Wednesday, May 13, 2009

When buying a house plant,don't choose the first one you see.Be choosy,

Find a reputable house plant dealer.You may have luck with bargain plants,but it is best to buy from a nursery,as they are cared for better.

Survey the general plant selection.Do they look healthy and happy?The plants appearance usually signifies good products and proper care of the plants.

Is it free from leaf damage and pests,is the color good,does the shape appeal to you?Is it pot bound?If the roots are growing out the drainage holes the plant needs repotted.If you want a large plant don't buy a small one as it takes years for the plant to grow.A large plant adapts more readily to it's environment.

Buy a decorative container,as it will add luster to the plants surroundings.

Different types of containers offer growing advantages for plants with special needs.Plastic pots and other non porous containers keep soil damp the longest.This is a good choice for moisture lovers.Porous pots such as red clay allow air circulation around the root system,this hastens moisture loss in potting mix.This is good for plants that require a dry out between waterings.

Try to obtain containers with drainage holes and with a drip saucer.This enables you to move the plant around the house and protects your furniture.

A clay pot is your best bet as it retains moisture and lets oxygen in through the pores in the clay.

To be a succesful indoor gardener,you will need to understand the conditions a plant needs to remain healthy,You need adequate lighting,correct temperatures,and a proper humidity level.Good esthetics and care of plants,such as hanging them from ceilings,setting on the floor,placing them on shelves,plant stands,shelves or maybe upside down.

Plants survival depends on two processes.Photosynthesis and respiration.The products created in one process are utilized in the cycle of the other.A third process,transpiration,causes plants to lose moisture.Understanding these processes and what conditions permit them to take place will help you find a good location for good growth.

Prosynthesis is the process by which plants make food.They take in energy from sun or a light source,carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil.These items are combined to produce plant sugars.Plant sugars are a versatile food as they supply energy to the plant immediately and can be stored as food for later use,or used as building material within the plant body.Nutrients in the soil or potting mix help in the production of plant sugars as well as plant growth.The next process is respiration,whereas the plant sugars are burned to create energy from the topmost leaves to the deepest roots.Oxygen is taken from the air,carbon dioxide is given off as a by product.

These two processes set up a continuing cycle in which the products of one process are used in the function of the other.

Transperation is a process of the plant giving off moisture through it's leaves.Unless you restore the moisture the plant will die.

Because indoor plants are completely dependent on the keeper,good watering practices are essential.

One benefit of transpiration is the humidity created when moisture evaporates.Grouping your house plants can create a mini atmosphere of humidity.

Each plant has it's own needs to survive.The best way to choose a plant for the house is to choose a future location.Ask this question;Will a house plant enhance this particular spot?How much light is available?Are there seasonal changes in light.and temperature?How much humidity is present?

Once you answer these questions you will get a feeling as to where the plant will thrive.

Sometimes you have to provide artificial light to make a spot for the plant.You can also move the plant from one area to another for decoration,but is not practical.Try to find out about a plant before you decide to buy it,this will help you decide a location for it.

One thing for sure,you need light.Blooming plants need more light then folige plants.Some require direct sunlight and some need filtered light.For some plants ,shorter days indicate winter and signal the start of dormency or rest period.

For some such as Chrystanthemums Christmas Cactus,the lenght of day controls their blooming cycle.This can be controlled by adding more artificial light.Plants grown in limited light require less water and fertilizer than other plants growing in better locations.

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