppalm
Sun Feb 22, 2009 6:04 am
Forum: Greenhouse & Outside Protection
Topic: winter protection, zone 6
Replies: 64
Views: 34571

no fountain. Just a few chairs a table and a tiki bar under cover. Thats it.
by oppalm
Sat Feb 21, 2009 2:07 pm
Forum: Greenhouse & Outside Protection
Topic: winter protection, zone 6
Replies: 64
Views: 34571

welcome hatfam. There is a new member introduction area on the main forum page. Introduce yourself there and tell us what you are growing and for how long. Nice to meet you.

hardyjim - I don't think that was me with the quiz. I certainly don't remember giving a quiz.
by oppalm
Sat Feb 21, 2009 5:51 am
Forum: Greenhouse & Outside Protection
Topic: winter protection, zone 6
Replies: 64
Views: 34571

I have no pans to leave anything outside permanently, but as long as the temps stay in the 50's and the lows in the 30's , I'll leave them out. Nothing like some fresh air and a little humidity to snap life back into the palm trees.
by oppalm
Fri Feb 20, 2009 6:01 am
Forum: Greenhouse & Outside Protection
Topic: winter protection, zone 6
Replies: 64
Views: 34571

Jim - come on down, there is space under the leaf pile, this morning it was a balmy 42F (5C) under the tarp. If your a big guy you toes might stick out one end, just make sure you have two pair of socks on and you'll be fine. Our long range forecast calls for temps in the 50'sF (10's C) all next wee...
by oppalm
Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:12 am
Forum: Greenhouse & Outside Protection
Topic: winter protection, zone 6
Replies: 64
Views: 34571

Barb, the mini christmas lights will probably be your best bet to wrap your palm. You have plenty of time to think and rethink and worry. I have had excellent luck with the cheap wireless thermometers. I paid about $10 each for my 4 thermometers and trust their accuracy. I have had them for 3 years ...
by oppalm
Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:06 am
Forum: Greenhouse & Outside Protection
Topic: winter protection, zone 6
Replies: 64
Views: 34571

Barb, the mini christmas lights will probably be your best bet to wrap your palm. You have plenty of time to think and rethink and worry. I have had excellent luck with the cheap wireless thermometers. I paid about $10 each for my 4 thermometers and trust their accuracy. I have had them for 3 years ...
by oppalm
Thu Feb 19, 2009 5:59 am
Forum: Greenhouse & Outside Protection
Topic: winter protection, zone 6
Replies: 64
Views: 34571

three things ; 1. first of all Barb it appears your thermomemter might be broken , its reading in celsius. :lol: just kidding. b. There has been enough documented winter protection methods posted over the last couple of years that I feel confident that you (Barb) can overwinter your Trachy just fine...
by oppalm
Wed Feb 18, 2009 1:10 pm
Forum: Greenhouse & Outside Protection
Topic: winter protection, zone 6
Replies: 64
Views: 34571

Hey Barb - my thermometer(s) is wireless, got it at Walmart for like $10. I believe it to be very accurate. I have 4 thermometers inside and outside my house. My wife thinks (knows) I am nuts. I just enjoy knowing the temperature everywhere. Don't know anything about thermometers with cords. I think...
by oppalm
Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:00 pm
Forum: Greenhouse & Outside Protection
Topic: winter protection, zone 6
Replies: 64
Views: 34571

just a follow up note , the temps in the pile continue to stay in the 40's during the day and high 30's at night, thats farenheit. 2 weeks ago the temps were into the 60's and I uncovered the pile, dug down to the palms and they look great, nice and green. I am really surprised the temps stay so hig...
by oppalm
Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:52 am
Forum: Soil
Topic: Compost tips
Replies: 7
Views: 9838

during spring time when we get alot of rain I will throw a tarp over my compost pile so it does not get too wet. You could do just the opposite and wet your pile with the garden hose and then throw a heavy duty tarp over it to both hold in the moisture and help heat the pile up.
by oppalm
Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:47 am
Forum: Cold Hardy Palms
Topic: Trachycarpus Tesan
Replies: 43
Views: 68387

The T Tesan do look like they have a stockier full figured trunk. I have enough palms in my collection right now. It is tempting though. Good luck Jim.
by oppalm
Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:27 pm
Forum: Off Topic Area
Topic: MY NEW BABY GIRL!!
Replies: 10
Views: 6983

congratulations Wes. Babies ...... got to love them. My (our) next baby will be a grandbaby. Hopefully that will be a few years down the road. Gotta get the boys out of college first.
by oppalm
Wed Feb 11, 2009 4:37 pm
Forum: Photo Gallery
Topic: Video of Scandinavian palms
Replies: 5
Views: 3312

It doesn't seem right, but no reason for jealousy Barb. I am guessing we all have our challenges growing palms in northern climes. I'll bet our friends form Scandanavia don't have 3 dypsis decaryi that rock so successfully like yours.
Those were good pics though.
by oppalm
Tue Feb 10, 2009 4:31 pm
Forum: Indoor Palms
Topic: Tis the season! New fronds
Replies: 32
Views: 20327

nice work barb. your plants love your little piece of paradise. Great work with dypsis decaryi. Love those palms, I have two of them, fairly small but the heel is starting to get large. I know nothing about the LED lights but if it is working for you let us know. Looks kind of like you may be doing ...
by oppalm
Sat Feb 07, 2009 6:56 am
Forum: Indoor Palms
Topic: Re-potting a sick Pygmy Date Palm & some misc.
Replies: 26
Views: 24310

too bad about the stem. oh well. if there were no challenges to this hobby it would be no fun. I mean, imagine if all your palm trees grew to 10 feet tall with no problems and no work. That would not be any fun. It is a shame when you lose a nice tree, but now you can look for another one.
by oppalm
Sat Feb 07, 2009 6:46 am
Forum: Cold Hardy Palms
Topic: A few pics to pass the time...
Replies: 11
Views: 7678

the styrofoam boxes have become quite the trend/rage in 2008. I can hardly wait until next winter when I will build my own s-box. Keep us updated with your experiences with your box and what you would do different next time.
by oppalm
Fri Feb 06, 2009 5:32 am
Forum: Germination
Topic: Sabal etonia ~ Scrub Palmetto
Replies: 14
Views: 6321

Barb - you go girl. fertilizer is one part of the equation. IMHO heat and humidity is what makes palms grow fast. My sababls that I have inside in my warm humid basement under lights are growing better and look nicer than the ones I have growing in my garage under the same type lights. The only diff...
by oppalm
Thu Feb 05, 2009 6:50 pm
Forum: Germination
Topic: Sabal etonia ~ Scrub Palmetto
Replies: 14
Views: 6321

How are your outside ones doing?[/quote] not sure , have not looked at them since they were covered in November. Its supposed to be 65F here for the next 3 days , and on Saturday I will pull the plastic back, dig in the leaves and check my sabals out. If it works out i'll get a picture or two also.
by oppalm
Wed Feb 04, 2009 6:39 pm
Forum: Photo Gallery
Topic: New growth.
Replies: 16
Views: 9792

Barrie apparently somebody is a show off. Nice lookin' stuff this time of year. What is your average daily high and low this time of year?
by oppalm
Sat Jan 31, 2009 12:20 pm
Forum: Indoor Palms
Topic: Re-potting a sick Pygmy Date Palm & some misc.
Replies: 26
Views: 24310

bummer steve. reminds me of a haircut I got one time at a cut rate place. I think I agree with Barb about salt build up in containers. I repot most everything with fresh soil every 2-3 years. when they start to decline for no apparent reason, it usually is a soil problem. I had a liv cheninsis that ...
by oppalm
Thu Jan 29, 2009 6:21 pm
Forum: Germination
Topic: Ceratozamia hildae ~ Bamboo Cycad
Replies: 8
Views: 4495

steve you must store plants in every house in town. With every picture you show I wonder just how much stuff you have. Nice pics.
by oppalm
Thu Jan 29, 2009 6:15 pm
Forum: Greenhouse & Outside Protection
Topic: winter protection, zone 6
Replies: 64
Views: 34571

here it is the end of Jan 2009, and my pile of covered leaves has not gone below 30F in weeks. The pile heats up during the day into the 40's F and then drops to the early 30's F each night. It just seems weird that the temps in the pile have become predictable. OK I'm sick of winter now. where is s...
by oppalm
Sun Jan 25, 2009 9:13 am
Forum: Indoor Palms
Topic: Spider mites and my findings (long)
Replies: 7
Views: 6872

very sorry about the cheap attempt at humor. I was making reference to your previous post listing the HPS lights on craigslist. typed it incorectly. thats what I get for trying to be too cute. Please accept my apologies and I will refrain from any more attempts at humor for the next 15 minutes.
by oppalm
Sun Jan 25, 2009 9:07 am
Forum: Germination
Topic: OK Steve, gonna need your help here
Replies: 15
Views: 9033

great pictures Steve. There is a certain satisfaction that goes with germinating seed. It pays to have patience, because the darn palm trees take forever to grow up. i still germinate way too many seeds and am not sure what to do with them at this point. i can't throw them away and they are taking o...
by oppalm
Sat Jan 24, 2009 11:17 am
Forum: Seed Exchange
Topic: Trachycarpus nanus seeds
Replies: 2
Views: 4810

very nice find. I think I will spend some time in his store , and buy some seeds. just what I need.
by oppalm
Fri Jan 23, 2009 10:07 am
Forum: Other Plants of Interest
Topic: My first Bromeliad
Replies: 4
Views: 3385

they say not to separate the pups until they are about 1/3 the size of the mother plant. They are pretty easy to water because they catch lots of water in the "cup". bromelaids are cool. I think you will like them.
by oppalm
Thu Jan 22, 2009 7:28 pm
Forum: Seed Exchange
Topic: Sabal minor seed
Replies: 8
Views: 9520

Hey dean, you were kind enough to send me some sabal minor seeds in early Jan 2009, and they just germinating this week. I should be a sabal growing fool in a few months. Thanks again.
by oppalm
Thu Jan 22, 2009 7:13 pm
Forum: Indoor Palms
Topic: Spider mites and my findings (long)
Replies: 7
Views: 6872

Patrick any updates on your experiment here.? By the way, I know where you can buy some MH lights cheap.
by oppalm
Thu Jan 22, 2009 7:11 pm
Forum: Germination
Topic: Sabal etonia ~ Scrub Palmetto
Replies: 14
Views: 6321

all my sabals grow s-l-o-w also. Must have something to do with the 3 months of winter I subject them to each Dec Jan Feb. I'll bet if I lived in Florida I could really grow a nice looking sabal.
by oppalm
Thu Jan 22, 2009 7:06 pm
Forum: Other Plants of Interest
Topic: My first Bromeliad
Replies: 4
Views: 3385

Very nice looking plant Barb. I bought one of those last winter, it grew to good size over summer. The main plant (momma) died and it grew like 5 or 6 pups on the side that I am overwintering now under flourescent lights and will separate and plant in the springtime. I do like the bromelaids and if ...
by oppalm
Thu Jan 22, 2009 7:01 pm
Forum: Other Plants of Interest
Topic: I wonder if I could fit this into my variegated collection.
Replies: 4
Views: 3858

I believe its variegated, so it must go in your collection. That looks like ..... uh oh ..... I am getting the munchies.
by oppalm
Thu Jan 22, 2009 6:56 pm
Forum: Indoor Palms
Topic: Cheap grow lights in Kansas
Replies: 2
Views: 3636

nice find there Patrick. too far a drive for me and re-wiring anything is a threat to my safety (if you know what I mean). Undoubtedly someone will get some nice lights cheap.