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FICUS
While your ficus plant is adjusting to its new home, it may drop a noticeable amount of leaves. This is normal, and with proper care, it will begin to thrive again in no time. Just pick up the fallen leaves, remove the yellow ones still on the plant, and cut off dead and dry twigs. This will help the light penetrate to the inside foliage and promote new growth.
Be careful not to over water your ficus. Feel the soil with your finger tip, and if it feels dry to the touch one inch below the surface, it's time to water it – but if the soil feels moist, hold off for a day or two. Keep in mind that your ficus will need less water during the winter. When your ficus is new, mist it daily as well. To provide proper humidity and prevent the roots from standing in water, place the planter on a plant tray or saucer filled with gravel.
Display your ficus in a bright spot with indirect light, away from drafts and large windows that change temperature throughout the day.
Use plant fertilizer monthly throughout the growing season, but not during the winter months.
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GARDENIA
Kept indoors, gardenia plants like well-ventilated spots that get at least five hours of sunlight a day, but if you move your plant outdoors in the summer, be sure to keep it in a shady area. To keep its soil moist but not soggy, soak it thoroughly until you see water running out of the drainage holes, but don't allow the container to stand in water.
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HYACINTH
Hyacinths thrive in bright locations, and do best when their soil is kept moist but not soggy. Water yours thoroughly and then place it in a sink (or outside if the weather is mild) to allow the water to drain completely. The stems of these bulb flowers can be supported with decorative bamboo stakes and raffia ties to prevent the weight of the flower from causing the stems to topple in the pots.
When your hyacinth is finished blooming, you can replant the “forced” bulbs in your garden in the fall. They will take a few years to fully recycle and bloom abundantly.
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HYDRANGEA
Place your hydrangea in a sunny, bright spot that receives indirect light, and keep its soil moist by watering it thoroughly and allowing excess water to drain.
In the fall, allow it to rest and lose its leaves by placing it in a cool, dark location (a basement or cellar) without water. In January, bring it out again to a spot with plenty of light, and it should bloom in time for spring.
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IVY
Although ivy can survive in a range of temperatures, it's more vulnerable in the winter with dry air from heating. To make sure it gets enough moisture, set the planter on a tray or saucer filled with pebbles and water.
Display your ivy in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. In the summer, you can move it outdoors to a protected area, but make sure it's out of direct sunlight, which can burn its leaves.
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KALANCHOE
Known for their bright small flowers in abundant clusters atop waxy leaves, kalanchoe plants are among the longest lasting blooming plants you can have in your home or office. Keep the soil moist, but not overly saturated. Do not allow the pot to sit in a pool of water. Pinch off blooms as they pass their prime. These plants could last 3 to 4 weeks depending on the room's temperature. Sensitive to cold temperatures, storage below 40 degrees F could cause foliage to become soft and damaged.
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ROSE
Kept indoors, rose plants will do well in bright, indirect light. Keep their soil moist, allowing it to dry out a bit in between waterings. Remove any leaves that have yellowed while indoors, and pinch off spent blossoms to encourage new blooms.
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ORCHID
Despite their elegant, graceful appearance, orchids aren't difficult to care for, and by following a few simple guidelines, many varieties will bloom for you again next year.
Keep your orchid in a well-ventilated spot with partial shade, away from radiators, air conditioning, and strong drafts. To help maintain the right level of humidity, set the planter in a tray of pebbles and water so that the pot sits out of the water. This prevents the roots from rotting, and allows the moisture to circulate.
Orchids gain their water from the relative humidity in the atmosphere, they do not absorb water in a traditional way from the roots and soil. For stability, orchids are often potted with the roots in a growing media that should not be overly wet. Orchids require a period of dormancy during the winter in order to bloom again in the spring, so allow it to rest in a sunny spot, and don't water it at all during this time. When its blooms are gone, cut the spike an inch above the foliage, leaving the old canes in place.
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