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Caring for your houseplants Courtesy of Newsday Thursday, September 4 2008 Most houseplants are hybrids of plant species which grow wild, somewhere in the world. A good rule of thumb for keeping them healthy is to try to match the same environment from which they originated. You may not be able to match every criteria for your plant, but every small step you take to ensure the plants comfort will be a giant step towards keeping your friend healthy. Proper lighting and watering are, by far, the most important criteria for the health of your house plant, but temperatures and humidity will drastically affect your plants as well. Generally, tropical plants enjoy a relative humidity of 50 to 70 percent and warm temperatures. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Succulents being the most notable, which prefer warmer and drier conditions. It will be a great benefit to your plant if you do a little research about what the needs of your particular species happen to be. Here are some other guidelines for caring for your houseplants: - Most houseplants will thrive in a draught-free, well-lit spot, out of direct sunlight. - Wait until compost has almost dried out before watering. Apply from the top of plants and allow excess liquid to drain away. - When in flower, feed plants weekly with a liquid fertiliser high in potash. - Keep plants looking good by deadheading flowers and cutting off damaged, dying or yellowing leaves. Plants will grow better with clean leaves. - Remove dust with damp cotton wool. - If growth is pale and spindly, put plants in a lighter spot. - Control pests by rubbing off with damp cotton wool. - If you have a serious pest problems and you can't control by hand, try an organic solution. |
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Detox your home with indoor plants Courtesy of Newsday Thursday, September 4 2008 Did you know the same healthy aspects of the outdoors can occur inside your home by inviting nature in? When you go shopping for house cleaning products, consider adding large-leaved plants for every room in your home. They reduce unhealthy pollutants as well as airborne bacteria and fungi while adding the humidity needed to combat respiratory and allergic conditions. By adding houseplants to your living space, you improve the air and enhance the health of your family. Plants can purify and renew our stale indoor air by filtering out toxins, pollutants, and the carbon dioxide we exhale - replacing them with life sustaining oxygen. It is suggested to allow one houseplant per 100 square feet of living area for the most effective results. The more vigorous (fast growing) the plant, the more air it can filter. Pollutants are absorbed through the leaves, so keep the leaves clear of dust by wiping gently with a damp cloth. |