|
|
| |
|
|
plant care
You don't need a green thumb to keep your plant
healthy and thriving – in fact, you don't need to do
much at all. With just a little attention to appropriate
lighting, watering, and temperature, your plant will
be a beautiful reminder of the person who gave it to
you for many months to come. Remember when you
are caring for a plant in your home or office, to
move it to a sink or water safe area. Water the plant
and allow excess water to run out the bottom of the
pot into a sink, bucket or saucer. Prune leaves or
blossoms that are past their prime and do not allow
dropped leaves or debris to collect on top of the soil
inside the pot to decrease the chance of pests or
diseases. To make your plant shine, wipe the leaves
with a soft, damp cloth and then return the plant to
its pot and then to its setting. |
 |
TO LEARN ABOUT THE CARE OF SPECIFIC PLANTS, REFER TO THE LISTING BELOW: |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
AFRICAN VIOLET
A healthy African violet will bloom for nine months and then rest for three. Despite their delicate appearance, they are not difficult to care for. Keep their soil moist to dry and allow it to dry out between waterings to encourage blooming. Because water can damage their leaves, always water them from the bottom by placing the container in a tray of water. Allow the plant to absorb the water for about 30 minutes.
Place your African violet in moderate to bright, indirect light, and avoid exposing them to sudden temperature changes. Pinch off wilted blossoms and leaves to encourage blooming, and fertilize monthly or when the plant is actively growing new leaves and buds.
|
|
|
 |
AGLAONEMA
Aglaonema, also known as Chinese evergreen, are very tolerant plants that do well in a range of environments. They prefer medium to low light in a warm room with slightly higher humidity, but they'll adapt to a spot that's slightly dryer and brighter (they make nice plants for the bedroom or bathroom). Allow their soil to dry out a bit between waterings (though, avoid letting it become bone dry), and gently clean off their leaves on a regular basis.
Aglaonema, also known as Chinese evergreen, are very tolerant plants that do well in a range of environments. They prefer medium to low light in a warm room with slightly higher humidity, but they'll adapt to a spot that's slightly dryer and brighter (they make nice plants for the bedroom or bathroom). Allow their soil to dry out a bit between waterings (though, avoid letting it become bone dry), and gently clean off their leaves on a regular basis.
|
|
|
 |
AMARYLLIS
The amaryllis is native to warmer climates. The showy funnel-shaped blossoms stand atop a single stalk stem. Occasionally the flowers' weight will require some support for the stem. A simple bamboo stake and raffia tie can support the stem and be a decorative addition to the plant.
Some amaryllis are frequently given as a gift in bulb form. Place your amaryllis in a bright, warm room at first, but when buds appear and begin to color, move it to a cooler spot to prolong blooming time. Water it moderately, keeping the soil moist but not soggy, and avoid letting it sit in water.
Once it stops flowering, continue to give your amaryllis four hours of full sunlight so allow the leaves to collect solar energy to nourish the next year's blooms. Cut off the flowers once they fade, and cut down the stems to their base when they wither. Be sure to water and care for it as long as it has leaves, then let the leaves wilt naturally (but don't remove them). Keep the dormant bulb in its pot in a cool, dry place, and then replace the top inch or two of soil and start watering it when it begins to sprout again.
|
|
|
 |
ARECA PALMS
Areca palms are generally hardy plants and prefer medium to bright light. Keep their soil moist but not soggy. If you allow the soil to become too dry, areca palms wilt dramatically, but it's easy to revive them with just a little water (though some of their fronds may turn yellow). Trim back palm fronds that become damaged or turn brown.
|
|
|
 |
AZALEAS
Azaleas prefer cool, well-lit spots (out of direct sunlight) with temperatures between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the soil frequently, and keep it moist but not soggy; never allow it to dry out completely.
Allow new growth to develop, and regularly remove any dead flowers. When it's finished flowering, you can replant your azalea in a larger container or move it outdoors, as long as there's no risk of frost. Some cultivated varieties of azaleas are designed for inside use only. Others are “hardy” varieties that can be planted in the garden in warmer climates. Be sure to ask your florist what type of azaleas they carry.
|
|
|
 |
BONSAI
Display your bonsai in a spot that gets a good amount of bright, indirect light. Keep its soil moist to dry, watering it every 2-3 days from the bottom by submerging its planter in water (just to the top of the soil) to allow its roots to absorb water for about 15 minutes.
Pinch off or prune new growth (avoiding any flowering buds) to help it maintain its shape, and “root prune” your bonsai once a year in late winter by gently taking it out of its planter and trimming about a third of its roots. Fertilize it monthly when it is actively growing new buds or leaves.
|
|
|
 |
BOSTON FERN
Many cultivars of Boston fern are available some are compact forms, others are large spreading plants with graceful fronds up to two feet in length. Ferns like bright diffused light and moist soil. Prune dead fronds from the plant immediately and keep humidity near the plant high for best results.
|
|
|
 |
BROMELIADS
Native to Central and South America, bromeliads are a large family of plants – all with a similar rosette of stiff leaves and some kind of bright central flower spike or colored leaf area. They're tough, easy-going plants, preferring bright, indirect light or direct sun.
Keep their soil moist to dry, and pour the water in the center of the plant where the leaves join together, allowing it to drain into the soil. Avoid letting the plant sit in water. If you live in a hard water area, use rainwater or distilled water whenever possible, as bromeliads are very sensitive to salts, which may cause their leaves to turn brown at the tips.
|
|
|
|
