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Flowering plants need good light, moderate temperatures, reasonable humidity,
uniform moisture in the soil, and a some fertilizer occasionally.
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- Light: Flowering plants need all the sunshine that can be provided in
your home, particularly in winter. Place them near an east or south
window.
- Temperature: Most flowering plants grow best at night temperatures of
10 Celsius, and day temperatures of 18
Celsius. DO NOT place them over heat sources. Keep them out of drafts.
- Humidity: Keep room humidity as high as possible. Increase humidity
around the plant by placing it in a plant box or jardinière filled with
moist peat moss.
- Watering: Inspect soil daily and add water when the soil feels dry to
the touch. When watering, wet the soil all the way down.
- Fertilizing: If you keep flowering plants longer than six to eight
weeks, some plant food should be added. Follow directions on the
fertilizer package.
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| Foliage plants grow
better if you provide them proper light, suitable
temperatures, adequate moisture, and some plant food at regular
scheduled intervals. |
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- Light: Don't underestimate the value of the right amount of light for plants.
Place foliage plants in or near a window where they receive good light
during part of the day. Most plants do not like the intensely bright
sunshine of midsummer. They thrive near a south or east window during the
fall, winter and spring months. If you cannot place them near a window,
use artificial lights over them is recommended. Although a plant may not show the effect of too little light right away, in
time decline is unavoidable.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist. Examine it once a week. When the soil
feels dry to the touch, add enough water to wet the soil all the way to
the bottom of the pot. Be sure that any excess water is drained off. Most plants, with the exception of cacti, like lots of humidity. To raise
humidity around plants, put them on a tray of wet gravel. Put enough gravel
in the tray so the pots won't sit directly in water.
- Temperature: Most foliage plants thrive best at night temperatures of
15 Celsius and day temperatures of 21 Celsius.
- Fertilizing: Since the amount of soil and nutrients available in a
small pot is limited, small quantities of plant food are suggested at
three- to four-week intervals, used according to the directions on the
package.
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To keep houseplants shapely, give their pots a
quarter turn every time you water.
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For a curvaceous plant, prune off any wayward or misshapen stems.
Large, smooth-leaved plants frequently collect dust. Wash or wipe away
dust to keep the plant attractive — and to keep it photosynthesizing at its
best! A small amount of hand soap may be added to the water when stubborn
spots are encountered. Don't fold, crease. or rub leaves too hard, as they
may be damaged.
Hairy-leaved plants such as African violets also collect dust. Because
moistening the leaves can cause unsightly spots, remove dust with a small
paintbrush or by blowing it away.
Many people prefer plants with shiny foliage, a character than can be obtained
by using a commercial "shine" compound. These are available in aerosol
containers or as a liquid which is wiped on foliage. A cloth moistened with a
little milk can also be used to obtain shiny foliage if rubbed gently over
foliage of smooth leaved plants.
To maximize the aesthetic appeal of your plants, try matching plant to
pot. Long, lean leaves look great in a slim pot, whereas wild, untamed
plants really shine in a more generous pot. Also be sure to consider plant
placement before choosing a pot. Sleek textures are classy for inside, while
roughly textured, sturdy choices work well outside.
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Improper care may result in foliage plants that are unattractive and lack
desired characteristics. Some of the more common troubles and conditions which
may cause these symptoms are listed here. For more detailed information
contact Flowers & Sense.
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- Brown leaf tips or burned leaf margins --- too much fertilizer, too
much heat, or soil
allowed to dry excessively. If this occurs, use scissors to cut off
the browned tips at an angle. Remove the plant from the heat source and
water as needed.
- Yellowing and dropping of leaves --- air pollution, low light
intensity, chilling, over-watering or poor soil drainage and aeration, or
root decay from soil-borne diseases or insect pests.
- Weak growth or light green or yellow foliage --- too intense light,
lack of fertilizer, root-rot or poor root system.
- Small leaves and long internodes --- too little light.
- Small leaves and short internodes --- lack of fertilizer or grown too
dry.
- Small new leaves and leaves curl under --- too much light.
- If your plant has a pest problem, it's best — in terms of effectiveness
and safety — to contain the pesticide. Putting plastic around your plant
takes care of both concerns. After several days, remove the plastic.
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