Houseplants

Spring Houseplant Care

Indoor plants are starting to “wake up” as we approach the Spring equinox this month. They are responding to the increasing amount of daylight coming through the windows. On March 1, daylight has grown by two hours and 10 minutes since the Winter Solstice on December 21. While plants are pushing out new growth, this is a good time to consider whether they need replanting, dividing, pruning, fertilizing or a close look for insect pests.

Here are some common conditions:

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Honey, I Shrunk the Houseplants

What’s not to love about big, beefy Boston ferns or tall parlor palms? They serve as lush, green focal points in a room and, like rubber plants and ficus trees, they demand adequate space to strut their stuff.

Denizens of the Dark: Indoor Plants for Low-Light Spaces

As the year begins our indoor spaces can seem dark—especially on overcast days. Any sunlight that passes through windowpanes now is less intense and of shorter duration than in summer. But that’s no problem for several indoor plants that can spotlight a drab corner with intriguing sword-like foliage or variegated leaves.

Drill a Drainage Hole

Q: I understand the importance of planting in pots with adequate drainage, but many of my pots don’t have holes. Every time I try to drill into the bottom of the pot, it cracks. How do I drill a drainage hole into a ceramic plant pot without cracking it?

A: The following process can be successful, but it is not guaranteed, and it is intended for adults with cordless drill competence.

Materials/Tools:

Protecting Houseplants from Insects

Q: I have had problems with insects on my houseplants during past winters. Is there anything I can do to prevent or control them?

A: The first step is to keep insects out of the house by carefully inspecting any plants before bringing them into your home. This is especially important for plants that have spent the summer outdoors. If insects are found, isolate the affected plants immediately.

Winter Houseplant Care

Q: I recently inherited some houseplants and need some advice on successfully keeping them during the winter. 

A: Here are six tips for healthy houseplants:

Norfolk Island Pine Care

Q. How do I care for a Norfolk Island pine?

Clivia Plant Care

Q. How do I take care of my clivia plant in order to get it to rebloom next year?

Houseplants Outdoors in the Fall

Q. Are there any houseplants that should stay outdoors in the fall to promote bud formation?    

Gardenia care

I received a gardenia plant as a gift. How do I care for it?

Amaryllis care after a bloom

Q: How do I take care of my amaryllis now that it’s bloomed?

Tips on Watering Orchids

Q: How do I water my orchid?

Phalaenopsis Care After Bloom

Q. My Phalaenopsis orchid just finished blooming and I’m not sure what to do with the flower stem. Do I cut it? If so, where?

Cyclamen Care

Q.  I received a cyclamen as a gift, and I’m not sure how to take care of it.

Q: I’d like to give a creative and unusual gift. Do you have any suggestions?

A. Tillandsia plants, commonly called air plants, can be used quite creatively, and many different species are available. They will last longer than many plants sold this time of year, and they are relatively inexpensive. Tillandsia make great holiday, teacher appreciation, or hostess gifts.

Prepare for Spring in the Fall

Q.  Is there is anything I can do now in the garden to make next spring’s work easier?

A.   Here are some general recommendations for tasks to do now to prepare for next spring:

Christmas Cactus Care

Q. How should I care for my Christmas cactus when it stops blooming?

Caring for houseplants in late winter

Q. Is there anything that I should be doing in March to my houseplants?

Poinsettia caution

Q. Are poinsettia plants poisonous?

A.The term "poisonous plants" is often associated with plants that may cause great harm or be fatal if ingested. Potential poisoning depends on the level of toxins contained in the plant and the amount consumed.

Repotting cactus

 

Q. What is the best way to repot a cactus?

White Residue on Pots

Q. I have noticed a white substance accumulating on the soil and edges of my houseplant pots. What is causing this?

Controlling Whitefly

Q. I have discovered whiteflies on a few of my indoor plants. What’s the best remedy for controlling this pest?

Overwintering Tropical Plants

Q. How do I overwinter my tropical plants, such as Hibiscus, that are planted in containers and outside during the summer?

Care of Topiary Plants

Q: I received two topiary plants as holiday gifts—one rosemary and one ivy. Please advise on their care.

Poinsettias Dropping Leaves

Q. Shortly after I purchased poinsettias, they began dropping their leaves. What can I do to prevent this from happening?

Best Care for Poinsettias

Q. How can I make my holiday poinsettias last as long as possible?

A. Purchase a healthy plant that does not appear to have any disease or insect problems, and wrap it carefully before you bring it home. Poinsettias are very sensitive to cold air from drafty windows or doorways, as well as heat from air vents, radiators and fireplaces. Poinsettias will drop their leaves if exposed to chilling temperatures.

Starting Pineapple Plants

Q. I enjoy growing plants from cuttings and seeds. What is the procedure for starting a pineapple plant at home?

Repotting Orchids

Q. The roots of my phalaenopsis orchid are growing over the rim of the pot. Does this mean I need to repot the plant?

A. Many varieties of orchids enjoy being slightly potbound. However, if they are overly confined, they might fail to bloom. Choose a pot size that accommodates the size of the plant’s roots rather than one that reflects the size of the foliage and flowers. Signs that indicate it’s time to divide and/or repot your orchid include:

Growing Lemon Trees

Q. How do I grow a lemon tree indoors?

Ivy Topiary

Q. I received a lovely ivy topiary for the holidays and need some watering and fertilizing information.

Using Insecticidal Soap

Q. I have been spraying an insecticidal soap solution on my garden plants and houseplants to control insects. How long does this product last on the plants?

A. Soap solutions are designed to target soft-bodied insects on contact or as the solution begins to dry. Once the product is completely dry, it has very little effectiveness as an insect control. This is why you need to reapply the solution following a rainfall. Some gardeners wash off their houseplants once the soap application has dried.

Overwintering Houseplants

Q. I would like to bring some of my patio plants indoors for the winter. Is it necessary to change the soil or repot them first?

Overwatered Houseplants

Q. I was away on vacation for several weeks and my houseplants were seriously overwatered. How can I tell if they have suffered permanent damage?

Overwintering Tropical Hibiscus

Q. How do I overwinter tropical hibiscus indoors?

 

A. Your hibiscus should be moved indoors well before the first fall frost. Check the plants for insects prior to moving them indoors. 

Fungus Gnats on Indoor Plants

Q. I have noticed tiny dark insects flying around my indoor holiday plants. What are they and will they damage these plants?

Fuchsia

Q. Is it possible to grow a beautiful, large fuchsia indoors in winter?

Overwintering Coleus Plants

Q: How can I overwinter coleus plants so I don’t have to buy new ones each spring?

A: The easiest method is to pot up stem cuttings. Most growers and home gardeners use this method in late fall to overwinter coleus plants or in early spring to increase their stock of hard-to-find cultivars.

Christmas cactus

Q. How can I get my Christmas cactus to bloom again this year?

Care tips for bonsai

Q. I received a bonsai as a gift. How do I take care of it?

A. Bonsai are small specimens of regular trees or shrubs trained in pots to grow into beautiful shapes. This is an ancient horticultural art form and a number of plants are appropriate for use as bonsai. Traditionally, each bonsai is grown to a clearly defined style. In order for us to give appropriate care instructions, the plant will first need to be identified.

Care tips for bay-leaf trees

Q. Is it possible to grow a bay-leaf tree inside the house?

Planting Azaleas

Q. I am tempted by the gorgeous azaleas available now in florist shops. Is it possible for me to plant them in my garden in spring?

Amaryllis tips

Q. I always look forward to giving and receiving plants of the holiday season. One plant I would like to keep year-round is the amaryllis. Please explain how to do this.

A. Many plants can have an extended life well beyond the holidays if they are given the appropriate care. Here are some helpful tips to keep your plant blooming.

African Violets

Q. Can you suggest a remedy for African violets that don't bloom as often as they should?