Environmental Horticulture

Zhanao Deng andSandra B. Wilson

'Bloomify™ Red’ and ‘Bloomify™ Rose’ are two new infertile Lantana camara cultivars that have been developed as alternative to the invasive forms of this species, a Category I invasive species in Florida.

Zhanao Deng

'Cranberry Star' has a unique combination of leaf and tuber characteristics that make it ideal for use as a potted plant or for growing as an accent or border plant in shady landscapes (Deng et al. 2008). 'Cranberry Star' produces bright white leaves with green veins, similar to the leaves of 'Candidum', one of the most popular caladium varieties. However, 'Cranberry Star' is distinct in that it has numerous bright purple spots on its leaves.

Zhanao Deng

Caladiums are valued in landscapes and containers for their colorful and variable-shaped leaves. Two types of caladium cultivars exist in commercial production: fancy- and lance-leaved. ‘Florida Sweetheart’ is the most popular lance-leaved commercial cultivar of all colors. It produces wide lance leaves with a rosy color and relatively large tubers. ‘Florida Red Ruffles’ is the most popular red, lance-leaved commercial cultivar among caladium growers, greenhouse growers, and nurseries. It has excellent sunburn tolerance. Both cultivars were introduced by the University of Florida (UF) caladium breeding program.

Zhanao Deng and Brent K. Harbaugh

Zhanao Deng

Many lance-leaved cultivars often produce small tubers, making it difficult for growers to produce tubers profitably. ‘Sizzle’ and ‘Passionista’ are two new lance-leaved caladium cultivars with improved tuber yield potential. The availability of ‘Sizzle’ and ‘Passionista’ may expand the color palette for caladium plants desired by greenhouse growers, nurseries, and gardeners. This fact sheet discusses the cultivars' tuber yield potential, container trials, landscape performance, growing recommendations, and availability.

Zhanao Deng, Natalia A. Peres, andJohan Desaeger

‘Lava Glow’ is a new and novel caladium cultivar that produces bright red to red-purple heart-shaped leaves with strong sunburn tolerance and is resistant to leaf spot diseases. This new 7-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department is prepared for growers who are interested in growing caladium as a horticultural crop and for greenhouse or nursery growers who are interested in producing potted caladium plants. Written by Zhanao Deng, Natalia A. Peres, and Johan Desaeger.

Zhanao Deng, Brent Harbaugh, R. K. Schoellhorn, andR. C. Andrews

Julian Ginori, Sandra B. Wilson, Wisnu Ardi, andHeqiang Huo

Wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens-cultorum) is commonly propagated through seeds and cuttings. However, for mass clonal propagation to maintain select traits or for controlled genetic studies, micropropagation and tissue culture serve as alternative means of propagation. This publication explains the differences between micropropagation and tissue culture, providing a breakdown of the stages involved in each process. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably due to similar procedural stages, they differ in their source of explant materials and primary objectives.

Tere Davidson, Melissa DeSa, and Héctor E. Pérez

Seed saving is the art and practice of preserving and sharing seeds from desired open-pollinated plants. Saving seeds has many benefits and motivations that may include improving the adaptability of a crop to a region or microclimate, preserving cultural traditions and foods, growing for nutrient density and flavor preferences, saving on the cost of seed purchases, and connecting to local communities through seed sharing. For example, you may start saving seeds to preserve a beloved heirloom variety with flavors that remind you of home or to improve on a crop that performed particularly well. Saving your own seeds can save money, as one good growing season can produce many years' worth of seeds. This publication is for farmers and gardeners interested in producing, using, or donating seeds from open-pollinated plants. It recommends practices to produce, harvest, and store seeds from annual vegetable, fruit, and herb crops. This guidance is not intended for commercial purposes.

Tina McIntyre, Rachel Gutner, Hamutahl Cohen, Tiare Saracino, andEsen A. Momol

This new 8-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department defines different types of pests that a home gardener might encounter and encourages diversifying landscapes as a solution to pest problems. It focuses on what is called “the triangle” of IPM, a guide to managing pests using multiple methods, and provides examples of Integrated Pest Management tools that can be applied in the home context to address these pests. Several links to resources relevant to edible Florida-Friendly landscapes are included.

Sydney Park Brown

Revised! ENH-17, a 3-page illustrated fact sheet by Sydney Park Brown, describes this popular house plant that grows and flowers under light conditions found in the average home, including requirements for lighting, temperature and humidity, soil and pots, watering, fertilizer, propagation and pest management. Includes references.

Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, andRyan Klein

Seaside joyweed is a native, drought and salt tolerant, herbaceous groundcover. It is well suited as a groundcover or may cascade when planted near the edge of a wall, and may be used in coastal landscaping and habitat restoration.

Sydney Park-Brown andRobert J. Black

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Stephen H. Brown, Philip F. Harmon, Sheryl van der Heiden, Ryan Czaplewski, Ralph E. Mitchell, andDavid Outerbridge

Fungi make up approximately 90% of known plant pathogens. One of the most common fungal diseases of plants is anthracnose. The name anthracnose represents a group of related fungal diseases that affect many different landscape and crop plants. This publication is intended to provide information to professional landscapers, pest control operators, Extension agents, and homeowners on how to recognize and potentially manage anthracnose diseases of landscape plants. It includes 47 images of common plants affected by the disease.

Gail Hansen
Other Contacts: Keighly Graves

Marco Schiavon, J. Bryan Unruh, andKevin E. Kenworthy
Other Contacts: A. J. Lindsey

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s).

Gail Hansen
Other Contacts: Keighly Graves

Laurie E. Trenholm, Travis W. Shaddox, Marco Schiavon, andJ. Bryan Unruh
Other Contacts: A. J. Lindsey

Bermudagrasses are among the most widely used warm-season grasses. Improved, fine-textured bermudagrasses are used throughout the South on golf courses, athletic fields, and in high-profile residential and commercial landscapes where a fine-textured, dense ground cover is desired. This publication reviews current cultivars available in Florida and best management practices for maintaining bermudagrass lawns in Florida. Minor revision by L. Trenholm, M. Schiavon, J.B. Unruh, and T. Shaddox; 5 pp.

Robert H. Stamps, Yuvraj Khamare, andChris Marble

Benghal dayflower has many characteristics that make it a very troublesome weed in Florida landscapes, nurseries and other agricultural production areas. This 5-page article is written for green industry professionals and others to aid in the identification and management of benghal dayflower in and around ornamental plants. Major revision by Yuvraj Khamare, Chris Marble, and Robert Stamps, and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department.

Yuvraj Khamare, Chris Marble, Nathan S. Boyd, andShawn Steed

Grantly E. Ricketts andChris Marble

Kaley Mierek, Chris Marble, Nathan Boyd, and Shawn Steed

Yuvraj Khamare, Chris Marble, Nathan S. Boyd, andShawn Steed

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Management for Commercial audience(s). Published by Integrated Pest Management

Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, and Nathan S. Boyd

A UF/IFAS numbered Management for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Thomas Smith and Chris Marble

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by Integrated Pest Management

Thomas Smith, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, andNathan S. Boyd

Galinsoga is an erect (upright), herbaceous, short-lived warm-season annual weed in Florida landscapes, container nurseries, and other agricultural production systems. This article is written for green-industry professionals and others to aid in the identification and management of galinsoga in and around ornamental plants.

Thomas Smith, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, and Nathan Boyd

Shawn Steed, Chris Marble, Nathan S. Boyd, Andrew W. MacRae, andKiran Fnu

Theresa Chormanski, Chris Marble, and Lyn Gettys

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, and Nathan S. Boyd

Ping Yu, Chris Marble, andErnest Kraka

Johnsongrass is a warm-season perennial grass and one of the most persistent and troublesome weeds in the southern United States. This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department was developed to help commercial nursery growers, landscapers, and other green industry professionals identify and manage johnsongrass. Written by Ping Yu, Ernest Kraka, and Chris Marble.

Chris Marble, Marc S. Frank, Dail Laughinghouse, Shawn Steed, and Nathan Boyd

Theresa Chormanski, Chris Marble, andLyn A. Gettys

This fact sheet discusses the characteristics of long-stalked phyllanthus and explains how to control its growth in a nursery environment.

Chris Marble andShawn Steed

This 4-page fact sheet discusses the characteristics of mulberry weed (Fatoua villosa) and explains how to control its growth in a nursery environment.

Matt Lollar and Chris Marble

A UF/IFAS numbered Management for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Debalina Saha, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, andNathan S. Boyd

Yuvraj Khamare andChris Marble

Poison ivy is an allergenic plant of the cashew family native to North America. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac all grow in Florida and contain the oily resin called urushiol. This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department was written to aid landowners, gardeners, horticulturalists, and pest management professionals in identification and management of poison ivy in residential and commercial landscapes. Written by Yuvraj Khamare and Chris Marble.

Yuvraj Khamare, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, and Nathan Boyd

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Management for Commercial audience(s). Published by Integrated Pest Management

Evan Anderson, Pawel Petelewicz, and Chris Marble

This new 7-page article was written for homeowners and green industry professionals to aid in the identification and management of the three most common pusleys, including Florida, Brazilian, and largeflower pusley (Richardia spp.), in turfgrass and landscape planting beds. Written by Evan Anderson, Pawel Petelewicz, and Chris Marble, and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department.

Robert H. Stamps, Debalina Saha, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, andNathan S. Boyd

Yuvraj Khamare, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, and Nathan Boyd

Yuvraj Khamare, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, andNathan S. Boyd

The name tasselflower refers to two similar and closely related species, red or lilac tasselflower and Florida tasselflower. These species are very common in Florida nurseries, greenhouses, and landscapes. This new 6-page article was developed to help nursery growers, landscape professionals, and the general public identify tasselflower species, understand their biology, and provide information on ways to manage this weed. Written by Yuvraj Khamare, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, and Nathan Boyd.

Shawn Steed, Chris Marble, andNathan S. Boyd

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). Published by Integrated Pest Management

Yuvraj Khamare, Candice Prince, and Chris Marble

Torpedograss is one of the most invasive perennial grass species in Florida landscapes. This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department was written for green industry professionals and others to aid in the identification and management of torpedograss in landscape planting beds. Written by Yuvraj Khamare, Candice Prince, and Chris Marble.

Debalina Saha, Chris Marble, Nathan Boyd, and Shawn Steed

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Management for Commercial audience(s). Published by Plant Systems

Sydney Park Brown and Robert J. Black

Includes description, related species, planting and care, propagation, and pest and disease problems.

Timothy K. Broschat

Chronic boron deficiency is believed to be caused by soil drying and high soil pH, while temporary deficiency is caused by heavy leaching. It results in a wide array of symptoms, not only among species of palms, but also within a single species. This revised 5-page fact sheet contains many illustrations to aid in diagnosis and management recommendations.

Sydney Park Brown

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s).

Sean M. Campbell, Brian Pearson, Chris Marble, Danielle Yuabov, andKatherine Witrick

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Food Systems

Zhanao Deng, Natalia A. Peres, and Johan Desaeger

Caladium is an ornamental aroid valued for its variably shaped bright foliage. Two new lance-leaved cultivars, ‘Pink Panther’ and ‘Crimson Skye’, were released in 2020 by the UF/IFAS caladium breeding program to meet the need for more lance-leaved cultivars. This article is prepared for growers who are interested in growing caladium as a horticultural crop and for greenhouse or nursery growers who are interested in producing potted caladium plants.

Zhanao Deng andBrent Harbaugh

T. W. Shaddox

Sydney Park Brown

Native to Asia, the first camellia plants were brought to America in 1797 and grown in New England greenhouses. Over the last 200 years, they have proven to be dependable additions to the southern landscape, where they grow and bloom with minimal care in most inland areas of North and Central Florida. Camellias are long lived and function well as foundation plantings, screens, accent plants, background groupings, and hedges. Camellias flower in the fall and winter when few other plants are blooming. For the remainder of the year, their glossy, evergreen foliage, interesting forms and textures, relatively slow growth, and low maintenance make camellias excellent landscape plants worthy of more use.

J. Bryan Unruh, A. J. Lindsey, andMarco Schiavon

Centipedegrass is a commonly grown, low input turfgrass used in landscapes throughout the state of Florida. This factsheet provide science based information on the culture and management of centipedegrass including mowing, irrigation, pest control, and cultural practices.

Sydney Park-Brown andTiare Saracino

Apply horticultural oils in January. Plant caladium bulbs in March. Watch for thrips, scale, and mites in May. Plant palms in June and July. Calibrate your sprinklers in September. This calendar tells what to plant and what to do in your central Florida garden in each month of the year.

Zhanao Deng

Cherry Tart™ is an attractive lance-leaved caladium variety with a novel combination of leaf characteristics (including bright red color, slightly undulate leaf margins, and a broadly cordate leaf shape) (Figures 1 and 2; Deng and Harbaugh 2011). It was released in April 2011 by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. In replicated field and greenhouse trials, tuber yield and pot plant quality were comparable or superior to 'Florida Red Ruffles' and 'Florida Sweetheart', currently the most popular red lance-leaved commercial variety and the most popular lance-leaved variety, respectively (Bell et al. 1998; Deng et al. 2008). Cherry Tart™ is well suited for producing pot plants and hanging baskets. Tuber de-eyeing produces fuller plants in small or medium containers (4–6 inches), but this practice is not required. Cherry Tart™ produces large numbers of bright red leaves and performs well in sunny and shady landscapes.

Jianjun Chen, Luping Qu, R. J. Henny, Cynthia A. Robinson, Russell D. Caldwell, and Yingfeng Huang

Jianjun Chen, Richard W. Henley, Richard J. Henny, Russell D. Caldwell, and Cynthia A. Robinson

Jianjun Chen

Edward F. Gilman, Laura Sadowski, Allyson Salisbury, Richard Hauer, Ryan Klein, Michael G. Andreu, Andrew Koeser, andAlyssa Vinson

Discusses site evaluation, modification, maintenance practices, desirable tree attributes, and tree selection.

Stephen H. Brown and Marc S. Frank

Timothy K. Broschat

ENH-92 describes how cold temperatures affect palms and how to treat them following a cold weather event.

Robert H. Stamps, Jianjun Chen, Seenivasan Natarajan, Andhra Pradesh, andLawrence R. Parsons

Sydney Park-Brown
Other Contacts: Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Wendy Wilber, andKeighly Graves

This document discusses the impact of cold temperatures on landscape plants in Florida, highlighting the differences between radiational and advective freezes. It explains how tropical, subtropical, and temperate plants respond to cold, and provides strategies for protecting plants before, during, and after a freeze. Key methods include utilizing microclimates, proper plant nutrition, watering, pruning, and using covers. The document also emphasizes the importance of acclimating plants and offers practical tips for homeowners to minimize cold injury and ensure plant recovery. Original publication date June 1990.

Erin E. Alvarez andGail Hansen
Other Contacts: Keighly Graves

J. Chen and R. J. Henny

Morgan G. Pinkerton, Brianna Whitman, Hannah Eason, andCelina Gómez

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without using soil. In hydroponics, plants can be grown either directly in a nutrient solution (water-culture) or in an inert media (media-culture). In media-culture, the type of media is critical to the success of plant production. Designed for hydroponic beginners, this new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department will cover the basic properties of media and specifically discuss media commonly used in hydroponics. Written by Morgan Pinkerton, Brianna Whitman, Hannah Wooten, and Celina Gomez.

Jeffrey G. Norcini

Yuvraj Khamare and Chris Marble

Plants inside our homes, offices, or those used as part of a patio garden have been shown to create a relaxed, productive environment and to improve indoor air quality. Overall, they are efficient, low-cost, and sustainable. While houseplants are safe to grow and provide many benefits, some can be toxic if ingested accidentally, which could be a concern for those with pets or small children. This publication is intended to inform homeowners, home gardeners, pest management professionals, and other plant enthusiasts of some of the most common poisonous plant species used as houseplants in Florida. It should be noted that while photos are provided of each species, there are many variations of each plant described, which could have different foliage color, variegations, slightly different leaf shapes, or flower colors.

Yuvraj Khamare and Chris Marble

In this rapidly urbanizing world, landscape plants serve as a convenient pathway for individuals to engage with nature. Due to Florida's subtropical climate, a vast array of diverse plant species is commonly used in home landscapes. However, it is important to note that many landscape plants can be toxic if consumed, posing risks to small children, pets, and even livestock such as cattle, horses, or sheep. These plant species can still be utilized in the landscape, but it is important to understand which species are toxic to prevent accidental exposure, particularly in environments where small children or pets could inadvertently come into contact with them. This EDIS publication informs home gardeners, pest management professionals, and other plant enthusiasts of some of the most common plants in home landscapes in Florida, focusing particularly on poisonous species that could potentially cause harm if ingested.

Yuvraj Khamare andChris Marble

This new 10-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department is intended to inform home gardeners, pest management professionals, and other plant enthusiasts of some of the most common poisonous invasive plants or weed species common in home landscapes in Florida, with particular focus on species that could potentially cause harm if ingested. Written by Yuvraj Khamare and Chris Marble.

Yuvraj Khamare andChris Marble

Weeds are a costly and continual threat to ornamental nursery profitability. Due to a lack of labeled postemergence herbicide options, growers typically rely on timely preemergence herbicide applications for weed control, among other methods such as hand-weeding. While preemergence herbicides are usually the most cost-effective method of weed control, labor and chemical costs can still be high. In some cases, costs can be reduced and weed control can be improved by making changes to the equipment that is used to apply preemergence herbicides, or by potentially changing the herbicide formulation that is used. This publication was written for nursery managers to provide an overview of the types of herbicide equipment that are commonly used in nursery production, to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each, and to highlight considerations regarding herbicide formulations and how they may impact different aspects of weed control and ornamental plant tolerance.

Kathy C Malone, Wendy Wilber, Gail Hansen, Jaret C. Daniels, Claudia Larsen, andEsen A. Momol
Other Contacts: Keighly Graves

Sydney Park Brown

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s).

Jianjun Chen andDennis McConnell

Tina McIntyre, Rachel Gutner, andSandra B. Wilson

This new 9-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department is for Florida homeowners, residential and commercial property managers, and landscape architects interested in creating aesthetically pleasing landscapes and to help individuals choose the right plant for the right place. Written by Tina McIntyre, Rachel Gutner, and Sandra Wilson.

Mack Thetford and Mary Salinas

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Urban Water

Nicholas Rabanal, Hannah Moribe, Chi Dinh Nguyen, andHeqiang Huo

Florida’s unique climate provides an extended growing season ideal for cultivating a wide variety of container flowers. This guide offers a comprehensive approach to successful container gardening, offering valuable insights into creating vibrant container gardens in central Florida. The publication highlights container trials conducted at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka, Florida, evaluating the performance of four flowering varieties—snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), stock flowers (Matthiola incana), pansies (Viola x wittrockiana), and China aster (Callistephus chinensis)—under central Florida's unique climate conditions. The results demonstrated that these species could thrive in containers with proper care and management, making them suitable for home gardeners and commercial growers alike.

Alan W. Meerow and Timothy K. Broschat

This document summarizes all the good practices for growing palms in containers. Container-grown palms are raised for essentially three markets: liners for field production wholesale or mass market retail sales for landscapes, and interior specimens, both mass market houseplants and interiorscape use. The largest market for container grown palms is the interior. Palms are outstanding plants for the interior environment. When properly acclimated, a large number of subtropical and tropical palm species are capable of residing under low light conditions for a relatively long period of time.

Edward F. Gilman, Jeffrey G. Norcini, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Gary W. Knox, Edward F. Gilman, Teagan Young, Ryan W. Klein, and Leynar Leyton

Pruning is one of the most controversial aspects of maintaining crapemyrtle. Traditionally, many crapemyrtles were routinely topped, leaving large branch and stem stubs. This practice has been called "crape murder" because most people dislike the winter appearance and many professionals believe the practice impacts crapemyrtle health and structural integrity. UF/IFAS research has clarified the effects of various crapemyrtle pruning practices that resulted in the recommendations in this publication.

J. Chen and R. J. Henny

Bill Schall, Heqiang Huo, and Jianjun Chen

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Jianjun Chen and Dennis B. McConnell

Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Dennis B. McConnell, Jianjun Chen, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Dennis B. McConnell, Jianjun Chen, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, and Richard J. Henny

Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, and Kelly C. Everitt

Dennis B. McConnell, Jianjun Chen, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Jianjun Chen, Dennis B. McConnell, Richard J. Henny, and Kelly C. Everitt

Dennis McConnell, Jianjun Chen, andKelly C. Everitt

Jianjun Chen, Richard J. Henny, and Dennis B. McConnell

Jianjun Chen andRichard J. Henny

Provides guidelines for commercial production of this colorful, velvety foliage plant: propagation, cultural requirements, common problems, and recommendations for interior use.

Sydney Park Brown

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Gail Hansen
Other Contacts: Keighly Graves

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

Maria Paz Kinslow, Jacob Muller, Daniel Crawford, Raúl Cabezón, Harrison Meekins, Robert Hochmuth, Paul R. Fisher, andWanda L. Laughlin

Manually washing the rhizomes of ginger and turmeric is a labor-intensive process that adds significantly to the cost of final harvested products. Commercially available automatic cleaning equipment makes the postharvest process easier, but only at a price and scale that would benefit large-scale operations. Our objective was to design and test rhizome cleaning equipment aimed at small farmers and to compare this with manual cleaning. This publication describes tips for harvest and presents designs of cleaning equipment that are easy for a small farmer to build and maintain while reducing labor costs.