Over-watering houseplants is the major reason for failure. The roots can only absorb what the plant needs, so excess water displaces oxygen from the soil. This suffocates the roots and leads to rot. The plant droops, so most people think it needs even more water! Experienced indoor gardeners never water by the calendar. The amount of water plants need vary from plant to plant, room to room and even containers play a roll. Smaller containers of course would need less water than larger ones but the type of container matters, too. Clay containers are porous and will need water more frequently than a plant in a plastic pot. There are fancy meters that supposedly determine when a plant needs water, but sticking your finger down into the soil is the best way to see if it is wet or not! Water in the morning to allow any moisture in the air time to evaporate before evening. Foliage that remains wet and cool is more prone to disease. Always water thoroughly to ensure the roots are saturated. Bottom watering works best.
The medium in which a plant grows serves three main purposes. It acts as a support, keeping the plant from falling over, it stores water and nutrients, and it provides sufficient air circulation to keep the roots well oxygenated. Any medium that supplies those basics will give good results. I prefer soilless mixes, such as Pro Mix. There are many other name brands around.
Photosynthesis provides plants with the sugar and carbohydrates they need for energy and fertilizers provide the nutritive minerals they require for healthy growth and bloom. There are many to chose from but if you know what the three numbers stand for, you will know what is best for each plant.
The perentages listed on most fertilizers are for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, in that order. Nitrogen primarily enriches the greenness of foliage and promotes stem growth. Phosphorus encourages flowering and root growth. Potassium contributes to stem strength and disease resistence. So fertilizer for flowering plants usually contain less nitrogen and more phosphorous and potassium. You can also find specialized fertilizers for say african violets and orchids. Some of these plants may need to be kept fertilized on a regular basis for blooming purposes.
There is one thing people make a mistake with and think, gee if my plant does so well with the recommended portion of plant food per gallon of water, think what doubling that will do! Well, it might kill your plant. Always go by the directions on the fertilizer package. Too much can burn the root of the plant.
So when it comes to houseplant care, whether it be watering or fertilizing, less is more.
Here is a list of 12 easy- to- grow house plants:
- Heart leafed philodendron (philodendron scandens oxycardium): This plant does best in indirect sunlight. Keep the soil barely moist at all times.
- English ivy (hedera helix): There are many varieties with many odd shapes of leaves. It does best with four or more hours of direct sunlight per day but will do fairly well in indirect sunlight. Keep soil barely moist.
- Pothos or Devil's ivy (scindapsus): This may be grown as a vine or, if pinched back, a table plant. Pothos does best in indirect sunlight and the soil should be moderately dry between waterings.
- Peperomia: There are many varieties to chose from, some clumping, or trailing and some that are low and perfect for a coffee table. They have thick leaves and the flower stalks look like mouse tails. They do best in indirect, but bright light. Let the soil become moderately dry between waterings.
- Wax begonia (semperflorens-cultorum): This will grow 6 - 14 inches tall and needs at least four hours of direct sunlight daily from November to March, then bright indirect sunlight the rest of the year. There are bushy plants with shiny, waxy, heart-shaped leaves. Given ample light, they bloom profusely in a variety of colors. Let it dry slightly between waterings.
- African Violet (saintpaulia): Thousands of varieties exist! They grow 4- 6 inches tall and do best in bright indirect sunlight. Keep barely moist. There are african voilet pots available that have a water reservoir that these plants love. Put your fertilizer directly into the water.
- India rubber tree (ficus): This is also sold as weeping fig. Althought it isn't the easiest of the list, if you find a spot it likes, don't move it! The can grow to the ceiling if not pruned and do best in indirect East sunlight. Keept the soil barely moist at all times.
- Jade plant (crassula): These will grow 18 - 20 inches tall and need four or more hours of direct sun daily. Let the soil become nearly dry between waterings. These plants will live for years root-bound, but you may re-pot any time.
- Dumb cane (dieffenbachia): One of the easiest! It may reach 4-5 feet tall but may be cut back. It does best in indirect sunlight. Let the soil become moderately dry between waterings. The leaves and stems of this plant are poisonous.
- Snake plant (sanseveria): Also known as mother-in-law's tongue. This is a very tough house plant. Thick, almost succulent leaves, it grows 18 - 30 inches tall. It may be grown in full sun in a North window or anywhere in between. Let the soil become moderately dry between waterings. In winter, water just enought to keep from shriveling.
- Chinese evergreen (aglaonema): This plant will grow in a dark corner of your living room where most other plants would die. But a north window is best. Keep the soil barely moist at all times.
- Dracena: Also called dragon tree. It comes in a great variety of shapes and styles. It likes indirect sunlight and the soil should be kept moist at all times. Don't let the pot stand in water.
Another great past-time of Maine gardeners in the winter is pouring over the many cataloges, books and wish-lists for next year's garden. There is one thing I have learned about gardeners in general. We're never satisfied! There is always a plant or variety that we can't wait to try next year!
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