Latest news with #Cupressus
Japan Today
17-05-2025
- Health
- Japan Today
Some plants cause more suffering than others for gardeners with pollen allergies
By JESSICA DAMIANO For many, the return of the spring garden brings with it a sneezy, itchy, foggy-headed feeling that hits the moment a warm breeze stirs up. I'm fortunate not to suffer much, but my blue car turned a chartreuse shade of yellow last week, and a $32 car wash provided results that lasted only two hours. Sigh. These seasonal allergies often go by the old-fashioned name hay fever, but it's not the hay that causes misery for so many, it's the pollen. And not just any pollen, but the nearly weightless kind that floats up our noses and engages our immune systems. Trees, weeds, grasses and even some of our favorite flowers are culprits. But pollen isn't all bad. It's essential to the reproduction of plants, the survival of insects and the entire food web. We humans could not survive without it, so we absolutely shouldn't avoid high-pollen plants as a general rule. However, if you're an allergy sufferer who has had to forgo planting a garden due to health reasons, plants that release the least pollen may enable you to smell the flowers. Allergy-inducing plants are those that rely on wind rather than bees or butterflies to spread their pollen. Ragweed, which strikes in late summer and early fall, gets the most notoriety, but its springtime counterparts can be at least as irritating. Trees most likely to cause symptoms include birch (Betula), catawba (Catalba), cypress (Cupressus), elm (Ulmus), hickory/pecan (Carya), oak (Quercus), sycamore (Platanus) and walnut (Juglans), according to the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale (OPALS), created by horticulturist Thomas Ogren and published in his 2020 book, 'The Allergy-Fighting Garden." Palm trees, too — but only the males. In fact, female trees don't produce pollen at all, so seek them out when possible. Grasses can irritate eyes and sinuses, too. The scale ranks Bermuda (except sterile male varieties), Johnson, Kentucky, orchard, sweet vernal and timothy grasses among the highest for allergens. Weeds like ragweed, curly dock, lamb's quarters, pigweed, plantain, sheep sorrel and sagebrush are also big pollen producers, Ogren found. On the other hand, plants with 'double' flowers or heavier pollen that doesn't travel far are less likely to release much pollen. Among trees, apricot (Prunus armeniaca), fig (Ficus), fir (Abies), fruiting pear (Pyrus), fruiting plum (Prunus domestica, Prunus insititia), redbud (Cerus), serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis), female ash (Fraxinus), female box elder (Acer negundo), female cottonwood/poplar (Populus), female maple (Acer), female palm (Arecaceae) and female willow (Salix) are easier on the respiratory system. St. Augustine and sterile male Bermuda are safer bets in the grass department. As for flowers, you've got options: Begonia, female clematis, columbine, crocus, daffodil, delphinium, hibiscus, impatiens, iris, bird of paradise, pansy, petunia, phlox, poppy, snapdragon, tulip, verbena and zinnia are friends. Roses, too — especially tightly packed, dense-petaled varieties, which exude even less pollen than those with single or semi-double flowers (rose allergies are more often fragrance-related than due to pollen, according to Ogren). And if you suffer from seasonal allergies, keeping windows closed and getting someone else to mow the lawn will also help to nip your symptoms in the bud. Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Root Awakening: Avoid over-pruning jambu plant
It is best to nurture a new fruit tree from a graft or air-layered branch from a mature plant. PHOTO: JOHN LEE Plant will remain vegetative without light I have been growing this jambu plant for about five years, but it has not flowered or fruited. What is wrong? John Lee When it comes to fruit trees, it is best to nurture a plant that is raised from a graft or air-layered branch taken from a mature, fruiting tree. This ensures that the plant will flower and fruit reliably. Seed-grown plants can be unpredictable. Also, ensure your plant is grown in a sunny spot, as the plant will remain vegetative when not given sufficient light. Give it space to thrive and avoid over-pruning the plant, as it produces flowers seasonally in new growth. Constant drastic pruning will prevent it from flowering, as it will channel its efforts towards producing vegetative growth. Avoid overwatering, apply fungicide to Cypress The plant may have been overwatered or buried too deeply. PHOTO: PHILIP HO My small pine trees seem to be dying. The leaves are turning brown. Should I water them more or move them to the shade? Philip Ho Your plants could be a cultivar of Cupressus, commonly known as Cypress. The decline could be due to a number of reasons. First, check if you have buried your plant too deeply. The base of the stem should not be topped up with growing media, as it will cause the collar to be wet at all times, leading to disease. Remove excessive soil where needed. Second, cypresses in general are difficult to grow in Singapore's wet, humid climate. Consider moving the plant under a clear shelter so it will be shielded from rain but still get enough sunlight. Allow the root zone to dry out between watering sessions. Third, provide sufficient air circulation. The dense canopy can trap moisture, leading to fungal issues that can kill the foliage. At this stage, you may need to apply fungicides, which are available at local nurseries, to improve the situation. Stress can cause Alocasia to go dormant or decline Many alocasia cultivars are sensitive to a wet root zone and need porous growing media. PHOTO: HASSAN ALI I bought a small Alocasia from the supermarket. After a month, I transplanted it into a 20cm pot, including the repotting soil, rice husks and dried banana peel. I have placed the pot at my balcony, where it gets morning sun. Is there a botanical explanation why the leaves remain evergreen? Hassan Ali You have done a good job keeping your Alocasia alive. Its leaves are green as you seem to have achieved all the optimal conditions for it to thrive. Alocasia go dormant or decline with stress. Many cultivars are sensitive to a wet root zone and need porous growing media. Overwatering or moisture-retentive soil can cause the corm (underground storage organ) to rot. High-rise growing conditions are also conducive for pest infestations, such as by spider mites. Orchids are being eaten by caterpillars When the caterpillars become adults, the problem should resolve itself. PHOTO: LAU WAI LEONG My orchid's flowers have been devoured by small, slug-like creatures that blend with the petals. They have what appear to be black mouths, snouts and claws. What are they and how do I get rid of them? Lau Wai Leong Your orchid flowers seem to have been eaten by caterpillars. These pests can be transient – after the current population becomes adults, the problem will resolve itself. The next flowering may or may not be affected. As such, regular preventive spraying of pesticides may not be necessary, and will be expensive and harmful to you and the environment. If really needed, pesticides such as Dipel and abamectin, which are available for sale at local nurseries, are effective in controlling caterpillars. Inspect your plants regularly for the presence of pests and act promptly before the damage becomes extensive. Once spotted, a few caterpillars can be removed easily using a pair of pincers, which is cheaper and more environment-friendly than applying pesticides. Propagate Fiddle-leaf Fig via air-layering This plant is not easily grown from stem-cuttings or in water. PHOTO: JOCELYN NG How do I propagate my old plant? A new branch has sprouted after daily drops of diluted fertiliser at the top of the stem. Do I cut it off from the old stem or cut it off together with the old stem? Should I root it in soil or water? Jocelyn Ng The Fiddle-leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is usually propagated via air-layering, where roots form on a new plant's stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. You can refer to online videos on how to do so. This plant is not easily grown from stem-cuttings or in water. Answers by Dr Wilson Wong, an NParks-certified practising horticulturist and parks manager. He is the founder of Green Culture Singapore and an adjunct assistant professor (Food Science & Technology) at the National University of Singapore. Have a gardening query? E-mail it with clear, high-resolution pictures of at least 1MB, if any, and your full name to stlife@ We reserve the right to edit and reject questions. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Euronews
14-05-2025
- Health
- Euronews
Which plants are the worst for hayfever sufferers?
For many, the return of the spring garden brings with it a sneezy, itchy, foggy-headed feeling that hits the moment a warm breeze stirs up invisible trouble. These seasonal allergies often go by the old-fashioned name hay fever, but it's not the hay that causes misery for so many, it's the pollen. And not just any pollen, but the nearly weightless kind that floats up our noses and engages our immune systems. Trees, weeds, grasses, and even some of our favorite flowers are culprits. But pollen isn't all bad. It's essential to the reproduction of plants, the survival of insects and the entire food web. We humans could not survive without it, so we absolutely shouldn't avoid high-pollen plants as a general rule. However, if you're an allergy sufferer who has had to forgo planting a garden due to health reasons, plants that release the least pollen may enable you to smell the flowers. Allergy-inducing plants are those that rely on wind rather than bees or butterflies to spread their pollen. Ragweed, which strikes in late summer and early autumn, gets the most notoriety, but its springtime counterparts can be at least as irritating. Trees most likely to cause symptoms include birch (Betula), catawba (Catalba), cypress (Cupressus), elm (Ulmus), hickory/pecan (Carya), oak (Quercus), sycamore (Platanus) and walnut (Juglans), according to the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale (OPALS), created by horticulturist Thomas Ogren and published in his 2020 book, 'The Allergy-Fighting Garden'. If you live in warmer climbs, palm trees, too, can cause allergies to flare - but only the males. In fact, female trees don't produce pollen at all, so seek them out when possible. Grasses can irritate eyes and sinuses, too. The scale ranks Bermuda (except sterile male varieties), Johnson, common meadow, orchard, sweet vernal, and timothy grasses among the highest for allergens. Weeds like ragweed, curly dock, lamb's quarters, pigweed, plantain, sheep sorrel, and sagebrush are also big pollen producers, Ogren found. On the other hand, plants with "double" flowers or heavier pollen that doesn't travel far are less likely to release much pollen. Among trees, apricot (Prunus armeniaca), fig (Ficus), fir (Abies), fruiting pear (Pyrus), fruiting plum (Prunus domestica, Prunus insititia), redbud (Cerus), serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis), female ash (Fraxinus), female box elder (Acer negundo), female cottonwood/poplar (Populus), female maple (Acer), female palm (Arecaceae) and female willow (Salix) are easier on the respiratory system. St Augustine (which is best suited to tropical climates but grows well in the Mediterranean regions) and sterile male Bermuda are safer bets in the grass department. As for flowers, you've got options: begonia, female clematis, columbine, crocus, daffodil, delphinium, hibiscus, impatiens, iris, bird of paradise, pansy, petunia, phlox, poppy, snapdragon, tulip, verbena, and zinnia are friends. Roses, too - especially tightly packed, dense-petaled varieties, which exude even less pollen than those with single or semi-double flowers. Rose allergies are more often fragrance-related than due to pollen, according to Ogren. And if you suffer from seasonal allergies, keeping windows closed and getting someone else to mow the lawn will also help to nip your symptoms in the bud.
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Prone to pollen allergies? Stay away from these plants
For many, the return of the spring garden brings with it a sneezy, itchy, foggy-headed feeling that hits the moment a warm breeze stirs up. I'm fortunate not to suffer much, but my blue car turned a chartreuse shade of yellow last week, and a $32 car wash provided results that lasted only two hours. Sigh. These seasonal allergies often go by the old-fashioned name hay fever, but it's not the hay that causes misery for so many, it's the pollen. And not just any pollen, but the nearly weightless kind that floats up our noses and engages our immune systems. Trees, weeds, grasses and even some of our favorite flowers are culprits. Also read | Pollen allergy: Runny nose to itchy throat; know symptoms of pollen allergy and ways to prevent it But pollen isn't all bad. It's essential to the reproduction of plants, the survival of insects and the entire food web. We humans could not survive without it, so we absolutely shouldn't avoid high-pollen plants as a general rule. However, if you're an allergy sufferer who has had to forgo planting a garden due to health reasons, plants that release the least pollen may enable you to smell the flowers. Allergy-inducing plants are those that rely on wind rather than bees or butterflies to spread their pollen. Ragweed, which strikes in late summer and early fall, gets the most notoriety, but its springtime counterparts can be at least as irritating. Trees most likely to cause symptoms include birch (Betula), catawba (Catalba), cypress (Cupressus), elm (Ulmus), hickory/pecan (Carya), oak (Quercus), sycamore (Platanus) and walnut (Juglans), according to the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale (OPALS), created by horticulturist Thomas Ogren and published in his 2020 book, 'The Allergy-Fighting Garden." Palm trees, too — but only the males. In fact, female trees don't produce pollen at all, so seek them out when possible. Grasses can irritate eyes and sinuses, too. The scale ranks Bermuda (except sterile male varieties), Johnson, Kentucky, orchard, sweet vernal and timothy grasses among the highest for allergens. Weeds like ragweed, curly dock, lamb's quarters, pigweed, plantain, sheep sorrel and sagebrush are also big pollen producers, Ogren found. On the other hand, plants with 'double' flowers or heavier pollen that doesn't travel far are less likely to release much pollen. Among trees, apricot (Prunus armeniaca), fig (Ficus), fir (Abies), fruiting pear (Pyrus), fruiting plum (Prunus domestica, Prunus insititia), redbud (Cerus), serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis), female ash (Fraxinus), female box elder (Acer negundo), female cottonwood/poplar (Populus), female maple (Acer), female palm (Arecaceae) and female willow (Salix) are easier on the respiratory system. St. Augustine and sterile male Bermuda are safer bets in the grass department. Also read | Allergy season intensifies: Tips to manage symptoms and enjoy the outdoors As for flowers, you've got options: Begonia, female clematis, columbine, crocus, daffodil, delphinium, hibiscus, impatiens, iris, bird of paradise, pansy, petunia, phlox, poppy, snapdragon, tulip, verbena and zinnia are friends. Roses, too — especially tightly packed, dense-petaled varieties, which exude even less pollen than those with single or semi-double flowers (rose allergies are more often fragrance-related than due to pollen, according to Ogren). And if you suffer from seasonal allergies, keeping windows closed and getting someone else to mow the lawn will also help to nip your symptoms in the bud. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hamilton Spectator
13-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Some plants cause more suffering than others for gardeners with pollen allergies
For many, the return of the spring garden brings with it a sneezy, itchy, foggy-headed feeling that hits the moment a warm breeze stirs up invisible trouble. I'm fortunate not to suffer much, but my blue car turned a chartreuse shade of yellow last week, and a $32 car wash provided results that lasted only two hours. Sigh. These seasonal allergies often go by the old-fashioned name hay fever, but it's not the hay that causes misery for so many, it's the pollen. And not just any pollen, but the nearly weightless kind that floats up our noses and engages our immune systems. Trees, weeds, grasses and even some of our favorite flowers are culprits. But pollen isn't all bad. It's essential to the reproduction of plants, the survival of insects and the entire food web. We humans could not survive without it, so we absolutely shouldn't avoid high-pollen plants as a general rule. However, if you're an allergy sufferer who has had to forgo planting a garden due to health reasons, plants that release the least pollen may enable you to smell the flowers. Plants that might bring sneezes Allergy-inducing plants are those that rely on wind rather than bees or butterflies to spread their pollen. Ragweed, which strikes in late summer and early fall, gets the most notoriety, but its springtime counterparts can be at least as irritating. Trees most likely to cause symptoms include birch (Betula), catawba (Catalba), cypress (Cupressus), elm (Ulmus), hickory/pecan (Carya), oak (Quercus), sycamore (Platanus) and walnut (Juglans), according to the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale (OPALS), created by horticulturist Thomas Ogren and published in his 2020 book, 'The Allergy-Fighting Garden.' Palm trees, too — but only the males. In fact, female trees don't produce pollen at all, so seek them out when possible. Grasses can irritate eyes and sinuses, too. The scale ranks Bermuda (except sterile male varieties), Johnson, Kentucky, orchard, sweet vernal and timothy grasses among the highest for allergens. Weeds like ragweed, curly dock, lamb's quarters, pigweed, plantain, sheep sorrel and sagebrush are also big pollen producers, Ogren found. Not all plants are irritating to allergy sufferers On the other hand, plants with 'double' flowers or heavier pollen that doesn't travel far are less likely to release much pollen. Among trees, apricot (Prunus armeniaca), fig (Ficus), fir (Abies), fruiting pear (Pyrus), fruiting plum (Prunus domestica, Prunus insititia), redbud (Cerus), serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis), female ash (Fraxinus), female box elder (Acer negundo), female cottonwood/poplar (Populus), female maple (Acer), female palm (Arecaceae) and female willow (Salix) are easier on the respiratory system. St. Augustine and sterile male Bermuda are safer bets in the grass department. As for flowers, you've got options: Begonia, female clematis, columbine, crocus, daffodil, delphinium, hibiscus, impatiens, iris, bird of paradise, pansy, petunia, phlox, poppy, snapdragon, tulip, verbena and zinnia are friends. Roses, too — especially tightly packed, dense-petaled varieties, which exude even less pollen than those with single or semi-double flowers (rose allergies are more often fragrance-related than due to pollen, according to Ogren). And if you suffer from seasonal allergies, keeping windows closed and getting someone else to mow the lawn will also help to nip your symptoms in the bud . ___ Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice. ___ For more AP gardening stories, go to .
