Plants, Gardens and Gardening !

Basic Houseplant Care and Requirements

A wealth of information is available now via internet and the wide number of books available today. Much can be learned from the great books available.

There are a number of great ways to begin growing a plant ranging from leaf cuttings to selecting bulbs or simply starting from seeds. A number of methods of plant propagation are explained further along here.

Potting soil - Your potting soil mix: For proper drainage, always grow houseplants in either clay or plastic pots with drainage holes.

You can place the growing pots inside attractive outer pots but don't let extra water sit in the bottom.

Often, your houseplants can grow in the nursery or propagation pot for a lengthy period. Transplant when you see the plant being forced out of it’s container or you see roots showing at the drainage hole.

Use houseplant potting mix, and replant into a container that is just a little larger than the roots.

(see more at organic gardening)

 Light: Flowering houseplants and those with colored leaves need more light than green-leafed plants. These houseplants may require supplemental plant lighting. you will also find more on forcing blooms later in this website.

Water: Over watering (see watering) is the most common houseplant mistake that beginners make. Wait for the soil to become almost dry, but not wilted, then water until water shows at the drainage holes. Test for moisture by touch or moisture meter every five days. If it feels dry or meter registers dry, it's time to water.

Humidity: Put a layer of marbles in bottom of saucers; fill with water and place plant pot on top to capture evaporation. Consider a room humidifier if you notice it is too dry for your houseplants.

Temperature: Daytime temperatures of 64 to 73°F (18 to 23°C) and a little cooler at night are ideal. Avoid placing houseplants near heating ducts or drafty areas.

Fertilizing: Excessive fertilizing is not necessary. Minimal fertilizing of houseplants is required during slowed winter growth. Begin fertilizing about February with all-purpose fertilizer diluted to half strength. All-purpose fertilizer has nutrient ratios that are equal, e.g. 15-15-15 or 20-20-20. The newer liquid fertilizers that apply as you water are very efficient and easy to use on a regular basis. (See fertilizers explained).

Grooming: Dust leaves on a regular basis to keep breathing pores open. Remove dying or dead leaves and flowers. Dust and dirt that collects on plant leaves acts as a filter to the sun's rays. A clean plant not uses energy from the sun more efficiently for photosynthesis to produce its own food.

Use a feather duster to remove light dust. Dampen paper towels, cloths or sponges with water to wipe dirty leaves. Carefully wipe both upper and lower surfaces of the leaf at the same time.

Leaf shine products tend to inhibit leaf transpiration and are not recommended for good houseplant health.

Cleaning also keeps leaves free of insects and diseases. When you wipe leaves, you often wipe away unwanted pests, as well.

Pests and Diseases: Healthy houseplants are less susceptible to problems. For the best success, only purchase healthy vibrant plants. Those clearance plants are likely on the way down in life and will require a lot of care to return them to health.

When watering your houseplants look at the tops and undersides of leaves. If you see bugs, try washing them away with water and a little dish soap. Test the water-and-soap mixture on a small part of the plant first, to be sure there will be no damage to leaves. If that is not successful, you will need to apply a chemical insecticide. Throw away dead plant matter and discard the soil to prevent diseases spreading to your other houseplants. (see diseases and maladies)

Trimming

Remove leaves that are yellow or dead. If more than half the leaf is affected, remove the entire leaf. If only a small portion of the leaf is discolored, trim that portion to the natural shape of the leaf. Use sharp scissors for best results.

Leaves of some houseplants may continue to grow at the leaf base. Remove faded and discoloured flowers. Remove both the flower and the stem.

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Selecting Flower Seeds and Vegetable seeds.