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Growing
plants indoors has been a source of enjoyment and beauty for people for many
centuries. Indoor plants are not only used in the home, but also in malls,
restaurants, office buildings, and hotels. When carefully chosen and
strategically placed, plants add ambiance
and warmth to any room in your home.
Purchasing
your Plants
The
most important thing to remember is that the plants you select must be
compatible with
the environment you provide.
Choose
plants whose foliage is rich green and uniform in color.
Inspect
the plant for pests, such as mealy bugs, spider mites and worms.
Check
the label for the mature height of the plant. Make sure that it is not too tall
for the
location in your home.
Look
for signs of plant damage, such as broken stems or torn leaves.
Look
for healthy new growth.
For
greater success make sure that the suggested light conditions of the plant match
those
found in your home.
Maintaining
Your Plants
Light,
temperature, water, and nutrition are the main factors affecting plant growth.
When
possible, select plants that are known to be successful for interior use.
Make
sure your plants have sufficient light. Growing plants indoors can be a
challenge, since
light intensity is often very low.
If
using artificial light, plan to provide light for 12 - 16 hours. This number is
likely to be higher
for flowering plants.
A
sunny southern exposure will provide extra light for plants that need high
levels of light.
Be
on the lookout for phototropism (the tendency for plants to grow in the
direction of the
highest light) rotate your plants
periodically to avoid a lopsided look.
Temperature
Most
indoor plants grow well under typical conditions in the office and home. The
ideal
temperature is about an average of 70
degrees.
Avoid
drafty areas such as doorways and air conditioner vents.
Temperatures
that are too high can cause plants to wilt quickly.
Water
and fertilizer
Over-watering
is a common problem with interior plants - when in doubt do not water!
It
is easier for a plant to recover from under-watering than it is for it to
recover from
over-watering.
Use
your finger or a soil probe to check your plants' need for water. Probe into the
soil as
far as possible.
A
good rule-of-thumb is to water until the water comes out the bottom of the
container.
A
balanced slow release fertilizer (14-14-14) works best for your interior plants.
Look for one
that lasts three or four months.
For
a quick green up try a 20-20-20 analysis liquid fertilizer mixed at half
strength.
Caring
for your plants
Keeping
your plants free of pests and keeping the plants in good condition are
important
factors in interior plant care.
The
most common insects that attack plants indoors are mealy bugs, scale, and mites.
Inspect
the your plant's leaves regularly for
these pests.
Don't
forget to check the underside of the leaves, as this is a favorite spot for
insects to hide.
Using a soapy solution to clean the plant
leaves regularly is beneficial.
A
spray of soap and water about three-tbsp. soap to one gallon of water can
control many
insects.
Root
rots and other soil diseases are caused by over-watering. Periodically check the
plants'
roots to ensure that they are a healthy
white color, not brown and mushy.
Removing
yellow leaves improves the appearance of your plants greatly.
An
occasional trim will cause the plant to fill in and remain uniform in shape.
Cleaning
the leaves with soapy water will remove the dust buildup and give the leaves a
shiny, healthy appearance.
Placing
your plants
Where
you place your plant in a room creates an impact upon the atmosphere and
ambience
of the area.
Tall,
potted plants can create a quiet reading corner or add privacy to an office
space.
Hanging
plants can provide a screen for a bathroom or bedroom window.
An
orchid may add tropical appeal to a patio or other living space.
Avoid
placing plants in heavy traffic areas or small spaces - they may just add
clutter to these spaces.
Make
sure that plants placed on tables or in other conversation spots are not too
large,
hindering the conversation.
Containers
for Plants
A
decorative pot will increase the beauty of any plant that you add to your
interior space.
Regardless
of the decorative appeal, a container with good drainage is a must for an
interior
plant.
Place
a saucer underneath the container to catch the run off water before it reaches
your floor.
Polystyrene
peanuts will keep the container light in weight, increase your drainage,
and
decrease the soil needed to fill the pot.
When
stepping up plants to the next size do not increase size of the container more
than 2
sizes greater than the current one.
Baskets
and other decorator pots are readily available at home improvement and
home
decorating stores and are easy to change
with the seasons and your moods.
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