Houseplants

Caring for houseplantsWateringsigns of improper wateringdrooping leaves - lack of water

Wateringyellowing - too much water

Methods of Wateringdrench and let drydrench and let dry slightlykeep media constantly moist

Temperaturerecommended temperature50-85 F daytimenight - drop 10-15 below daytime

templocate plants away from air-

conditioners and drafts

Lightingnatural or artificialmeasured in foot candlesdirect sunpartial shade or weak sun - less

than 50% natural sun light

Lightingindirect or filtered light - no

direct sun light

Artificial Lightingroot cuttings more easilystart seedsgrow tropical plants with

greater ease

Humidity% of moisture in the airvaries with seasonslow in the winter

Increase humidity by:spraying with fine mistfill water tight tray with water

and pea gravel, set containers in it

Increase humidity by:use a humidifierplace plants in the part of the

house with the highest humidity

Fertilizersslow releasesmall beads applied to the soilnutrients are steadily released

Fertilizers - slow releaseplant absorbs nutrients as

neededavoids over feeding

Soluble fertilizerliquid or soliddissolved in water before

applying

Soil Mixturevaries with each plantorganic matter helps to

improve water holding capacityperlite helps to keep the mix

loose and easily drained

Containersdrainage should be availableuse well drained soil mixput saucer under pot to protect

furniture from water

Potting plantsselect appropriate containerand soil mixprovide drainage - put rocks or

put shards in the bottom of container

Potting plantsadd potting mix to cover rocksplace plant in to check soil

level should be 1/2 inch below top of

pot

Potting plantsfill remainder of container with

media

Repottingrepot plants when they become

root boundif roots are growing around the

root ballroots appear at the top of soil

Repottingseparate roots to allow re-

growthIf plant is blooming, wait until

after flowering is completed

Repottingselect pot or container of the

next larger size than the one the plant was planted in.

General Careleavesclean occasionally with a fine

spray of waterwipe top and underside of

leaves

Leaveshelps to remove dust and insectsdo not use leaf shine productsclogs the stomatesmakes it hard for plants to

breathe

Disease and Insectscontrol pests by recognizing

and controlling them on the plant

Common plant pestsaphidswhite fliesmealy bugsmitesscale

Aphidssmall green insects with

piercing mouthscalled plant licesuck plant juices from the plant

Aphidswork on stem and underside of

leavesleaves become sticky with

“honey-dew”causes growth of black sooty

mold

Aphidsleaves curl, disfigure, turn

yellowuse Orthene

White Flysmall white, winged, sucking

insectsworks on underside of leaves

White Flyheavy egg producersinfestation can occur quicklyeggs laid on underside of plant

leaves

White Flycause plant to turn yellowhave mottled appearance -

spottyWhite Flies will leave the plant

when the leaves are moved

White Flyuse Orthene

Mealy Bugswhite , woolly mass, like a ball

of cottonsucking insectworks on the underside of the

leaves

Mealy Bugssucking juices gives plant a

faded yellow appearancecontrol by swabbing the insect

with a q-tip dipped in alcoholremoves insect from plant

Mitessmall spider like insects on bottom

side of leavessuck juices causing plant to turn

yellowcannot be seen easily with the naked

eye

Miteshold a white piece of paper

under leaf and tap the leaveslook for spider like insects

moving on the paper

Miteswipe across the paper with your

fingerif mites are present, there will be

a red smearcontrol with Kelthane or

Orthane

Scalewhen mature, attack stems in a

clustersmall white gray lumps - oval

shapeplant turns yellow, loses vigor

Scalesticky sap appearance on plantremove with soapy water spray with Malathion or

Orthane

Botrytiscommon diseaseleaves turn black and develop a

gray mold and will eventually rot off

Botrytisprovide good air circulationuse a fungicide - Benlate

Mildewcommon diseaseleaves get a heavy white

coatingfungicide - Benlate

Insecticidescan be purchased in most storesread the label for applications

and directions