

The Plant Doctor

IN THE GARDEN
For all your gardening questions just ask,
THE PLANT DOCTOR
Dr. Hy. Drangea, PhD
From Plantsylvania
HYPERTENSION? HIBISCUS MAY BE YOUR CUP OF TEA!!
Hibiscus tea is made from the petals of the bright-red flowers of Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Hibiscus tea seems to act as an ACE inhibitor, similar to the blood-pressure drug lisinopril. In a small study, it was tested head-to-head with lisinopril and found to be about equally effective. The same clinical team found that it worked better than hydrochlorothiazide, a standard blood-pressure medication.
Get your cup of Red Hibiscus Tea and enjoy the relief of lower blood pressure!


THE BENEFITS OF PLANTS
Houseplants not only brighten up a room but also create a relaxing atmosphere and offer real health benefits. Common houseplants have been shown to purify indoor air, removing toxic emissions like ammonia, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene.
Studies also show that houseplants can reduce cold-related illnesses. A NASA study found that houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxins in just 24 hours, improving indoor air quality significantly.
CARE & HANDLING OF A ROSE
STEP 1: FEED & HYDRATE THEM
Roses are over 90% water, so proper hydration is crucial. Use a commercial flower food to extend their vase life by up to six days.
STEP 2: PROTECT THEM
Prevent ethylene damage with Silver Thiosulfate or 1-MCP (commercially known as EthylBloc or Ethylene Buster).
STEP 3: KEEP THEM COLD
Cold temperatures conserve energy, promoting flower opening and extending vase life.
These steps are provided on behalf of Dr. Hy. Drangea and Terril A. Nell, AAF, Ph.D.


CHRISTMAS CACTUS CARE AND INFORMATION
While the Poinsettia remains the most popular of the holiday plants, a healthy Christmas Cactus in full bloom is a great gift idea for that special gardener. They are easy to care for and can be grown indoors throughout the year. The flowers range in color from yellow, salmon, pink, fuchsia, white, or combinations of these colors.
- Common name ~ Christmas Cactus
- Scientific name ~ Schlumbergera bridesii – ZygoCactus
- Origin ~ A group of epiphytic cacti native to the South American jungles
MUMS THE WORD
Mums make great garden plants because they are perennials, meaning they come back for several years or longer and don’t have to be replanted each year. Mums are a wonderful addition to the garden, providing color and variety to any landscape. With proper care, you can enjoy the same plants for many seasons.


NORFOLK PINE CARE
Watering and misting
Norfolk Island pine trees need moisture and require consistent watering. Water them thoroughly each week during the growing season to keep the soil slightly moist. Don’t allow them to dry out, particularly during the summer. During the inactive winter months, let the soil dry out completely and then water lightly.
AMARYLLIS CARE
Here’s an easy step-by-step plan to get your amaryllis to bloom again:
1. Keep it cool through the holidays.
Enjoy your amaryllis for the maximum time possible by placing it in a location with diffuse light and cool indoor temperatures in the 60°F range. Keep it barely moist. When you water, be careful not to get the portion of the bulb that sticks above the soil wet. If you have a large bulb, you may get two or three flowering stalks that bloom over a period of several weeks.


Discover expert tips for growing healthy plants.
Ask The Plant Doctor today and thrive!
© 2025 Allied Growers, Inc.