In The Garden

 Outdoors In... And Why

Every room in your home can benefit from the addition of a houseplant or two. It's said that some plants such as the spider plant will even eliminate odors in your kitchen and bathroom. While all plants are great for adding oxygen to the air in your home.

Plants also soften the hard lines of furnishings and bring a feeling of life into the home. Live herbs on your kitchen window sill add an unexpectedly delightful pop of flavor to your menu. Your children will delight in growing small garden plants inside, harvesting them and eating them. Plants that easily lend themselves to this are radishes, small carrots, lettuces, sprouts, basils, and oreganos... just to name a few.

Many people purchase decorative plants from the store or nursery, place it in a pot and water it once a week. Perhaps you have done this and are discouraged by poor growth or dieing plants. 

What can you do to develop your green thumb?

More often than not it is a simple matter of improper potting which leads to problems of over-watering or limited growth. Before you bring your next plant home consider these three steps for potting beautiful, long lasting houseplants.

PROPER SOIL

Houseplants often require different soil than outdoor plants. A lighter, rich soil should be used and can be purchased at your local nursery or where you buy plants. If it is not identified on the package ask an attendant to help you find the right soil.

Along with allowing for proper drainage this lighter soil has the right balance of fertilizer for your houseplants. You will need to choose soil based on whether you have flowering or non-flowing plants.

SUNLIGHT

No plant can live without sunlight, though some need more than others. Plants that need the nourishment of  the rays from the sun can often use artificial sun light bulbs to supplement without the heat generated coming through the window.

SIZE AND STYLE CONTAINER

Planting your indoor plants in a pot that is too small will restrict the roots and stunt the growth of your plant. Choose a pot that gives ample room for roots to spread as well as space for water to accumulate without rotting the roots.

The exception to this would be the African violet family that needs a snug pot that is changed as the plant grows.

As for the appearance of the pot, select one that is proportionate to the size of the plant so it does not look overwhelmed. The material of your pot is also important since natural materials like clay will absorb water from the soil. This can damage carpets or furnishings when it is in contact with these surfaces. It will also mean more watering since the water will evaporate through the pot.

Choosing glazed, metal or plastic pots will reduce watering needs but will also require more diligence to check the soil is dry between waterings to avoid over-watering.

PROPER DRAINAGE

Potted plants do not have the benefit of natural soil drainage that occurs in their natural habitat. Because of this plants can easily become water logged which leads to root rot. When roots rot and can no longer take nutrients from the soil the plant will develop limp leaves and yellowed tips.

Part of the solution to over-watering is providing proper drainage for your plants. If you are using a pot with drainage holes you will need to place a dish under it to catch the excess water. If you are planting in a pot with no holes put a level of gravel in the bottom where water can drain and be used by the plant as needed.

Allowing soil to dry out between waterings is better than over-watering. Check soil by inserting your finger at least one inch into the soil. You can also look for the soil to pull away from the sides of the pot or look dry on the surface. If water is accumulating in the drainage dish and not reabsorbing you need to dump the excess water out.


You will cultivate beautiful and long lasting plants by taking time to pot them properly and follow these few maintenance tips.