Dec 26, Bay leaves are also commonly known as Laurel leaves or Sweet Bay leaves.

Bay Leaves are also commonly known as Laurel leaves. The leaves are not edible in the dried form, but are used in a wide variety of culinary dishes to lend its distinct aroma and flavor. It also is commonly used for alternative medicine preparations, especially during the ancient times.

Herb Description

The medium sized green leaves of the evergreen perennial Bay tree plant. The tree can grow up to a height of 40 feet, but if grown in a container, will stay small.

The bark of the Bay tree is Grey. The flowers of the Bay tree are small and yellow. The fruit of the Bay tree is round, small, purple berries.

The herb has a distinct aromatic property. The herb leaves are commonly presented in the dried form. There are many different kinds of Bay trees, but for culinary purposes, it is the Laurus Nobilis that is used.

Growing Requirements For Bay Leaves

Bay trees can be planted indoors or outdoors. It will do well in full sun or partial sun. The plant will thrive in nutrient rich soil that has good drainage properties. Make sure to fertilize this plant regularly.

Bay trees are not winter hardy. During a cold spell, if it is possible, take the tree plant indoors or cover with hardware fleece. Young plants that are outside need an additional layer of mulch.

If the Bay tree is to be planted outdoors, there should be enough space for the roots to grow. It is not advisable to plant this near any other plant or near structures.

Dig a hole around a meter deep to place in the sapling. Cover loosely with soil and make sure to water regularly, especially during the first year. It is possible to prune the Bay plant when the foliage gets dense. You can make it into a landscaping attraction by forming it into topiary.

If the Bay tree is to be grown in a container, whether it be for indoors or outdoors, make sure that the container is large enough to accommodate a tree that is 5 feet high. The growing requirements remain the same as that of the outdoor plant, though it is possible that you would have to water less often.

Harvesting Bay Leaves

After the Bay tree has been growing for a couple of years, the leaves are ready to harvest. Cut off the leaves with a pair of pruning shears, leaving about 2 cm of the stem attachment. Choose the larger and older leaves that have no tears or whole. Wash well and dry them.

The Leaves can be dried by place them on a screen and placing them under the sun for two to three days.

Make sure that the leaves are not touching each other. The herb leaves are dried when they are can get crushed easily.

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Nov 26, The Umbrella Plant Is Also Known As The Arboricola Trinette

The umbrella plant is also known as the arboricola trinette, parasol plant, the octopus tree and the dwarf umbrella tree, and this native of Taiwan has become a gorgeous plant to use when you are looking to add some very handsome foliage to your gardening or landscaping.

When looking to recognize the Arboricola Trinette and to see what it can add to your home, you'll find that it comes in a green variety and in a variegated variety.

The former is a lovely uniform dark and shiny green, while the later has streaks of creamy white or lighter yellow. The leaves themselves are long and rather oval shaped, and the tops of the plant spread out in a circle of five to nine leaves, which give the plant its unique umbrella-like appearance. During the summer, you may see red spiky flowers that will eventually turn into orange berries.

What do you need to make sure that your Arboricola Trinette is going to thrive. Keep it away from hot direct sunlight, but you'll find that this is a highly adaptable plant. As long as there is a good light source, it can learn to tolerate many situations.

If you notice your plant developing yellowing leaves, you need to give it more light. Keep in mind that the variegated varieties need more light than other varieties. Also make sure that you take care to fertilize the plant properly. A small amount of liquid fertilizer is appropriate, but try to keep it very light or to stop at all during the winter months. A period of ?hibernation? can be very good for your plant.

The Umbrella Plant is a good choice if you live in a dryer area, or even if you are not all that diligent about watering your plants in general.

Make sure that the soil does not get too wet, and if you keep the plant indoors, make sure that the pot has good drainage. You should only water it when you that the soil is nearly dry or that the leaves are starting to wilt.

Leaves that fall off or turn black mean that the plant is getting too much water. When growing your Arboricola Trinette indoors, make sure that you mix coarse sand or perlite with the soil to keep air flowing through it.

If you are growing your plants outside, there are a few pests and diseases that the Arboricola Trinette is particularly vulnerable to.

Be are of mealy bug, caterpillars, fungus gnats, and spider mites, which love to nestle under the leaves. Also keep an eye out for scales and aphids, which can also trouble this short plant.

Take some time and really consider how lovely an umbrella plant can look in your home and garden. They look quite handsome next to showier specimens and the red flowers that you will get in season can compliment any garden.

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I have a mature, indoor, umbrella plant (non-variegated)that is producing excessive sap, which drips all over my kitchen floor. Needless ...

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