Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Thursday - January 12, 2012
From: Douglassville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation, Cacti and Succulents
Title: Speeding up growth of Hesperaloe parviflora (red yucca)
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Sean Watson
QUESTION:
I have germinated Hesperaloe parviflora, Red Yucca, for our Caddo Native plant sale. I have kept in the cool greenhouse for 2 months and they are about 2 inches. A friend put one outside and they froze down. Could you supply transplant and growing information to facilitate fastest growth for a sale in May?ANSWER:
Our nursery manager, Sean Watson, has this advice:
"They will grow faster in warmer temperatures (if possible, 80 to 90 degrees would be great). If not, you can keep them in your cool greenhouse until danger of frost has passed and try to let the greenhouse get as warm as it can. Really well drained media helps decrease death by rot (you can water them more than you think to make them grow much faster). They do fine outside in pots after they have developed their "bulb" and have been allowed to harden off before the coldest winter temps come. I have never had problems with mature plants down into single digits, at least."
I hope this helps you get your plants ready for your Caddo Native Plant Society plant sale.
More Propagation Questions
Growing grapes from seed in California
April 22, 2008 - Can I grow grapes from seed? If so, what is procedure?
view the full question and answer
Transplanting sumacs in Ontario
August 23, 2010 - I live in Aylmer Quebec. I have 10 baby sumac in my back yard and want to transplant them at my cottage in southern Ontario on Lake Simcoe. When can I do this and how?
view the full question and answer
Blazing stars plants in Sanderson, FL
June 15, 2009 - I planted some blazing stars & they did not come up.What is the best way to start them out?
view the full question and answer
Should I remove the flowering stalk from my Dasylirion leioiphyllum?
March 23, 2009 - We transplanted a plant that is new to us but going through your photos on your website, it appears that we have a Dasylirion Leiophy. My question is this.. Are we supposed to cut the 6' stem that f...
view the full question and answer
Propagation of indoor plants for school project
January 28, 2008 - I have an assignment for school that requires that I get two indoor plants. One has to grow in water and one has to grow in soil. Each plant needs to grow at a fast pace, and at about the same pace....
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
