Cougar print. (Oregon City, Oregon) 1976-1977, February 10, 1977, Image 4

Historic Oregon Newspapers

Cougar print., February 10, 1977, Page 4, Image 4

Image provided by: Clackamas Community College; Oregon City, OR

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Newspaper Page TextBasket cases treated in CCC plant hospita By Cindy Ralston Staff Writer Those who own house plants realize how hard it is to keep plants healthy and grow ing well. Changes in temperature, too much or too little light or water, not enough nitro gen or other nutrients, too small a pot or insect infestation may all result in an un healthy plant or eventually no plant at all. Clackamas Community College, however, has a new program started by the horticul ture department which offers individuals the opportunity to bring in house plants that are not doing well. Horticulture instructor Phil Evans and horticulture work study student Linda Cor bett diagnose, water, feed and fertilize plants in what could be called a plant hos pital. The work is actually done in a green house and so far the program has received 20-30 plants that have been brought in by students. Horticulture instructor Phil Evans (above) examines the needs of two members of the Pilea species. Below Linda Corbett tends a sick Wandering Jew. Both Evans and Corbett are involved with the CCC plant hospital. "Some of the plants that are brought in are basket cases," said Evans. He diagnoses the problem and then attempts to solve it and make the plant healthy again. Some of the problems encountered by Evans are easy to diagnose and some are difficult. "It's fun trying to diagnose what went wrong," said Evans, "and it gives stu dents a chance to see difficult situations." "Many plants are overgrown instead of really sick," said Evans. This situation is remedied by taking cuttings from the plant and repotting them. A Wandering Jew (Zebrina pendula) was brought in for example, that was long, straight and nearly leafless. After taking cuttings and planting them in the same pot, the plant looked like new. Some plants may be over watered, such as the Christmas or Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) that was brought in. The plant had green and p green leaves with crimson highlii indicated a history of nitrogen and severe drought. Careful wi fertilizing will solve this probl roots of the plant are not to damaged. Evans said not much can be plants brought in that are suffe root rot. Symptoms of root rot looking wilted and turning themse ward. The leaves may look as th are hanging limp, but actually holding themselves down. A plant suffering from root sometimes be saved by taking cuttings and rooting them. Evans said however, that a re often produces poisons that trave out the vascular system of a pla cuttings therefore may not survive. * Evans said a plant was event with mushrooms growing besidei was obviously a result of too wets tions. Often a plant will simply bep too small a pot such as a Silver ar Friendship Plant (a Pilea speciesl brought in. The plant had appare bought from a supermarket andl been transplanted from its two in probably dreid out frequently asa it had been planted in a larger pot have had room for new, less conf growth and a sufficient amountol grow well. Plants suffering from warm, dr also grow poorly and the leaves brown and dry. Dropping of leaves be a symptom of too warm condi generally the only remedy for this is to move the plant to a cooler humid room. Occasionally misting the plant» to keep it moist will not do. Grouping plants or providing water but raising the pots with a gravel so their bases aren't sittii water (to avoid root suffocatior root rot) will help raise the humidil "We would like people to bring« said Evans, "but if they have certs lems sometimes nothing can be! Would like to see plants brought! so they can be saved." Evans said he would welcomed of new plants or plant starts i gladly trade plants for something!» "We are currently trying to bi stock of plants to put in the offices! out the campus," said Evans. "If* large enough supply we may putt stairwells and other locations on® Evans began work this year as) ture instructor at CCC and taugt culture at a community college fornia. He has studied soils and hortiai six years, working mainly in is during that period. "Our goal is to get the horticl agriculture program tied into camp® munity and industry," said Evans." trying to maintain a strong andac# culture program." Evans said the horticulture pl* gram is designed for the campus* campus community and he hopes* some type of flower or plant sho# play the program efforts and achie* Photos by Jerry Wheeler Page 4 Thursday, February ’ observer