GOODWOOD
GARDENS
GOODWOOD GARDENS
|
|
LIGHT
REQUIREMENTS
The most crucial consideration when buying a plant is light requirement.
Most plants fit into one or more of the following categories: DIRECT SUN: (most flowering plants) - a south, west and often east-facing window where plant will get at least 4 hrs of direct sun needed for flowering BRIGHT
/ AVOID STRONG SUN: (some flowering and some foliage) -in front of an east
or back slightly from a south or west-facing window where plants will get enough
sun to flower but are protected from hot, midday sun BRIGHT
/ MEDIUM: (most foliage plants) - in front and near to of a north-facing
window or within approximately 6-10 feet of any other moderate size window LOW
LIGHT TOLERANT: (a few foliage plants) - more than 10 feet from a window but
not in extremely dark rooms like bathrooms without windows **Turning
plants regularly helps to promote even growth in all directions.
WATERING
It is usually better to let a plant get too dry than to keep it too wet.
Check your plants regularly. When the top 1/2
inch of the medium is dry, give the plant enough water so that it just
starts to come out the drain holes. Avoid getting water on the leaves of
sensitive plants like African violets. Any water remaining in the saucer after
20 minutes should be removed. Plants
that are extremely dry and wilted should have their pots submerged in a sink of
water for about 20 minutes.
Plants that like damp conditions, such as ferns, benefit from getting a
little bit of water more frequently to keep the medium just slightly moist but
not soggy. Allow plants like succulents to get quite dry between waterings.
Fast-growing plants require more water.
Plants use less water during dull, cloudy conditions and winter.
If needed, extra humidity can be provided by
setting trays of pebbles filled with water under your pots. If pots are put
inside waterproof decorative containers, place a small inverted saucer or
pebbles under the pot so water is below the bottom of the pot.
Water will evaporate and rise around the plant. Misting your plant daily
is also beneficial if done frequently throughout day.
FERTILIZING
Most flowering plants prefer a high phosphorous
fertilizer such as 15-30-15. Foliage
plants like an all-purpose fertilizer - 15-15-18. Follow directions on the label to prepare fertilizer solution.
Fertilize fast growing plants every 2-4 weeks.
Fertilize slow growing plants every 4-8 weeks or every 2-4 weeks with a
half-strength solution. Reduce frequency or stop fertilizing plants during
periods of slow growth or dormancy. In the fall or early winter,
"leach" out excess fertilizer salts by placing the plant in a sink and
trickling water through the soil for 10-15 minutes. Use an evergreen fertilizer
for acid loving plants like gardenia.
TEMPERATURE
Average house temperatures are satisfactory for most house plants. Plants
that like cool, slightly shaded conditions will wilt in hot sun. A minimum night
temperature of about 60'F/16'C is adequate for most plants during the winter.
Below this temperature, some plants will go more dormant.
PRUNING
& REPOTTING
Pruning encourages branching and new growth, creating a denser plant with
more flowers. Pruning also helps to maintain a plant at a reasonable size. Most
plants can be pruned anytime during the year. Plants that flower frequently are
best pruned between late fall and early spring when flowering is minimal.
Seasonal flowering plants are usually pruned after flowering. Fast-growing
plants may require pruning more than once a year and should have 1/2 to 2/3 of
the previous year's growth removed. Prune above a node that is pointing in the
direction that you want your new shoot grow.
Repot your plants as needed. Remove pot to check
the density of roots. If there are
a lot, your plant should be repotted. Choose a new pot that is one or two sizes
bigger, preferably with drain holes. Place
some fresh potting mix in the bottom of the new pot, remove the old pot and
transfer the plant. Add mix around
the old root mass and press in lightly, keeping the plant at the original depth. Initially water in well to settle soil around roots.
Watch carefully for the next few weeks as the old root mass may dry out
faster until new roots grow outward.
PROBLEMS
LEAF
DROP
This can be caused by a number of problems including changes in climate
(drafts, location, light), insects, over-fertilizing and over or under-watering. INSECT
& DISEASE CONTROL
Identify the insect so that the appropriate
treatment may be used. Look for
products that can be used safely indoors (Safers Soap).
Usually, plants must be treated 3 or 4 times at weekly intervals to kill
all insects.
Most diseases are difficult or impossible to treat. Isolate suspect
plants and seek professional advice. It may be necessary to discard the plant. CHLOROSIS
Pale yellow leaves with dark green veins are a sign
of chlorosis, an iron deficiency. Treat with iron chelate, an application of
acid fertilizer, or acidify the soil with aluminium sulphate.
OVER-FERTILIZING
This can cause leaf spots and leaf drop. Leach soil as above (see
–Fertilizing). OVER-WATERING
Remove the pot and look for healthy, white or tan
coloured roots. If they have rotted they will be dark, mushy and break easily.
Remove the rotted roots and soggy medium. Replant
with new potting mix. (A smaller
pot might be better). The plant may slowly revive if caught in time. PLANT
IS NOT BLOOMING If your plant is not blooming, refer to the info sheet on that topic.
|
Copyright © 2002 Goodwood Gardens
|