I wrote this a few years ago: Neem Extract as an Insecticide In India mainly, but also Asia and Africa, grows a tree all plant enthusiasts should be aware of, Azadirachta indica, commonly known as the "neem" tree, and a relative of mahogany. Extracts from the tree’s seeds contain azadirachtin, a relatively safe and effective naturally occurring organic insecticide. Let me preface the comments following, by reminding you that the terms "naturally occurring and/or organic" do not universally mean safe. Pyrethrums, rotenone, and even the very dangerous nicotine are all organic insecticides that should be handled with great caution. Neem extracts, on the other hand are very safely used in a wide variety of cosmetics, as a topical treatment for minor wounds, as an insecticide in grain storage containers, bins, and bags, and a whole host of other applications. Neem is very safe for use around birds & mammals. I'll limit this discussion to its use as an insecticide. Neem works in many ways. It is effective both in topical and a systemic applications. It is an anti-feedant, an oviposition deterrent (anti-egg laying), a growth inhibitor, a mating disrupter, and a chemosterilizer. Azadirachtin, a tetranortriterpenoid compound, closely mimics the hormone ecdysone, which is necessary for reproduction in insects. When present, it takes the place of the real hormone and thus disrupts not only the feeding process, but the metamorphic transition as well, disrupting molting. It interferes with the formation of chitin (insect "skin") and stops pupation in larvae, thus short-circuiting the insect life cycle. It also inhibits flight ability, helping stop insect spread geographically Tests have shown that azadirachtin is effective in some cases at concentrations as low as 1 ppm, but some producers use alcohol in the extraction of neem oil from plant parts which causes the azadirachtin to be removed from the oil. Some products touting neem oil as an ingredient actually have no measurable amounts of azadiractin. I use what is referred to either as cold pressed or virgin neem oil. You may also occasionally find it referred to as "raw" neem or "crude" neem oil. Neem oil is most often used in an aqueous (water) suspension as a foliar spray or soil drench. Commonly, it is diluted to about a .5 to 2% solution, but the suggested ratio for use in container plant culture is 1 tsp. per quart of warm water. A drop or two of dish soap (castile or olive oil soap is best) helps keep the oil emulsified. The mixture is then applied as a mist to all leaf and bark surfaces and as a soil drench to the tree's root system. It should not be applied as a foliar spray on hot days or in bright sun as leaf burn may occur. Remember to agitate the container frequently as you apply and do not mix anymore than you will use in one day. Neem breaks down rapidly in water and/ or sunlight. Some users of insecticides feel the need to observe the instant results of their efforts in order to be convinced of the effectiveness of what they are using. The application of neem derivatives does not provide this immediate gratification. There is virtually no knockdown (instant death) factor associated with its use. Insects ingesting or contacting neem usually take about 3 - 14 days to die. Its greatest benefit; however, is in preventing the occurrence of future generations. It is also interesting to note that in studies it was found that when doses were given, purposefully insufficient to cause death or complete disruption of the metamorphic cycle, up to 30 surviving generations showed virtually no resistance/ immunity to normal lethal doses, so it appears that insects build no ‘resistance’ to azadiractin. I have been using neem oil for five years as both a preventative and fixative and have had no insect problems on my container plants. Applications of cold-pressed neem oil are most effective for use on mites, whitefly, aphids, thrips, fungus gnats, caterpillars, beetles, mealy bugs, leaf miners, g-moth, and others. It seems to be fairly specific in attacking insects with piercing or rasping mouth parts. Since these are the pests that feed on plant tissues, they are our main target species. Unless beneficial like spiders, lady beetles, certain wasps, etc., come in direct contact with spray, it does little to diminish their numbers. Neem oil does have an odor that might be described as similar to that of an old onion, so you may wish to test it first, if you intend to use it indoors. I've found the odor dissipates in a day or two. As always, read and follow label instructions carefully. Neem oil can be purchased from many net or local sources. My favorite brand is Dyna-Gro, pure, cold-pressed neem oil. If you have trouble locating a source, you can contact me via the forum or directly. AL

#3 is likely 'Louis-Phillippe', the very best old rose for Florida. #2 could be 'Old Blush', though the flower isn't typical. If the foliage and habit are similar to #3, it is some kind of old China rose, and these are well adapted. 'Seven Sisters' might (I'm not sure) have trouble with the nematodes unless it is grafted, that is, if you have sandy soil. Is there a bulge where the canes diverge? If so, it is probably grafted on an appropriate rootstock (Fortuniana). Prune off anything that looks unhealthy and plant the SS. If to be potted, it would need a huge container, 25 gal. Give plenty of food and water, at least until they are well established. Rose Tone is a good fertilizer.

The manager sure is a nice person! Can you send him/her over here? I have some palms that need to be pruned... :D A living tree is a lovely gift. Many pine trees are not very well suited to small suburban lots, however. If the tree is dropping debris in the rain gutters it is planted too close to the houses. It will green up again, and it will keep growing. You should consider how the roots will affect the foundation of your home, in addition to worrying about the effects on the roof. It is expensive to fix foundations and roofs- and you may be responsible if you planted the tree. If the HOA is responsible, it may raise your fees. It will only get more expensive to remove the tree as time goes on, and the manager may not pay to have it trimmed next year. I hate to say this, but you may want to consider having it removed. What also came to my mind was getting a new living tree to symbolize a new beginning when your mom gets home. I hope your mom gets home soon and everything works out well for the two of you. Renee

I agree that you got palms that likely didn't receive optimal care while at the store nursery for several weeks. Contrary to what others have said, I too agree that majesties can be effective potted plants if you do schedule repotting as they grow, up to a point that they can no longer be easily overwintered by bringing them through your patio doors, etc. Majesties, in the heat of summer, LOVE water and humidity, and will acclimate to full sun with no problem. IN fact, if you are in a lower humidity region or have a bit more wind, it would be advantageous to have the basin under your containers to always be full of water. This will diminish tip browning.