Bonsai | Lucky Bamboo | Houseplant Tips | Poinsettia | Amaryllis | Cactus
Some people talk to their plants. Other people sing to their plants. Some people think their plants will cringe if they are scolded. While there is no evidence that houseplants actually respond to these types of stimulation, houseplants will try to communicate with you and tell you if they are not feeling well. The leaves may droop, spots may appear, growth may stop. One symptom may mean the plant is not getting enough light. Another symptom may mean the plant is getting too much water. A third symptom may mean an insect or disease is bothering the plant. A quick, accurate diagnosis is half the battle in controlling the problem before it gets out of hand or spreads to surrounding plants. After the diagnosis, cure the problem, don't just try to fix the symptoms.
The biggest problem we see with houseplants is that people tend to 'kill their plants with kindness', or they 'baby their plants to death'. Plants do not grow as fast during the winter, so it is very easy to give them too much water or too much fertilizer. A general rule of thumb is to reduce the fertilizer by half and the water by a third. Each house is a little different because of light and room temperature. Too much water is the number one cause of death in houseplants. A moisture meter might be just the thing you need to help you determine just how much water is right for each plant.
Do you remember what you learned about plants in your high school biology class? The part where you learned that all plants absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen? Besides absorbing carbon dioxide many houseplants can also absorb other chemicals that are common inside houses. Formaldehyde, Benzene, and Trichloroethylene are three of the most common chemicals found inside our houses. These chemicals, if present, are usually only found in very small quantities. They may not even be detectable in most homes, especially during the summer months when all the windows and doors are open. Winter, when the doors and windows are kept closed, is the most likely time these chemicals may build up in the air. Many houseplants can absorb these chemicals and eliminate them.
It's no secret that most indoor gardeners eventually have to deal with
houseplant pests and that winter is frequently the season when these
problems grow 'out of control'. Insects and diseases aren't 
necessarily
the primary cause of most indoor plant problems - poor plant culture is
usually the biggest problem. If a plant seems listless, the cause
usually boils down to insufficient lighting, too much or not enough water,
air that is too dry, or a combination of all three of these factors.
Unfortunately, it is often impossible to control all of the environmental
factors, and plants do fall victim to pests, especially insect pests.
Even though fungus gnats are not particularly harmful to houseplants, fungus gnats are one of the most aggravating and annoying houseplant pests in the house. The secret to controlling insect pests is to know the enemy. The more
you know about your invader the better your chances of conquering it.
Download a copy of our Houseplant Pests for a little more information about
houseplant care. back to top
Bonsai
"Bonsai" is the reproduction of natural tree forms in miniature.
Literally translated the word bonsai means "Tree In A Pot". Contrary to
popular belief, it was the Chinese who actually originated the art of
Bonsai. However, the Japanese have perfected it into the highly developed art
form that it is today.
The first thing to learn about Bonsai trees is how to properly care for them. Although there are some species of plants that are adaptable to indoor conditions, most Bonsai plants must be kept outdoors. Bonsai plants can occasionally be displayed indoors, but only for a short period of time. Display your Bonsai inside on special occasions, but do not keep them inside more than two or three days per month. back to top
Lucky Bamboo
The Chinese say that Lucky Bamboo will bring good fortune to your home
or business. In Asia, it is given as a gift to those starting a new
business, or to someone moving into a new home, or to anyone at any time
of celebration. Since Lucky Bamboo requires no natural light it is
especially nice in a home or office; in an area where no other plants can
grow. It is very easy to grow and will live for many years. back to top
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