Houseplants-MG

I am enjoying the 17 dancing ladies on my coffee table. The broad yellow skirts of the small orchids are my reward for care given over the past year.

Growing plants indoors has many rewards, including good decorating eye catchers. The tray of orchids makes a nice display after the red and green plants of the Christmas season.

Houseplants also provide good oxygen exchange in rooms. Houseplants have two basic needs -- light and water. If one has just a few plants, they don't take much time, but if someone has a huge menagerie as I do, it is a serious hobby that takes time.

The rewards from the varieties of leaves, shapes, colors, textures far outweigh the time I spend watering each week. I love the look of a room that has a nice green plant. Occasionally, during the winter months, there is a plant in bloom.

Basic care techniques are simple and used to produce these splendid friends. Let's start with watering. My experience is many people are afraid they will overwater their plants. I suggest a plant with good drainage, that's one with a hole in the bottom of the pot. They work the best for the normal household. To keep the plant freshly dusted and clean, put the plant in the shower and water enough to flush through the pot.

I recommend this type of watering once a month for those who are stingy with the water. Small plants can easily be watered and showered each week in the kitchen sink. If a plant is large and hard to move, water enough that you see some drippings in the bottom tray. That helps you measure the amount necessary each week.

A humidifier is also helpful in keeping the moisture level of a home comfortable. If you are comfortable, your plants will be comfortable. Dry air has the same effect on plants as it does humans.

Lighting is the second most important factor. Pull back the drapes and let the sun shine in. I also pull back sheers so plants receive additional light. Full length windows and glass doors are ideal for the scattering of a few nice foliage plants. Personally I like plant stands placed at the windows for small plants that need the extra light.

I have found very few plants that tolerate low light. Although low light is recommended I believe the interpretation of low light varies. These same plants thrive when they receive additional lighting. Even plants setting near a table lamp do better than being placed in a dark corner.

Plants are like people. They like to be a little warmer during the day than at night. Normal room temperatures are fine for plants. Cooler nighttime temps help extend the life of flowering plants.

I place amaryllis and spring bulbs that I force near the heat ducts. They like to have warm feet.

I receive many questions about insects. White flies and mealy bugs create problems. If detected early, plants can be treated. For indoor plants, I prefer soapy water baths or using alcohol on a cotton ball. Insecticides may be used, as well.

When I see a plant with an extensive problem, I recommend they be disposed of immediately. I fear the bugs will spread to other plants and aren't worth the time and effort to get rid of the pests.

Once the plants survive the winter, many are ready for the extended day outside. All of my houseplants go outside. Most are placed in shady areas except ficus, hibiscus, cactus and my treasured bird of paradise.

My plants are outside by the first of May and back inside by the first of October here in Southwest Missouri. It is necessary to read the temperature predictions and paying attention to 40 degree lows. An hour or two at 40 degrees won't hurt most plants but some are very sensitive to the cooler air, as I learned this past fall.

Fertilizer improves the color of houseplants, but persistent weekly feedings are not necessary. I usually feed my houseplants when I take them outdoors, once during the summer months and again when I bring them in. Light and water are just as important as they are during the winter months. Fertilizer is optional during the winter months.

Those five months of summertime often prepare plants for winter blooming, such as my orchids.

Summer care of houseplants is very easy. Get a hose, turn on the water and watch them grow.


		University of Missouri Extension Jasper County jasperco@missouri.edu Web site maintained by: Virginia Bryan bryanv@missouri.edu Last updated: 09/02/2009