House Plant Care

Growing conditions are different in each home.? Learn the requirements of each type of plant then try to meet them as closely as possible.

Soil & Repotting
Most foliage plants don?t need to be repotted until they become pot-bound. Flowering houseplants often must be pot-bound before they will flower. Pot size is determined by the size of the root ball. When repotting use only one pot size larger. Clay pots are porous and the soil usually dies out more quickly. Fertilizer salts may accumulate on the rim and through the sides of a clay pot. Plastic pots help retain moisture and are easily cleaned. To repot, first see that the container is clean. In the bottom of the pot place some broken pieces of clay pot or small stones over the drainage holes. Put a handful or two of soil into the pot ? Don?t pack it down. Place the plant into the pot, keeping it at the same level. Add soil around the roots until the pot is full. Keeping the stem straight, press the soil firmly around the roots.? Water thoroughly. The type of soil to be used depends upon the plant. These include general type soils, African Violet soils, and cactus soils.

Watering
The best general rule is to water the plants whenever the soil begins to appear dry. Probe into the soil with a finger or moisture meter to test for moistness. Soil should dry between watering. The rate at which plants dry out varies according to the season, the household?

humidity and temperature. Large pots dry out at a slower rate. When water is required, water thoroughly, until it drains out the bottom of the pot. Empty excess water from the saucer. Soil that is constantly wet will encourage root rot causing the death of your plant. A little water every day in not good. It only wets the top layer of soil ? i.e. not reaching the roots below. This can also result in the plant?s death. If watering is done carefully all plants can be watered from the top. A long-spout watering can is the easiest to use. A bulb type baster is good for small plants. Moisture in the air is also important. Humidity can be increased by grouping plants together on pebble trays containing water. As well, daily mist spraying helps improve humidity, particularly during winter months. Water at room temperature minimizes shock to plants.

Light
Proper light is essential for good plant growth. The direction the window faces determines the ?light quality? coming in. Indirect sunlight is best for most plants. This is achieved by avoiding direct sunlight in an average well-lit position. Sheer curtains between the plant and direction of sunlight will also create a favorable light condition.? NOTE: sunlight intensity is reduced during winter months, thus a south facing window in winter is equivalent to an eastern exposure during summer months. Artificial lighting can help supplement hours of light but also requires 8-10 hours of darkness for proper functioning of plant life cycles.

Fertilizers
Soil nutrients are necessary for plant growth. These nutrients may be derived from many sources, including decaying plant and animal matter, air, water and rock minerals. Soil nutrients are constantly consumed by the plant and must be replenished. Water-soluble fertilizers are best for indoor plants as they dissolve immediately and are readily taken up by the roots. The three major elements required for plant growth are Nitrogen (N.), Phosphorous (P.) and Potassium (K.), referred to as the N-P-K- ratio. Nitrogen promotes healthy green growth; phosphorous promotes development of flower buds, while potassium promotes plant strength. Thus, for fertilizing foliage plants the ratio should be favored towards nitrogen ? i.e. 20-10-20. For flowering plants one requires high phosphorous fertilizer ? i.e. 15-30-15. NOTE: follow label directions for accurate application. As a general rule feed plants once a month from March to November. Rate of growth diminishes during winter months, therefore reduce fertilizing frequency by half.

Pests
The most common plant pests are aphides, spider mites, scales, mealy bugs and white flies. Many chemical controls are available, both general and specific, for a variety of pests. Seek advice from a professional garden center for proper identification and control. Well maintained plants resist pests more readily.

Summer Care
With proper shade and adequate water, most house plants thrive outdoors during summer. A few such as cactus and geraniums can take full sun all day. Most other should be placed where they are in partial shade from 11 a.m. to about 3 p.m. Tuberous begonias, gloxinias and African violets require shade all day. These plants, particularly hanging ones, will dry out rapidly. Check every day and water as necessary. When bringing plants into the house in the fall check closely for insect pests.

Houseplants can add pleasure for many years when given proper care.

Sources:

Care of Foliage Plants:? Ben Veldhuis Limited.
Houseplants and Indoor Gardening:? Better Homes and Gardens, Garden Ideas: Spring, 1980.
The New York Times Book of House Plants: Joan Lee Faust.

• Newly purchased plants must adjust to the new environment of your home. Keep then away from hot and cold drafts and out of direct sun. Mist spray 2 or 3 times a day for the first two weeks.
• Remove dead blooms from flowering plants. This encourages more flower buds to form.
• Most flowering plants such as mums and azaleas, will last longer if kept at cooler temperatures.
• Be sure to choose a plant that will grow in the location where it is to be placed.
• Watch for these symptoms of problems:
  - Wilting: Extreme under or over-watering
  - Yellowing and dropping of leaves: Over-watering, cold drafts, dry air
  - Brown tips and edges: Over-watering, sun scorch, over-feeding.
  - Sudden leaf drop: Plant shock due to change in temperature, light or humidity.
  - Pale leaves, spindly growth: Underfeeding or shortage of light.
  - Rotting leaves and stems: Diseases encouraged by over-watering or water on leaves.
  - Yellow spotted leaves, tiny webbing on underside of leaf: Spider mite. Use suitable miticide.
  - White worms in soil ? noticeable when watering: Spring tails or fungus gnat. Use Diazinon. NOTE: Tiny flies like fruit flies around plants are fungus gnat adults.
  - White cottony mass in leaf axil: Mealy bug. Use a mealy bug insecticide.
  - Aphides: Most insecticides will kill this common lice-like insect.
  - White powdery leaves: (Mildew) Use a household plant fungicide.
  - Mould on soil: Caused by over-watering or too heavy soil mix. Aerate by cultivating surface soil
  - Roots visible at holes in bottom of pot: Plant is bound. Repot into bigger pot.