What's blooming in February: Phalaenopsis orchids; Phaius tankervilleae or nun's orchids; oncidiums and cattleyas; flame vine; citrus trees; mango trees and begonias. What's ripening: Valencia and pineapple oranges
Watering is limited to once a week. Even-numbered addresses, your day is Thursday; odd-numbered addresses, you water on Monday. Hours: 4 to 8 a.m. or p.m. Stressed plants can be watered with a hose, using an automatic shut-off nozzle, for 10 minutes a day.
If you orchids are showing reddish leaves from cold, use 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt in a gallon of water to help them green up. Watch for fungus, and spray with a few drops of Subdue in a gallon of water or another fungicide, such as Dithane M45.
Divide summer bulbs, such as caladiums and gingers, and plant bulblets just below the soil's surface in a wall-draining area where they receive partial shade. Prune crape myrtles while they still are dormant. Remove deadwood from citrus.
Normally, we fertilize shrubs and palms at the end of the month, using a palm fertilizer, 8-2-12 with 4 percent magnesium. However, unless your plants are showing nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves, it's best not to fertilize during this time of strict irrigation restrictions. You'll only push new growth that cannot be sustained without more water.
If you do have stressed plants, fertilize lightly, then spray with 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt and 2 teaspoons of potassium nitrate in a gallon of water to help build chlorophyll in the leaves.
If you want to keept the vegetables going, try using large containers for eggplant, kohlrabi, lima beans, mustard, okra, onions, peppers, pole beans, radishes, snap beans, Southern peas, summer squash, sweet potatoes and tomatoes. This, too, will help with the water limits since vegetable gardens usually take an inch of water twice a week.
What's blooming in March: Flame of the forest; Brazilian red cloak; chalice vine; petrea or queen's wreath; jade vine and lady slipper orchids
Fertilize if you did not do so at the end of February.
Cut back poinsettias about mid-month.
Keep an eye out for thrips in the orchid house. Expect to find spider mites on thin-leafed orchids, roses, Norfolk Island pines, brugmansias, acalyphas and crotons. Watch for a stippling effect or bronzy look to leaves. To conquer them, use insecticidal soap, Kelthane or another miticide or even a hard spray from the hose.
Return orchids to the shadier conditions as the sun's intensity increases, and begin the spring repotting chores for orchids sending out new roots.
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Slideshow | What's blooming in January