Indoor Plant Care

WATERING

Over-watering is the greatest cause of plant problems. Too much water literally drowns the roots by closing off the oxygen supply in the soil. First sign of trouble is yellowing of the lower leaves.

A simple way to find out if a plant needs watering is to poke a finger about an inch into the soil. If it is damp, no water is needed. For more accurate measurement, use a water gauge or meter.

Container drainage affects moisture retention. All pots, regardless of material, should be "crocked" or have small pieces of clay or gravel over the drainage hole. Crocking allows excess moisture to escape without losing the soil and permits watering from the bottom of the pot.

POTTING

Prepared planting mixtures usually consist of vermiculite, peat moss and fertilizer plus small amounts of sterile soil. They also are free of diseases and weed seeds and hold moisture well. For add-on sales, promote vermiculite, peat moss, ground limestone, 5-10-5 fertilizer and 0-20-0 (high phosphate) fertilizer.

HEAT AND HUMIDITY

Heat and humidity do much to shape plant growth and vitality. Too much heat causes soft, weak plant development.

Touch the leaf surface; if it feels hot, move the plant further away from light.

Humidity prevents plants from drying out too fast. Generally 40 to 60 percent relative humidity is adequate. Most tropical plants like high humidity; humidifiers and misting help keep them happy.

ACCESSORIES

Pots - The most important factors in selecting the correct pot are size, drainage and construction.

Clay pots are porous, allowing air and moisture to pass through. Plastic is lighter and more colorful, but depends entirely on drainage holes to relieve excess moisture.

Plants must be transplanted to bigger pots as they grow. Re-potting is indicated when roots creep up to the top of the soil. Other indications in a seemingly healthy plant are shedding of lower leaves and new leaves failing to develop normally.

Terrariums are another form of potting, but require special attention; plants must be small, compatible and inclined to a moist environment.

More information on pots and potting can be found in houseplant books.

Plant Food - There are a number of prepared fertilizers in liquid, granular or time-release tablet form for indoor plants. Urge customers to read the directions carefully and follow them explicitly. The old saying, "If one drop is good, two will be even better", does not hold true in gardening.

The amount and frequency of fertilizing depends on light, water, soil and level of plant growth. Many houseplant books have specific plant feeding instructions.

Pest Control - Most common houseplant pests are red spiders, aphids, scale, gnats and mealy bugs. There are commercial sprays to get rid of these pests. Be sure to follow instructions carefully.

For best results, spray tips of plant shoots, underside of leaves and junction of leaf and stem.

Grow Lights - Plants depend on good light for growth, but they can't always get it year round. Sunlight, of course, is the best light source, but proper artificial light is a good supplement.

Grow lights can be fitted into bookshelves, into hanging planters, etc., providing light heretofore unavailable.

To determine exactly how much light a plant needs, consider the amount of light it gets in its natural surroundings and then simulate it.

Lights should be placed 2' to 6' above the plant and left on about 16 hours per day. In order for the plant to maintain its natural shape, light should be evenly distributed from above.

Grow light systems are available, or you may choose to make your own, using a pair of 40-watt fluorescent bulbs.

Plant Hardware - To help display indoor plants, hooks and brackets are available in a wide variety of styles, sizes and finishes, including vinyl-coated, rustproof items.

In recent years, brackets in decorator colors, wood and brass have expanded the offering. Besides being decorative, many plant hardware items include special features such as rotating hooks or swivel brackets, allowing you to take the best possible care of plants.

Hangers, in macrame, plastic or metal chain designs, and vinyl-coated stands suitable for outdoor use are good suggestions for add-on sales. These items can be matched to most home decors.

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Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.