Green With Envy: Sabrina Hahn's Weekly Gardening Advice Column
Every Saturday, gardening expert Sabrina Hahn dedicates her time to assisting West Australians in optimizing their gardens. In this edition, she responds to queries from local gardeners facing challenges with a magnolia, papaya trees, and a monstera plant. Readers are encouraged to submit their own questions for potential inclusion in the column, though not all can be answered due to high volume.
Addressing Sun-Scorch in a Tulip Magnolia
Sheryn Aubrey from Sorrento inquired about her potted tulip magnolia, which exhibits leaf damage characterized by tiny dots and browning edges during warm months. Sabrina explains that deciduous magnolias are particularly vulnerable in Perth's hot, dry summers, nutrient-deficient soils, and harsh easterly winds. The issue is identified as sun-scorch.
Recommended Treatment: To mitigate this, mist the plant with water throughout summer and relocate the pot to a sheltered area away from easterly or salt-laden winds. Additionally, apply Yates DroughtShield in November and February to protect the foliage.
Pruning Giant Papaya Trees in a Suburban Oasis
Mike Goldberg of Lathlain shared his experience with two towering papaya trees, each measuring approximately 5200mm in height, thriving among over twenty banana trees. He sought advice on pruning to manage their size and facilitate easier fruit harvesting, noting a lack of side shoots.
Expert Guidance: Sabrina confirms that papaya trees can be safely cut in half to encourage reshooting lower on the trunk. The optimal time for this is March, post-fruiting, while temperatures remain warm. After pruning, cover the cut with a bucket or plastic bottle, and ensure adequate watering and fertilization to stimulate new growth. The removed top section can be used as a cutting; allow it to callus before potting in mix and planting in November.
Reviving a Struggling Monstera Plant
Maria Sertorio from Doubleview reported issues with her monstera, which developed black new shoots and browning leaves after being moved outdoors to a sheltered spot with some afternoon sun. The plant had been healthy for nearly eight years prior.
Care Solution: According to Sabrina, the problem stems from the environmental shift, as outdoor conditions are harsher than indoors, leading to severe sunburn. She advises moving the monstera to a completely shaded area until cooler weather arrives. Over winter, the plant may harden and adapt, potentially thriving outdoors by next summer.
For those interested in submitting gardening questions, contact Ask Sabrina via mail or email, including full name and suburb. Stay updated with more gardening tips and local news by signing up for newsletters.
