ru | Avocadocumentary Week 15 (Reply)

I think we've hit another plateau, Avobaby-wise. The new leaves are continuing to get big and strong, but other than that, no real action. So, only one picture this week. I'll beef things up by fulfilling at least part of

liich's picture request.

I took this picture shortly after watering Avobaby, hence why it's doing the weepy palm tree act once again. I'm a little bothered by the fact that it was wanting water now, particularly since I watered it only a few days ago. I'm seriously thinking that it may be time to move Avobaby into a new pot, though I was hoping to be able to wait until the weather gets a little warmer. I'm worried about doing it now, since it's still rather cold outside, and I don't want to risk cold-shocking Avobaby. Although, I'm starting to develop a potting queue, as I have a couple of rooted cuttings that are ready for dirt. So I guess we'll see what the weather's like tomorrow, and if it isn't too bad, maybe I'll bite the bullet and do it.

And now, on to picture requests! Unfortunately, I didn't do all of my plants, as I did a headcount on a whim, and discovered all in all, I have *40* potted plants, not counting Hal and the new cuttings. Mind you, this is just pots. If we count individuals, then including the Horde, I have over 100 plants. In the words of Homestar Runner, "I think I have a serious problem."

Anyway, so I took pictures of a few of the denziens.

I figure it'd be apt to start of with my oldest plant. This is my spathiphyllum, affectionately known as the "Swamp Plant", due to its love of copious amounts of water. I learned early on that when it's thirsty, it doesn't just sit there and tolerate it until the last moment, when it finally wilts, then keels over and dies--when it wants water, it Lets. You. Know. Mostly by wilting enthusiastically. I practically panicked the first time it did that, because I was certain I killed it. However, after lots of babying and watching, it perked right back up. And now, whenever it starts to go wilty, like an experienced parent, I don't freak out--I'll water it when I get around to it.

There in the foreground is one of the more recent accquirements, an African violet cutting. Note my oh-so-chic method of using old Cool Whip tops as drainage catchers. In the back there is Avobaby, looking all emo and cool.

This little guy is a Black Dragon coleus. It was growing in a Gothic terrarium I got for Christmas and subsequently found its way up through one of the ventilation holes, at which point it went hog wild with the whole growing thing. When it came time to take the top off to water it again, I had to cut it in order to get in there. Not having the heart to throw out such a healthy-looking hunk of plant, I rooted and potted it. Now it's doing nicely. <3

And finally, we have Fred. Fred is a Norfolk Island Pine that we got at the local hardware store. I love Norfolk Island Pines--I was first introduced to them in my first botany class in college, where one was featured during the gymnosperm segment, and became enamored with their soft needles. When I come across one now, I can't help but pet it. ^_^;

And yes, that is a plastic bag underneath it.

This concludes this installment of Ru's Indoor Garden!