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Written by Mary.... Master Gardener
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Sunday, 03 February 2008 |
Most of our houseplants are easy to maintain, and that is precisely why we have them in the first place. However, we could all use a few hints on how to keep them really happy.
First of all, houseplants do not thrive on over watering. Soil should be moist, not soggy. Never leave water standing in dish or under saucer of a houseplant. If you put the pot on a tray of pebbles, then you can have water in amongst the pebbles, and that gives indoor plants more humidity. Never leave roots sit in water.
Irregular watering usually results in burned tips. Sometimes you will notice that the soil is completely dry between watering, and this causes salt to build up in the soil, burning the tips of the plants. Take the plant to the sink or in the bathtub and run water through the soil, flushing out built-up salts. I mark my calendar to remind me when I am to water each group of plants. Agreed, I leave some dry out, but these are in the cactus family, and they like to dry out in-between. The secret here is to know each plant and the type of care they need.
Yellow and brown leaves result from either over or under watering plants. Feel the soil to determine if it is wet or dry. There is now a meter you can purchase from nurseries and greenhouses which when inserted into the soil, will tell if you need to water or not. It might be a consideration.
Sunlight is another critical component to successful plant growth. Before buying a plant, be sure you understand the light that it needs so you can place it appropriately in your home. Most plants need either direct sunlight or defused sunlight. Defused sunlight means that it is filtered through a sheer curtain, or the plant is set a little to the side so the rays of the sun do not hit it directly. I have grown Pothos "Rhaphidopara", on my coffee table which sits 10 feet from the nearest window and it has survived quite well. Again, check the label which is usually a marker in the soil of each plant. If you still aren't sure, ask a store clerk.
Remember in too little light, plants become spindly, or leggy. Cut back plants that have been in too dark places, and place in a brighter light, depending upon their needs. If you see new growth, you will know you have done well.
The most common pest are mealy bug and scale, and these are living insects that look like a brown spot on the stem and can be controlled with rubbing alcohol and a swap. For mealy bugs, rub the swab into the center of the plant to the base leaves and remove the white cotton-like substance produced by this pest. For scale, touch the alcohol swab to the brown spots on the stems, and insects will dry out almost instantly. Wipe the stem clean.
Whatever you do, do have fun with the large variety of houseplants available to us. Please feel free to e-mail Mary with any questions at
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Happy Gardening.
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