Home Gardening

Tips for having happy houseplants
The Coast Gardener Newspaper and Web Column - March 16, 2002

Nothing adds quite as much pizzazz to a boring home or office like houseplants. Plants with exotic foliage and blooms add appeal to any home or office environment. While many houseplants are easy to grow, a few tips can certainly help you to grow plants indoors successfully.

During the winter months, a common problem often occurs. Plants develop yellowish foliage and the edges of the leaves curl under. These symptoms are followed by wilting and leaf drop. The most common cause of this problem is overwatering. Although plants do need water during the winter, they do not need as much as in the summer months.

It is not always necessary to water your plants on a set schedule! If they do not need watering, don't water them. The best way to tell is to stick your finger into the soil about two inches. You can also use a moisture meter if you want to be a little more scientific. If the soil is moist, no water is needed.

It's easy to determine if your plant's problem is related to overwatering. If the growing medium is soggy, the root system has a "sour" smell, and roots are dark and off-colored, the problem is most likely due to houseplant watering practices. You should be able to take a peek at the roots of larger plants by gently sliding the plant part way out of the container.

As a general rule, keeping the soil evenly moist will keep most houseplants happy, but do a little checking to find about your plant's specific water requirements. Avoid such practices as keeping a plant sitting in water in its saucer. Remember, too much of a good thing can spell disaster, particularly when it leads to root or stem rot.

Overheating can also cause leaf drop. Plants placed too closely to heaters or air outlets are subject to desiccation and should be moved to a friendlier environment to prevent excessive foliage loss.

Did you bring any plants indoors for the cold winter months? Although necessary for some plant material, this practice can cause distress for some types, especially those that prefer the outdoors.

It is important to gradually move plants inside a sheltered location prior to winter's chill. It is very important to consider light requirements for your plants when you move them. Gradually move them outdoors again when temperatures warm in the spring. Don't place them directly in the sun; instead, place them in a sheltered location in indirect sunlight for a period of time. Gradual adaptation will ease any "shock treatment" from which your plants may suffer.

As I mentioned, lighting is very important. Have you ever been watching TV and ever so often a leaf would fall from your rubber plant? One by one every leaf falls until you have nothing but a stick in a pot? How frustrating is that!

Rubber plants need moderate to high levels of light such as a south or west facing window or general fluorescent office lighting. They won't grow well in the dark. Pay close attention and know the light requirements for your houseplants.

Next week I will look at more common houseplants headaches and what can be done to correct the problems. Until then, spend a little time weeding that flowerbed that you have been putting off since last year!

These archived gardening columns were written by Chance McDavid, former Harrison County Extension Agent.