Master Gardenersm Column for the Week of November 22, 2004
Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman
Brunswick County Extension Master Gardenersm Volunteer
Plants are found in most every home and office--they make both home and office a pleasant place to live and work.
Plants require temperature, light, water, and humidity levels similar to those they would have in their natural habitats.
Most houseplants come from tropical areas and like filtered light and high humidity; most adapt well to indoor conditions. The closer their indoor environment is to their native environment, the more they will flourish.
Beauty is not the only reason to grow plants indoors—they take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen and water vapors thus raising the humidity in a room. Most offices have the problem of being sealed off in an energy-efficient building consisting of particles of gases trapped in building air that is not circulated or filtered properly. Research is being conducted to determine the efficiency of indoor plants in reducing common indoor air pollutants such as pesticides, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and chemicals released from detergents, solvents, cleaning fluids, clothing, furnishings, draperies, carpets, and other household items.
The first step in growing plants indoors is to start with a healthy plant. When purchasing plants check the underside of the foliage and the axils of leaves for signs of disease and pests. A healthy plant should be free of disease and insects, compact with a nice green color. Avoid plants that have been treated with “leaf shines” which add an unnatural polish to the leaves and clog the stomata. Do not be afraid to slide the plant out of its container to check the root system for white, healthy roots.
When purchasing plants that you are not familiar with be sure to ask questions on the care of the plant. Other items to consider: will there be enough light, ventilation, humidity, etc. in your home or office for the plant you are purchasing?
Reduce the shock of a newly purchased plant by reducing the light levels and watering and feeding gradually. Light, water, temperature, ventilation, humidity, fertilization, and planting medium will all affect the plant growth. If only one of the factors is incorrect it can prevent the plant from growing to its full capacity.
Light is the most essential factor for indoor plant growth. Light is necessary for plants to manufacture their own food. To keep a plant healthy and growing it must have the correct amount of light. Light will influence the stem length, leaf color, and flowering. There will be a gradual decline in the plant as it depletes the food reserve. The plant will be spindly and the leaves will be a lighter green. Some plant require more light than others. Most homes have inadequate lighting for plant growth. Light intensity depends on the source and closeness of the light. A variety of light meters are available for measuring light intensities indoors. You may determine which light category your indoor plants fall into by using the following descriptions:
If the light level is too low you can extend the life of your plants by:
Send your gardening questions or comments to: Brunswick County Master Gardener Column, P.O. Box 109, Bolivia, NC 28422, or call (910) 253-2610. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting information or a reply. Answers may be printed in this column.
For further information or assistance, please e-mail:
Charlie Spencer,
Brunswick County Extension Master GardenersmVolunteer
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Date Created 11/18/2004