Tag: stems

  • 4 Signs Your Pot Plant Is Male or Female

    4 Signs Your Pot Plant Is Male or Female

    4 Signs Your Pot Plant Is Male or Female

    When cultivating hashish, understanding the intercourse of your vegetation is essential for profitable development and harvest. Female and male pot vegetation exhibit distinct traits that may enable you to determine their gender early on. This information empowers you to segregate vegetation, stopping undesirable pollination and making certain optimum yields. By studying easy methods to differentiate between female and male pot vegetation, you acquire larger management over your cultivation course of, maximizing each high quality and amount.

    Transitioning easily from the introduction, let’s discover the telltale indicators that distinguish male pot vegetation from their feminine counterparts. Male vegetation usually produce pollen sacs, small constructions resembling tiny balls. These sacs comprise pollen, the male reproductive cells liable for fertilizing feminine flowers. Figuring out these pollen sacs is a transparent indication of a male plant. In distinction, feminine pot vegetation develop pistils, often known as “hairs” or “stigmas.” Pistils are hair-like protrusions that obtain and seize pollen from male vegetation, facilitating fertilization and seed manufacturing.

    Past the presence of pollen sacs or pistils, there are further refined cues that may enable you to inform male from feminine pot vegetation. Male vegetation usually exhibit quicker development charges and develop narrower leaves with fewer leaflets in comparison with feminine vegetation. They could additionally produce fewer branches and have a much less outstanding central stalk. Feminine vegetation, then again, are inclined to develop extra slowly and develop broader leaves with extra leaflets. In addition they usually have extra branches and a extra pronounced central stalk. Observing these traits together with the presence of pollen sacs or pistils will give you a complete understanding of your vegetation’ intercourse, empowering you to make knowledgeable cultivation choices.

    Affect of Lighting on Gender Expression

    The size of day, or photoperiod, is a vital consider triggering the flowering stage in hashish vegetation. Throughout the vegetative stage, vegetation stay in a juvenile state and don’t produce flowers. When the photoperiod is diminished to 12 hours of sunshine and 12 midnights, vegetation start to flower. This variation in photoperiod triggers a hormonal response that causes the plant to provide both male or feminine flowers.

    Usually, female and male vegetation will start to point out their intercourse inside 2-3 weeks of the photoperiod change. Male vegetation will produce small, pollen-sac-like flowers on the base of the stem, whereas feminine vegetation will produce small, white hairs referred to as pistils on the nodes of the plant.

    In some circumstances, vegetation could exhibit each female and male traits, a situation generally known as hermaphroditism. Hermaphrodites can produce each pollen and seeds, making them undesirable for many growers.

    The next desk summarizes the impression of photoperiod on gender expression in hashish vegetation:

    Photoperiod Vegetative Stage Flowering Stage
    18+ hours of sunshine Sure No
    12-18 hours of sunshine No Sure (feminine flowers)
    Lower than 12 hours of sunshine No Sure (male flowers)

    Chemical Evaluation for Gender Willpower

    Chemical evaluation can present a extremely correct technique for figuring out the gender of a hashish plant. This includes testing the plant materials for the presence of particular chemical compounds which might be related to every intercourse.

    1. Gasoline Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

    GC-MS is a strong analytical approach that separates and identifies totally different chemical compounds based mostly on their molecular weight and construction. By analyzing the chemical profile of a hashish plant, GC-MS can detect the presence of particular cannabinoids and terpenes which might be indicative of male or feminine vegetation.

    2. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

    ELISA is an immunological approach that makes use of antibodies to detect the presence of particular proteins in a pattern. Within the case of hashish vegetation, ELISA can be utilized to detect the presence of proteins which might be related to both male or feminine vegetation.

    3. Polymerase Chain Response (PCR)

    PCR is a molecular biology approach that amplifies particular DNA sequences. By utilizing primers which might be designed to focus on genes which might be particular to male or feminine hashish vegetation, PCR can be utilized to find out the gender of a plant.

    4. Stream Cytometry

    Stream cytometry is a way that makes use of lasers to research the bodily and chemical properties of particular person cells. By sorting cells based mostly on their measurement, form, and fluorescence, movement cytometry can be utilized to determine the intercourse of hashish vegetation based mostly on variations in cell measurement and the presence of particular fluorescent markers.

    5. Plant Hormone Evaluation

    Hashish vegetation produce totally different hormones relying on their gender. Male vegetation produce auxin and gibberellin, whereas feminine vegetation produce cytokinin and ethylene. By measuring the degrees of those hormones in a plant, it’s attainable to find out its gender.

    Hormone Male Crops Feminine Crops
    Auxin Excessive Low
    Gibberellin Excessive Low
    Cytokinin Low Excessive
    Ethylene Low Excessive

    Sensible Functions of Gender Identification

    Figuring out the intercourse of a hashish plant is essential for each cultivation and breeding. Male vegetation produce pollen, which may fertilize feminine vegetation and end in seed manufacturing. This may be undesirable for these in search of to develop sinsemilla (seedless) marijuana. Moreover, male vegetation usually have decrease ranges of THC and different fascinating cannabinoids in comparison with feminine vegetation.

    8. Breeding and Pressure Growth

    Figuring out the intercourse of hashish vegetation is crucial for selective breeding and pressure growth. Breeders purpose to cross particular female and male vegetation to mix their fascinating traits and create new strains with enhanced efficiency, taste, or different traits.

    Understanding the gender of vegetation permits breeders to regulate the genetic make-up of their offspring and create personalized strains tailor-made to their particular wants and preferences.

    Attribute Male Feminine
    Flowers Pollen sacs Calices
    Stems Skinny and spindly Thick and durable
    Leaves Slender and serrated Broad and finger-like
    Odor Robust and musky Candy and floral
    Pollen Produced Not produced
    Seeds Not produced Produced (when fertilized)

    Figuring out the Gender of a Pot Plant

    Understanding the gender of a pot plant, generally known as a hashish plant, is essential for each cultivators and shoppers. Figuring out the intercourse of your plant permits you to optimize development, stop undesirable pollination, and decide the potential efficiency and yield. This is a information that can assist you precisely determine the gender of your pot plant:

    Moral Concerns in Gender Willpower

    Earlier than inspecting the bodily traits, it is important to think about the moral implications of gender willpower. Hashish vegetation are legally labeled as a Schedule I drug in lots of jurisdictions, making their cultivation and consumption a delicate subject. In some areas, it might be unlawful or extremely regulated to own or domesticate feminine pot vegetation, which produce buds containing psychoactive substances. Due to this fact, it is essential to pay attention to the native legal guidelines and rules earlier than trying to find out the gender of a pot plant.

    Male Pot Crops

    Male pot vegetation usually develop pollen sacs, clusters of tiny spherical constructions discovered on the decrease branches or fundamental stem. When mature, these sacs rupture and launch clouds of pollen, which may journey by way of the air to fertilize feminine vegetation. Male vegetation typically produce fewer trichomes (resin glands) and have a shorter lifespan than feminine vegetation.

    Figuring out Male Pot Crops

    • Pollen sacs on the decrease branches or fundamental stem
    • Fewer trichomes
    • Shorter lifespan

    Feminine Pot Crops

    Feminine pot vegetation produce flowers that become buds, which comprise the psychoactive compounds sought by shoppers. These buds are characterised by their excessive focus of trichomes, which produce resin wealthy in cannabinoids. Feminine vegetation additionally produce pistils, hair-like constructions that stretch from the flowers and are important for receiving pollen.

    Figuring out Feminine Pot Crops

    • Flowers that become buds
    • Excessive focus of trichomes
    • Pistils (hair-like constructions) on the flowers

    10 Suggestions for Visible Identification

    1. Look at the decrease branches or fundamental stem for pollen sacs (male) or flowers (feminine).
    2. Search for the presence or absence of pistils (feminine solely).
    3. Observe the trichome density, which is usually larger in feminine vegetation.
    4. Verify the plant’s total measurement and construction. Male vegetation are typically taller and thinner, whereas feminine vegetation are sometimes shorter and bushier.
    5. Take into account the timing. Feminine vegetation usually begin producing buds about 2-3 weeks after the male vegetation present pollen sacs.
    6. Examine the leaf form. Feminine vegetation usually have wider and extra rounded leaves than male vegetation.
    7. Look at the stem shade. Male vegetation could have a reddish or purple stem, whereas feminine vegetation usually have a inexperienced stem.
    8. Search for hermaphroditic traits. Some vegetation could have each female and male traits, producing each pollen sacs and buds.
    9. Use a magnifying glass to reinforce visibility.
    10. Take into account genetic components. Completely different strains could exhibit various traits, making visible identification tougher.

    How To Inform If Pot Plant Is Male Or Feminine

    When rising hashish, you will need to be capable of inform the distinction between female and male vegetation. Male vegetation produce pollen, which may fertilize feminine vegetation and trigger them to provide seeds. This may be undesirable, as it could actually cut back the efficiency of the buds and make them much less useful. Feminine vegetation, then again, don’t produce pollen and can solely produce buds if they’re pollinated by a male plant. Due to this fact, you will need to be capable of determine female and male vegetation early on to be able to take away the males earlier than they’ve an opportunity to pollinate the females.

    There are just a few other ways to inform if a pot plant is male or feminine. A method is to have a look at the leaves. Male vegetation usually have leaves with 5 or seven leaflets, whereas feminine vegetation usually have leaves with 9 or eleven leaflets. One other technique to inform is to have a look at the flowers. Male vegetation produce small, yellowish flowers that develop in clusters, whereas feminine vegetation produce bigger, white flowers that develop singly. Lastly, you can too inform the distinction between female and male vegetation by their odor. Male vegetation have a extra pungent, skunky odor, whereas feminine vegetation have a extra candy, floral odor.

    If you’re not sure whether or not a pot plant is male or feminine, it’s best to attend till it has flowered earlier than making a call. This gives you probably the most correct outcomes.

    Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Inform If Pot Plant Is Male Or Feminine

    How can I inform if my pot plant is male or feminine with out flowering?

    There isn’t a surefire technique to inform if a pot plant is male or feminine with out flowering. Nevertheless, there are some things you possibly can search for which will provide you with a clue. Male vegetation usually have leaves with 5 or seven leaflets, whereas feminine vegetation usually have leaves with 9 or eleven leaflets. Male vegetation additionally are typically taller and have a extra open, spindly development behavior than feminine vegetation. Lastly, male vegetation could produce small, yellowish flowers on the base of the plant, whereas feminine vegetation won’t produce any flowers till they’ve flowered.

    What occurs if a male pot plant pollinates a feminine pot plant?

    If a male pot plant pollinates a feminine pot plant, the feminine plant will produce seeds. This may be undesirable, as it could actually cut back the efficiency of the buds and make them much less useful. It’s due to this fact essential to take away male vegetation out of your develop space earlier than they’ve an opportunity to pollinate the females.

    How can I stop my pot vegetation from pollinating one another?

    There are some things you are able to do to forestall your pot vegetation from pollinating one another. One is to develop your vegetation in separate rooms or areas. One other is to make use of a display screen or different barrier to separate the female and male vegetation. You can too take away the male vegetation out of your develop space earlier than they’ve an opportunity to pollinate the females. Lastly, you need to use feminized seeds, which solely produce feminine vegetation.

    What are the advantages of rising feminine pot vegetation?

    There are a number of advantages to rising feminine pot vegetation. First, feminine vegetation produce buds, that are the a part of the plant that comprises the best focus of THC and different cannabinoids. Second, feminine vegetation don’t produce pollen, which may fertilize different vegetation and trigger them to provide seeds. This may be undesirable, as it could actually cut back the efficiency of the buds and make them much less useful. Lastly, feminine vegetation are typically extra proof against pests and illnesses than male vegetation.

  • 4 Signs Your Pot Plant Is Male or Female

    5 Key Signs to Identify a Dead Rose Bush

    4 Signs Your Pot Plant Is Male or Female

    How To Know If A Rose Bush Is Dead

    Roses are lovely flowers that may add a contact of magnificence to any backyard. Nonetheless, even probably the most lovely roses can finally die. For those who’re unsure whether or not or not your rose bush is useless, there are some things you may verify. First, check out the leaves. If the leaves are brown and crispy, it is a signal that the bush isn’t getting sufficient water. Nonetheless, if the leaves are inexperienced and wholesome, it is a good signal that the bush remains to be alive. Subsequent, check out the stems. If the stems are brown and woody, it is a signal that the bush is useless. Nonetheless, if the stems are inexperienced and versatile, it is a good signal that the bush remains to be alive. Lastly, attempt to scratch the bark of the bush. If the bark is inexperienced and moist, it is a signal that the bush remains to be alive. Nonetheless, if the bark is brown and dry, it is a signal that the bush is useless.

    For those who’re nonetheless unsure whether or not or not your rose bush is useless, you may attempt to prune it. If the bush remains to be alive, it should begin to develop new leaves and stems. Nonetheless, if the bush is useless, it is not going to develop any new development. Pruning can be a great way to take away any useless or diseased branches from the bush. This can assist to maintain the bush wholesome and looking out its finest. For those who’re unsure tips on how to prune a rose bush, you may seek the advice of with a neighborhood nursery or gardening middle. They will offer you directions on tips on how to correctly prune your bush.

    Seen Indicators of Life or Demise

    Observing the bodily traits of a rose bush can present helpful clues about its well being standing. Listed below are the important thing indicators to search for:

    Inexperienced Leaves and Stems

    Wholesome rose bushes have vibrant inexperienced leaves and stems. Discoloration or a lack of chlorophyll can point out stress or illness. Yellowing leaves might sign nutrient deficiencies, whereas brown or useless leaves could possibly be an indication of drought, frost injury, or illness. Wholesome stems are agency and pliable, whereas mushy, mushy, or brittle stems point out potential issues.

    New Progress

    Actively rising rose bushes produce new leaves and stems all through the rising season. The presence of latest development is a optimistic signal that the plant is alive and thriving. Conversely, a scarcity of latest development might counsel dormancy, stress, or root injury.

    Wholesome Canes

    Canes are the primary structural branches of a rose bush. Wholesome canes are agency to the contact and have a easy, outward-curving development sample. Useless canes, alternatively, are brittle, discolored, and should have inward-curving development.

    Desk 1: Key Seen Indicators of Rose Bush Well being

    Alive Useless
    Leaves Inexperienced, vibrant Yellowing, brown, useless
    Stems Agency, pliable Tender, mushy, brittle
    New Progress Current Absent
    Canes Agency, easy, outward curve Brittle, discolored, inward curve

    Inspecting the Roots

    Digging up and analyzing the roots can present helpful clues to the well being of a rose bush. Wholesome roots must be agency, white or cream-colored, and fibrous. They need to even have a slight woody really feel. Unhealthy or useless roots, alternatively, will likely be mushy, mushy, or brittle. They might even be discolored, showing brown or black. If the vast majority of the roots are broken or useless, it’s unlikely that the rose bush will be saved.

    Listed below are some further observations you may make when analyzing the roots:

    Remark Indication
    Roots are quick and stunted Potential root rot or nutrient deficiency
    Roots are overgrown or circling Pot-bound situation, requiring repotting
    Roots are lined in white or grey fuzz Mycorrhizal fungi, which may profit the plant
    Roots are naked of feeder roots Potential root injury or nutrient deficiency
    Roots have a foul odor Root rot or different an infection

    Bear in mind to totally wash your palms after dealing with rose bush roots to forestall the unfold of any pathogens.

    Checking the Canes

    Scratch Check

    Use your fingernail or a pointy object to scratch the bark of the cane. If the interior bark is inexperienced, the cane is alive. If the interior bark is brown or black, the cane is useless.

    Bend Check

    Bend the cane gently. If the cane is alive, it should bend with out breaking. If the cane is useless, it should snap simply.

    Prune Check

    Prune a small part of the cane, about 1/2 inch lengthy. If the reduce floor is inexperienced and moist, the cane is alive. If the reduce floor is brown or dry, the cane is useless.

    Here’s a desk summarizing the outcomes of the three checks:

    Check Dwell Cane Useless Cane
    Scratch Check Inexperienced interior bark Brown or black interior bark
    Bend Check Bends with out breaking Snaps simply
    Prune Check Inexperienced and moist reduce floor Brown or dry reduce floor

    Observing Leaf and Petiole Well being

    A wholesome rose bush can have lush, inexperienced leaves with sturdy, versatile petioles (leaf stems). Nonetheless, if a rose bush is useless or dying, its leaves and petioles will probably exhibit sure indicators of misery.

    Leaf Look

    Look at the leaves intently for any discoloration, akin to yellowing, browning, or blackening. Yellowing leaves might point out nutrient deficiency, whereas brown or black leaves could be a signal of illness or frost injury. Moreover, search for wilting, curling, or stunted development, which may all point out stress or dehydration.

    Petiole Energy and Flexibility

    Gently bend the petioles of a number of leaves. Wholesome petioles must be agency and versatile, with no indicators of cracking or breaking. Weak or brittle petioles might point out that the plant isn’t receiving sufficient water or vitamins.

    Petiole Attachment

    Verify the purpose the place the petioles connect to the stem. If the petioles are simply indifferent, it could possibly be an indication that the plant is dying or has been broken. Firmly connected petioles point out a wholesome connection between the stem and the leaves.

    Here’s a desk summarizing the important thing observations to make relating to leaf and petiole well being:

    Symptom Potential Trigger
    Yellowing leaves Nutrient deficiency
    Brown or black leaves Illness or frost injury
    Wilting leaves Water stress
    Curling leaves Nutrient deficiency or pests
    Stunted development Water or nutrient stress
    Weak or brittle petioles Water or nutrient deficiency
    Simply indifferent petioles Dying or broken plant

    Indicators of a Useless Rose Bush

    Figuring out if a rose bush is useless will be difficult, however there are a number of telltale indicators to look at for:

    Illness or Pest Injury Identification

    Roses are prone to a variety of illnesses and pests that may trigger important injury and even result in the plant’s demise. Widespread signs of illness or pest injury embrace:

    1. Leaf Recognizing and Discoloration

    Diseased or pest-infected leaves typically develop brown or black spots, yellowing, or a mottled look.

    2. Wilting and Drooping

    Affected leaves might wilt and droop, dropping their turgidity and changing into limp.

    3. Stunted Progress

    Contaminated or infested crops might exhibit stunted development or a failure to provide new leaves and shoots.

    4. Powdery Mildew

    Characterised by a white powdery substance on leaves and stems.

    5. Black Spot

    Causes darkish brown to black spots on leaves that may defoliate the plant.

    6. Aphids

    Tender-bodied bugs that feed on plant sap, inflicting stunted development and yellowing leaves.

    7. Spider Mites

    Tiny, spider-like creatures that type webbing over leaves and stems, inflicting chlorotic (yellowed) and stunted leaves. Webbing can seem within the forks of stems.

    Symptom Potential Trigger
    Brown or black spots on leaves Fungal illness, akin to black spot
    Yellowing and wilting Pest infestation, akin to aphids
    Stunted development Viral an infection

    Environmental Elements and Stress

    Climate Extremes

    Excessive temperatures, drought, or extreme rainfall can put stress on rose bushes, resulting in their decline. Shield them by offering shade throughout intense warmth, watering throughout drought, and draining extra water after heavy rains.

    Nutrient Deficiencies

    Roses require particular vitamins to thrive. Deficiencies in nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium can weaken the plant and make it extra prone to illness and dying. A soil check can decide the nutrient ranges and information you in addressing any deficiencies.

    Pests and Illnesses

    Bugs and illnesses can assault rose bushes, inflicting injury to leaves, stems, and roots. Monitor your crops often and take immediate motion to manage pests and deal with illnesses. Utilizing pesticides and fungicides could also be vital.

    Improper Cultural Practices

    Overwatering, inadequate daylight, or incorrect pruning strategies can stress rose bushes. Water deeply however sometimes, present at the least 6 hours of daylight day by day, and prune based on advisable practices.

    Different Environmental Elements

    Air pollution, soil compaction, or close by development actions may negatively affect rose bushes. Contemplate these components when selecting a planting location and take measures to mitigate their results.

    Desk: Indicators of Stress in Rose Bushes

    Symptom Potential Trigger
    Yellowing leaves Nutrient deficiency, drought, overwatering
    Wilting Drought, warmth stress, illness
    Stunted development Nutrient deficiency, root injury, overcrowding
    Leaf drop Drought, illness, pests

    Monitoring and Analysis

    Often examine your rose bushes for indicators of stress or injury. Early detection and immediate motion can forestall additional decline and save your crops.

    Searching for Skilled Recommendation

    If all else fails, consulting an expert can present helpful insights and steering. Contemplate the next choices:

    Choice Description Concerns
    Horticulturalist A specialist in plant care who can assess the well being of the rose bush and supply knowledgeable suggestions. Extra charges might apply; might have restricted availability.
    Backyard Middle Workers Educated people who can present recommendation on troubleshooting and potential options. Could not have the identical degree of experience as a horticulturalist; could also be restricted by retailer stock.

    When looking for skilled recommendation, present clear particulars concerning the rose bush’s situation, together with signs, age, and any latest modifications in care. Be ready to reply questions on watering, fertilizing, and pruning practices. By collaborating with a educated skilled, you may enhance the probabilities of figuring out the difficulty and restoring the rose bush to well being.

    When to Settle for the Inevitable

    It may be tough to simply accept {that a} beloved rose bush has reached the tip of its life. Nonetheless, there are a variety of indicators that may assist you to decide if it’s time to let go:

    1. Lack of latest development: Wholesome rose bushes will produce new development every year. In case your rose bush has not produced any new development for 2 or extra seasons, it’s probably useless.
    2. Sparse or discolored foliage: Wholesome rose bushes have lush, inexperienced foliage. In case your rose bush’s leaves are sparse, discolored, or have brown or black spots, it could possibly be an indication of illness or dying.
    3. Lack of blooms: Wholesome rose bushes will produce blooms all through the rising season. In case your rose bush has not produced any blooms for 2 or extra seasons, it’s probably useless.
    4. Brittle or useless canes: Wholesome rose canes are versatile and inexperienced. In case your rose bush’s canes are brittle or useless, it’s a signal of dying.
    5. Tender or mushy roots: Wholesome rose roots are agency and white. In case your rose bush’s roots are mushy or mushy, it’s a signal of dying.
    6. Fungal development: Fungal development on the rose bush’s canes, leaves, or roots is an indication of illness or dying.
    7. Bugs: Bugs can infest rose bushes and trigger injury that may result in dying.
    8. Excessive climate circumstances: Excessive chilly, warmth, or drought can injury or kill rose bushes.
    9. Age: Rose bushes have a lifespan of 5-10 years. In case your rose bush is older than 10 years, it’s extra prone to die.
    10. Different components: There are a selection of different components that may contribute to the dying of a rose bush, akin to improper care, poor soil circumstances, or competitors from different crops.

    In case you are uncertain whether or not or not your rose bush is useless, you may at all times seek the advice of with an expert arborist or rose grower.

    How To Know If A Rose Bush Is Useless

    1. Verify the Stems: Wholesome rose stems are agency and inexperienced. If the stems are brittle, brown, or black, it may point out the plant is useless or dying. Scratch the outer bark of the stems gently together with your fingernail. For those who see inexperienced tissue beneath the floor, the stem remains to be alive. If it is brown or black, it is useless.

    2. Look at the Leaves: Wholesome rose leaves are darkish inexperienced and leathery. If the leaves are yellow, brown, or wilted, it could possibly be an indication of illness or dying. Verify for any indicators of pests or bugs, as these may trigger leaf injury.

    3. Verify the Base: Look at the bottom of the rose bush the place the stems meet the soil. Wholesome crops can have a agency, white or cream-colored base. If the bottom is mushy, mushy, or brown, it may point out root rot or different issues.

    4. Scratch the Bark: Scratch the bark of the rose bush together with your fingernail. If the bark is inexperienced beneath the floor, the plant remains to be alive. If the bark is brown or black, the plant is useless.

    5. Water Check: Water the rose bush deeply after which verify the soil after just a few hours. If the soil remains to be dry, it may point out that the roots are useless or broken and unable to soak up water.

    For those who discover any of those indicators, it is necessary to take motion to avoid wasting your rose bush or take away it whether it is useless.

    Individuals Additionally Ask

    How do you revive a useless rose bush?

    If a rose bush isn’t fully useless, it could be potential to revive it. Prune away all useless or dying stems and leaves, then water the plant deeply and fertilize it. Present loads of daylight and defend the plant from pests and illnesses.

    What are the frequent causes of rose bush dying?

    Widespread causes of rose bush dying embrace root rot, fungal illnesses, pests, drought, and excessive temperatures.

    How will you forestall rose bush dying?

    To stop rose bush dying, select an acceptable planting location with well-draining soil and loads of daylight. Water often, particularly throughout scorching and dry climate. Fertilize the plant often and prune away any useless or dying stems and leaves. Shield the plant from pests and illnesses through the use of applicable therapies or pure cures.