I’m rooting for you!

Keeping your adopted little green pals happy and healthy can be very easy!  Simply by knowing how often to water, what are their lighting requirements and what their soil needs are, will keep them vibrant and growing for years to come. 

Location: Reading the plant label will tell you what their lighting needs are.  Many houseplants will burn if in direct sunlight while other need direct sunlight.   Most houseplants like bright indirect light which is very bright but doesn't reach your plant.  Windows facing south and west and very often east provides this type of light.   

Potting: When potting put enough potting soil in the new container so that when resting on this soil, the existing rootball surface is about 1/2 to one inch below the new container rim.  This gives water a place to settle as it is absorbed into the soil.  Fill in around the sides of the root ball and gently press to eliminate air pockets.  Air pockets can allow plant roots to dry out. 

Watering:  Dr. Perry, a professor of horticulture with the University of Vermont, states that "watering, and most often over watering is where houseplant-keepers go wrong"  Each plant has different watering needs and not just from plant species to species, but also depending on a plan's pot type and soil.  Its location in the home and weather conditions all impact the plants watering needs.  Check the soil either with a moisture meter or poke your finger in the soil an inch and if dry it needs water.  The best way to water plants with  long narrow pout which allows the placement of water directly on the soil,  Try not to get water on the leaves an crowns, a rot diseases are more likely to grow.  As a general rule the smaller to the plant an pot the more frequent it will need to be water and vs versa.  Note:  As the seasons change your little green pals watering needs will change.

Grooming: As needed cut off dead or yellow leaves along with any dead flower blooms which encourages more flowers.  Like everything else in our homes plants get dusty - and dirt can block sunlight.  If you see dust pop your plant in the sink or shower and rise with gently spray of lukewarm water.  Or wipe the leaves with a moist sponge or dry dust cloth.  Gently clean fuzzy-leaved plants, like African violets with a softy paint brush or toothbrush.  

Watch For Sickly Plants:  Insects and disease can spread fast, so check your plants regularly for signs of trouble.  Look on top and underneath leaves and check around stems.  Common indoor pet like whiteflies and mealybugs can be knocked off with a pray of water.  However if the persist, you may need to us an insecticidal soap, following the manufactures directions.  If not sure what the problem send us pictures and we will answer with our diagnosis and recommendation for treatment.

Feeding:  Think of fertilizer as vitamins for your plant.  Plants make their own food however occasionally the soil they are draining from need to be "re-energizing".  This is where fertilizer is beneficial.  Note: But be careful with fertilizers as they can burn the roots of plants if the concentration is too strong or you apply it too often. In the garden, salts leach out of the soil easier than in a small grow pot.  Note:  If your little green pal is looking sad, and the fertilizer calls for a ratio of 1 oz. per gallon, don’t up to 4 oz. per gallon thinking you’ll help the plant.

I routinely use fertilizers for indoor plants at 1/2 strength to avoid burn.