Harnett County Center
TIPS FOR GROWING BEAUTIFUL HOUSEPLANTS, 01/01/99
Well, I don't know about you, but I'm not much in the mood for yard work this time of year. Besides leaf raking and wood splitting, I'd much prefer to stay inside close to the fire. But this is a great time to spend some time caring for your houseplants.
To me, no indoor environment is complete without houseplants. Their presence is soothing and relaxing. And their have even been some studies suggesting they have a beneficial effect on indoor air quality. In this day of shopping malls and freeways, indoor plants help us maintain our connection to the natural world.
OBSERVATION IS THE KEY
Having success with house plants has nothing to do with luck or magic. It is simply a matter of learning a few skills. The most important skill is observation. So many plant problems can be avoided by simply paying close attention to how your plants are doing. For example, if you don't notice your houseplants need water until all the leaves are brown, it's probably a little late. But by poking your finger into the soil every few days, you can give your plants water when they need it.
WATER CORRECTLY
Watering too much or too little is probably the most common problem. But it's a very simple one to solve. The finger test mentioned above is the key. If you feel moisture in the soil, hold off on the watering. Wait until the soil is nearly dry. Don't assume that droopy, wilted leaves indicates a need for water. It could mean the exact opposite, that you have been over watering.
Keep in mind that watering on a set schedule, like once a week, can lead to problems. This is because plants use water at different rates during different seasons. My plants, for example, dry out very quickly during the winter due to the dry heat produced by our gas furnace.
Each house is different, and there are even differences inside your house. Plants in a sunny window will dry out much more quickly than those in a shady corner. There are also differences depending on the type and size of plant.
HOW MUCH LIGHT?
If your plant becomes leggy, it's not getting enough light. If you notice large brown spots on the leaves, it may be getting too much light. You'll probably have to experiment to find the best location for different types of plants.
If you have a flowering plant that won't bloom, it's probably due to poor lighting. Find a sunny window, or consider putting it closer to some type of artificial light.
PEST CONTROL
In over ten years of growing house plants, there has only been one time where I had a pest problem. And that happened because I brought in the pests on a plant I had just purchased. The bottom line is to inspect plants carefully before you purchase them. Many pest insects are tiny, and like to hang out on the undersides of leaves, so look closely.
If you do have a pest problem, try to identify it before reaching for a pesticide. In the case of the problem I had, fungus gnats, I was able to eliminate it by simply cutting back on watering.
When pesticides are used, EXTREME CAUTION is warranted. After all, you will be using this chemical inside your house, in a closed environment. Read the label carefully to be absolutely certain that the chemical you choose can be used indoors.
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