Happy New Year to all of our garden friends! This is one of my favorite times of the year, I get to spend hours reading seed and plant catalogues, dreaming up new combinations for baskets and trying new plant varieties.
The time to start seeds is coming soon, so I will be adding tips for that later, but I thought I would start the year with some thoughts on houseplant care. (Confession time: I was looking at my plants thinking they needed some attention. Also, I think I need a few new ones - my collection is a little shabby (okay-more than shabby)).
1. Bath - clean the tops and bottoms of leaves with water and a soft cloth. Leaves get dusty and dirty over time, washing the leaves allows the plant to breathe and grow easier.
2. Water sparingly - most houseplants are not actively growing during the dark winter months and over-watering or not allowing the plants to dry out can lead to root-rot. In drier climates you will end up watering more often than in more humid areas - but still allow soil to dry completely before watering.
3. Trim dead or sick leaves and inspect for pests - keep plants looking their best by trimming off the ugly, dead or sick looking leaves. While you are inspecting the plant, keep an eye out for bugs. Most pests can be taken care of with a environmentally friendly option such as insecticidal soap or Neem oil.
**Winter is NOT the time for repotting. This is best done when the plant is actively growing (spring or summer), or in the case of winter flowering plants in the fall after it comes out of dormancy - but before it blooms.**
A few minutes spent on each plant will ensure their health and longevity. Happy (indoor) gardening. :)
The time to start seeds is coming soon, so I will be adding tips for that later, but I thought I would start the year with some thoughts on houseplant care. (Confession time: I was looking at my plants thinking they needed some attention. Also, I think I need a few new ones - my collection is a little shabby (okay-more than shabby)).
1. Bath - clean the tops and bottoms of leaves with water and a soft cloth. Leaves get dusty and dirty over time, washing the leaves allows the plant to breathe and grow easier.
2. Water sparingly - most houseplants are not actively growing during the dark winter months and over-watering or not allowing the plants to dry out can lead to root-rot. In drier climates you will end up watering more often than in more humid areas - but still allow soil to dry completely before watering.
3. Trim dead or sick leaves and inspect for pests - keep plants looking their best by trimming off the ugly, dead or sick looking leaves. While you are inspecting the plant, keep an eye out for bugs. Most pests can be taken care of with a environmentally friendly option such as insecticidal soap or Neem oil.
**Winter is NOT the time for repotting. This is best done when the plant is actively growing (spring or summer), or in the case of winter flowering plants in the fall after it comes out of dormancy - but before it blooms.**
A few minutes spent on each plant will ensure their health and longevity. Happy (indoor) gardening. :)
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