Tropical Plant Care Fix It Up! : Episode FIX-102 -- More Projects »
Chief Horticulturist of the Cyprus Gardens in FL, Joe Freeman offers some tips of selecting, purchasing, and caring for indoor plants.
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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
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Figure D
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When purchasing indoor plants, find out about the ideal growing conditions.
Both the Chinese evergreen and the peace lily (figure A) are well suited for low-light spaces. A good choice for a moderate light area is the dracaena. Pathos, which are climbing plants often associated with hanging basket arrangements, adjust to both low and bright light conditions.
This weeping fig ficus thrives in moderate light conditions. However, some plants, like the ficus, need to be left alone in one location. Otherwise, they will drop all of their leaves.
Under most circumstances, if a plant is located 3' from a south facing window, this is considered high light. Anywhere between 3' to 6' from a south facing window is moderate, and 6' and over is low light. If the plant is located in an east to west facing window, 3' from the window is moderate light and 3' to 6' is low light.
If you are unsure of the window's location, you can do a simple light test with a sheet of white paper. Place the piece of paper about 1" in front of the plant, and put your hand about 12" in front of the paper (figure B). If you hand's shadow is well defined, the light is high. If the shadow is dark with fuzzy edges, it's moderate light, and an undefined shadow means low light.
Sometimes, the most appealing plant location doesn't have the most ideal growing conditions. For these situations, use a supplemental lighting source to encourage plant growth. Another option is to purchase two plants. Place on plant in a good growing environment, and switch the plants out every six months.
Another element to consider when selecting indoor plants is the temperature. The Boston fern is one of the most popular houseplants, and adapts well to cool temperatures (figure C).
A temperature modification hood on a heat vent diffuses the heat and protects the plant from damaging heat (figure D). Blinds are also a good tool for diffusing harmful direct light or creating a barrier against drafty cold weather.
If you have particular plants that are susceptible to pests like spider mites, mist the plants with water along the undersides of the foliage.
Potting1. Choose a container that is about 1" to 2" larger than the existing pot, and is equipped with drainage holes, as well.
2. Mix potting soil with perlite and vermiculite or sand to assist with drainage.
3. Fill the pot about a quarter full with soil and place the plant in the container to check the size.
4. Loosen the roots and place the plant back in the container. Fill the remaining gaps around the plant's base with additional soil.
5. Tamp the soil down to remove any air pockets.
6. Create a schedule for fertilizing the plant. Tips for Plant Care
- The number one cause of indoor plant fatality is over-watering. Check the soil with your finger by digging into the soil about 2" to determine if the plant needs watering.
- Some of the signs of over-watering include small, distorted new growth and discoloration on the foliage.
- A sure sign your plant is out-growing its container is when you see roots growing out through the drainage holes.
Resources Cypress Gardens
Cypress Gardens
PO Box 1
Cypress Gardens, FL 33884
USA
Phone: 941-324-2111
Toll Free Phone: 800-282-2123
Fax: 941-324-7262
URL: www.cypressgardens.com
J. D.'s Southern Oaks
J. D.'s Southern Oaks
3800 Country Club Road
Winter Haven, FL 33881
USA
Phone: 941-293-2335
Fax: 941-299-4141
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