Caring for House Plants this Winter
Since we will be inside most of the time for the next couple of months let's make our indoor environment better. This can be done by having plants that not only purify the air we are breathing but also feed our psyche. Consider having one or more of the holiday plants in your home or office. You may have purchased or received one of these seasonal plants recently, a Christmas cactus, Cyclamen, Kalanchoe, Amaryllis, Peace Lilies or a Poinsettia. These are a few of the varieties of plants that are available now. You may have received one as a gift or for a house warming present or you may decide to purchase one soon.
Here are some things to consider so these plants do well and can be enjoyed for an extended period of time. They do better when given adequate light, moderate temperature and are watered regularly. Proper watering and light conditions are likely the two most challenging aspects of keeping plants healthy indoors. No need to be concerned about fertilizing for the first 4 weeks. Feed monthly to keep your plants growing well; avoid keeping the soil either too wet or too dry. We need to try and avoid these extremes by watering well when needed and then waiting a few days before watering again. Be sure the plant has good drainage and doesn't sit in water for more than a few minutes, pour excess water out of the saucer or the roots will suffer from staying wet too long and begin to deteriorate. Be sure to poke holes in any pot cover and place your plant in a saucer. One way to tell if your plants need to be watered is to use the "one knuckle" test. Using your index finger, place it into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels damp to the touch and the soil tends to stick to your finger, the soil is wet enough and the plant should not be watered. Another way to tell if the plant needs watering is to pick it up, checking the weight. After some experience it becomes rather simple to tell when a plant needs to be watered. It is usually better if you think your plants can wait another day rather than keeping them too wet.
Normally, there is no problem with insects at this time of the year so no need to be concerned about this. Enjoy these beauties and remember someone special with a "living" gift that they can enjoy during some of our gloomy weather during the winter.
Send an email to info@meadowview.com with your question or comments.
30 years of Growing
Meadow View Growers
New Carlisle, OH
www.meadowview.com