Only $5 for 3 months. Save 83%.
Only $5 for 3 months. Save 83%.

Dr. Dirt: Philodendrons grow large but aren’t toxic

Dick Crum

Dear Dr. Dirt: I have a large plant in my dining room that is taking up too much space. It is about 4 feet tall and 4 feet in diameter. I want to find it a new home, but I need to know what it is and if it is toxic to household pets. — Patsy, Indianapolis

Dear Reader: The plant in question is a beautiful philodendron, which tolerates relatively low light. It is harmless to people and pets. It has low maintenance requirements and is basically pest-free. When moving the plant to a new location the temperature should be well above freezing to avoid injury to the plant.

Dear Dr. Dirt: My husband and I have owned a split leaf philodendron for more than 40 years! “Phil” is pot-bound, with roots overflowing from the edges of the pot. He is enormous. There are two main stalks on Phil, each quite large in size with many leaves. My question is, would it be possible to split this plant and repot into two separate containers? How would we go about the splitting? We have grown attached to this plant over the years and don’t want to risk loosing it. — Carolyn, Indianapolis

Dear Reader: Obviously Phil has had good care and thrives in the environment of your home. Philodendrons are propagated by tip cuttings, air layering and seed. Dividing the plant is normally not an option. However, a sharp knife could do the job, but the resulting portions may not be balanced and as attractive as Phil. It is probably better for Phil to remain single. This way you are his only love!

Olivia Nalos Opre: Why we hunt, even lions

Dear Dr. Dirt: My driveway is being taken over by dark green blobs. When it is dry they shrink and turn black, but after a rain they expand. They seem to be spreading. I tried Roundup with no success. — JR, Wanamaker

Dear Reader: Perhaps the drive is shaded somewhat or has a supply of moisture nearby. The green blobs are clumps of algae and moss. Dry weather will cause them to dry out and turn black. One tablespoon of copper sulfate per gallon of water in a sprinkler can is a good way to control the blobs. Ole Man Winter will stop the growth action until spring.

Dear Dr. Dirt: There is a woodpecker drilling holes in our house. What is it looking for? Could there be bugs in the siding? — Beth, Indianapolis

Dear Reader: Typically woodpeckers do their thing near the master bedroom. They simply want attention, because there are no insects in siding. Unfortunately the rough sawed cedar siding attracts them and pecking is easy. Perhaps a few strips of Mylar ribbon suspended from the eaves of the house will frighten the birds away. There are also plastic balloons with faces and plastic bird netting. The ribbons are easy, so try them first.

Dear Dr. Dirt: On the back side of our flower/rock garden is a huge area of wild orange tiger lilies. Each year they inch forward and now take up almost half of the garden on the back side. After they bloomed in June, I

let them die back and cut them down. After they sprouted again, I started spraying them with Roundup to kill them. They seemed to die back, but then would come back again. How can I kill them, other than digging up all the tubers? I dug around a little and there are literally hundreds of the tubers. — Teresa, Carmel

Dear Reader: Tiger lilies are beautiful and persistent. The product Ortho GroundClear will eliminate all vegetation for one year. It is used to control grasses and weeds in gravel and stone driveways. It is very important to read and follow the product label carefully to prevent death and damage to nearby desirable plants. Once it is used, there is a one-year waiting period before adding new plants.

Send lingering garden questions to: