General Care For Green And Blooming Plants

Wednesday, December 29 | House Plants

Plants grow better if you give them proper light, suitable temperatures, adequate moisture and a little plant food.

Light:  Most indoor plants do not like the intensely bright sunshine of midsummer. Instead, situate your plants such that they receive bright, but diffuse sunlight throughout the day.   In spring, fall and especially winter, plants can handle the less-intense rays of sun so feel free to move them closer to the window.  If you cannot place them near a window, use artificial lights over them.

Watering: Most plants like to alternate between wet and dry soil conditions.  Examine your soil every few days. When the soil feels dry to the touch (stick your finger in the soil up to your first knuckle), add enough water to wet the soil all the way to the bottom of the pot.  Be sure that any excess water is drained off.  Do not water you plant again until the soil feels thoroughly dry.

Temperature: Most foliage plants thrive best at night temperatures of 60° to 65° F, and day temperatures of 70° to 80° F.

Fertilizing: Since the amount of soil and nutrients available in a small pot is limited, small quantities of plant food are desirable at three- to four-week intervals, used according to the directions on the package.