Vines

[DinaJean]

Will a stawberry plant that has formed into a vine climb? And what is the white fuzzy stuff on a portion of the stem? I also found the same white fuzzy stuff on a small wildflower and on a sucker growing off a fruit tree. I think I have a picture somewhere if need be.

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2nd vine question. Does a yam vine bloom and if so, when?

3rd vine question. Potato vine, heart shaped, white morning glory-looking flowers with a mauve base, right? Very deep taproot - how can I propagate this beauty. AND will the potato vine climb, or only trail and ramble on the ground? I really love the looks of it, does anyone have any suggestions on where to plant?

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[Newt]

You said, "Will a stawberry plant that has formed into a vine climb?"

If it's a wild strawberry the answer is yes.* If it's a cultivated one grown for the fruit, the answer is no.

Uh oh, the white fuzzy stuff sounds like mealy bugs.* Is this what you see?
http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/en...tals/1-44.jpeg

If you are only seeing just a few, you can use a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe them off.* Then spray the plants with insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days for about 3 weeks until you don't see them anymore.


"Does a yam vine bloom and if so, when?"

Yes, when it's mature enough.* I don't know how long that is.


"Potato vine, heart shaped, white morning glory-looking flowers with a mauve base, right?"*

Depends on the variety.

"...how can I propagate this beauty. AND will the potato vine climb, or only trail and ramble on the ground?"

Dig up the tuber and divide it.* Risky as they can rot.* They are tailing vines and will ramble.

"...any suggestions on where to plant?"*

I like to plant mine in pots that are tall enough so the vines cascade over the sides.* Window boxes are nice too.* I like them mixed in with other plants.

Keep in mind that you can research the answers to your questions at google.* Google is your friend.* Terms like:
propagate + potato vine
will often get you lots of interesting sites.* :)*

Newt

[DinaJean]

Doesnt look like mealy bug I have*in the post you provided.

It is more spread out and thin, if that makes sense, almost like the fuzz a milkweed*has on its stem? I have only noticed it here and there, it is not a widespread problem, but I will research mealy bug anyway.

[Newt]

Mealy bugs are actually a scale insect, but a soft scale.* Take a look here to see if it looks like any of these others.
http://woodypest.ifas.ufl.edu/scales.htm

Does it stay put in one place or will it jump if you touch it?* Maybe some type of planthopper?


Believe it or not, this is a good bug!* Larvae of lacewing.
http://www.naturescontrol.com/image/lacewing_l.jpg

Can you take a close up pic?

Newt

[DinaJean]

Today I was investigating the white fuzz on my potted vinca, and lo and behold! didn't it just jump right off!

Checked out the Woody Pest website you suggested and took a gander at all the critters -I know my plants are not hackberries - but the critter I saw today looked the most like the wooly hackberry aphid. The place does not seem to be infested, just a few here and there, should I let it be?

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[Newt]

Sounds like a planthopper that jumped off.* I tend to leave them alone as they don't seem to do much damage in my garden.* If it's a mealy bug then I'd get out the insecticidal soap and just spray where you see them.* Check the undersides of leaves and the stems for eggs.
http://hortipm.tamu.edu/pestprofiles.../mealyegg.html
http://www.greengardener.co.uk/mealy.htm

There are so many different aphids that it might be difficult to determine just which one you have.* Sometimes they feed on plants other then the ones they're named for or famous for feeding on.* Nice eh?* If you only see a few, I'd leave them alone and see if a predator comes along to balance it all out.* Once you start spraying you could set yourself up for a cycle of killing off beneficials and things getting out of balance.* With mealy bugs I feel differently as they easily get out of hand.

Newt