Harnett County Center

CAUTION:The information and recommendations in this article are applicable to Harnett County, NC and may not apply in other areas.

HOUSEPLANT CARE, 12/19/97

Have you always wanted to grow beautiful houseplants? It's really easier than you might think.

Houseplants are just like all other plants. They need water, light, nutrients, and a place to grow (pot and soil). Let's take a look at each of these items.

WATER

Improper watering is probably the most common problem. And too much is just as bad as too little.

The key is to water plants when they need it, and not on an arbitrary schedule like every Monday. Plants use water at different rates, depending on the type of plant, type and size of pot, and the temperature and humidity of the room.

Wait until the soil is nearly dry before watering. A good method is to stick your finger into the soil every few days to check it. At that time, water thoroughly and deeply. Just be sure not to leave any water standing in the dish under the pot. This may cause fungal root diseases.

LIGHT

Different plants have different light requirements. If your plant is getting tall and leggy, it's not getting enough light.

The sunniest spot is near a south facing window. If you don't have any sunny windows, look for plants that will tolerate lower light levels.

Artificial lighting is also an option. Grow lights or flourescent lights are best, and should be placed within a foot or so of the plant.

NUTRIENTS

Houseplant fertilizers are commonly available, and are usually mixed with water. The package will usually have instructions about how much and how often to apply. Once a month is usually sufficient.

A PLACE TO GROW

The main factors in pot selection are size and drainage. Plants do best in a pot that is neither too small nor too big.

For proper drainage, the pot should have holes in the bottom. Sometimes, though, you'll find a very nice decorative pot that has no drainage holes. Here's a clever solution.

Place pebbles in the bottom of the pot. Then find a pot with holes in the bottom that will fit snugly inside the decorative pot.

Both plastic and clay pots work fine, though the soil dries out more quickly in a clay pot. This is because water evaporates through the sides.

When a plant outgrows its home, it's time to repot. Plants become rootbound, meaning their roots have no more room to grow. Simply remove the plant from its original pot and gently loosen the roots. Then place it in a slightly larger pot.

It's important to use good quality, sterilized potting soil and clean pots. If you are reusing pots, they can be cleaned in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.

If you want to reuse old potting soil, it can be sterilized in the oven for a couple of hours at 200 degrees. I tried this once and was told by my wife to never put dirt in her oven again!

When purchasing houseplants, look for high quality. They should look green and healthy, and be free of insects and diseases. Look closely to detect any potential pest problems.

It's easier than you think to become a "green thumb". For more details, call to request a free leaflet on caring for houseplants.

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