A: Low chill apricots have been specially
developed for subtropical regions like Central and South Florida, where the climate
is not typically conducive for apricot cultivation due to the high number of
chill hours required. This is also true for other fruit trees such as plums
and peaches. However, through successful hybridization, several low chill
varieties have been created that require less than 300 hours of cold weather
below 45 degrees.
One such example is the low chill Katy Apricot tree, which only requires 250 chill hours and is
self-fertile. It is a popular choice among homeowners due to its large size, rich
flavor, and free-stone characteristics with a semi-sweet, low-acid taste. Katy
Apricot tree typically bears fruit early, usually in May.
Calathea is a beautiful and popular houseplant known for its unique and colorful
foliage. Here are the steps to grow calathea indoors:
1. Choose a suitable location: Calathea plants prefer bright,
indirect sunlight, so choose a location near a window with filtered light. Avoid
direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. 2. Select a pot that is slightly larger than the plant's root ball
and has drainage holes. Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix that is
rich in organic matter. Plant at the same depth as it was in its previous
pot. 3. Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Use room temperature
water and avoid using hard water or water that contains high levels of
minerals. 4. Provide humidity: Calathea plants thrive in humid conditions, so
provide them with regular misting or place a tray of water near the plant to
increase humidity. You can also use a humidifier to maintain optimal humidity
levels. 5. Fertilize: Apply Sunshine Boosters liquid fertilizer. It is safe
to feed the plant with Rubusta formula with every watering and year around. Feeding plants is
especially important in Spring when active growth starts. 6. Prune any yellow or damaged leaves regularly to keep the plant
healthy and attractive. Use clean, sharp scissors to make clean cuts.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow a beautiful and
healthy Calathea plant and any beautiful container plant indoors.
"...Time spent among trees is never time wasted..."
- Katrina Mayer -
One of the most impressive and massive trees in the world - Ceiba pentandra - Kapok Tree. A majestic tropical tree! The ancient Maya of Central America
believed that a great Ceiba tree stood at the center of the earth... Would you
like to try growing it in the center of your backyard? Considering it will
take decades to grow this big...
Ficus macrophylla (Banyan). Did you know that exotic Banyan Trees are close related to Fig trees?..
Date: 14 Apr 2022
Our Ukrainian team update:
Happy Birthday Dasha!
Born amid the war...
A happy update from our Sunshine Boosters team member in Ukraine, Anatoly Bychko: a baby girl
is born! "...We expected our baby when the war started... So my wife and I left
the basement and drove hundreds of miles trying to get away from deadly
missiles and find a working hospital... We left everything we had, lost our home,
only took our Cat Belyash ("dumpling"). Now we started our new life in a new
city... with a newborn little person - our Angel. Her name is Dasha!.."
