A Fern With Curious Growths
Question
I’m wondering what to do with the long, pale green growths coming out of the base of my fern. I don’t find them very aesthetically pleasing. Would I harm the plant’s growth if I cut them off?
Answer
The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a beautiful subtropical fern.
The “long pale green growths” you mention are its runners. In the wild, they run just about everywhere and, when they touch the ground, produce new plants. Moreover, if you want babies of your fern, you just have to fix the end of the runner on the soil of an adjacent pot and a seedling will form.
However, other than for propagation purposes, most fern enthusiasts find these stolons unattractive and remove them. I suggest you do the same for the exhibition.
This text was originally published in Le Soleil on April 14, 2007.
Mother-In-Law’s Tongue Is Blooming Again
Question
I have a mother-in-law’s tongue that has been in its corner for at least 5 or 6 years and which has decided this year, for the first time, to produce a flower. Is this common? And why a flower this year?
Answer
It is not uncommon for sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue (Dracaena trifasciata) to flower, and their flowers have a sweet scent in the evening. However, it is an extremely slow-growing plant and can wait many years before flowering again. It is not an exact science, but stable conditions favor their appearance. One thing is certain, however: if your plant flowers, it means it likes the conditions in which you are growing it. Don’t change anything and you should see flowers again… one day!
This text was originally published in Le Soleil on April 9, 2009.
Field Mice in the Grass
Question
I have field mice on my lawn. A neighbor advised me to put mothballs in their holes. Is this effective?
Answer
No. Mothballs will only force them to make more holes. What’s more, they are toxic to humans, pets and wildlife. However, traces of tunnels in your lawn are easy to repair. Pour in some good soil and reseed with a mixture of grasses and you won’t be able to tell the difference in a few weeks.
This text was originally published in Le Soleil on April 29, 2006.
The “long pale green growths” you mention are its runners. In the wild, they run just about everywhere and, when they touch the ground, produce new plants.
Thank you for the answer to mice in my lawn. FYI if they live in Toronto or suburbs its probably rats they are seeing and not mice. Still do not believe in poisoning any creature. They can encourage owls, hawks, racoons, foxes to eat them.