Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2005 6:56:22 GMT -6
The Basics
Take care of these fundamental plant needs and your plant problems should be few and far between.
Water
Overwatering is the most common mistake that houseplant owners make. Too much water literally drowns the plant. Excessive water means too little oxygen in the soil. The roots are unable to take in any more water, the top portion of the plant is stressed, root rot results and the plant dies. If overwatering itself doesn't kill the plant, then the increased possibility of disease might.
Water thoroughly and irregularly rather than in small frequent amounts. Use pots with good drainage (make sure the hole is unobstructed). Empty excess water from the saucer or built-in catch basin underneath the plant after watering. Tap water is usually okay. Water treated with softeners and untreated hard water both contain minerals which may harm some plants. Water plants with water that is room temperature.
All plants have different watering requirements. Read the plant tag or consult a houseplant guide for specifics about your plants. The best test for moisture is nothing new. Stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle joint (1" - 1 1/2"). If it comes out moist and dirty, you should be okay. If it's dry, it's time to water.
Reduce water during plant dormancy (the winter, or darker months). With smooth-leaved plants you can get water on the leaves, "hairy"-leaved plants like African violets will spot if water gets on the leaves (especially cold water). The best way to water most plants is at the soil level. Flowering plants usually need more water than foliage plants.
Directly related to the overwatering problem is having a container with improper drainage. Too much water in a container indicates that the drainage hole is blocked or the container has poor potting soil. A green, slimy residue on the container indicates too much water.
Humidity
A welcome addition to most indoor environments, adequate moisture in the air is a component of overall plant health. To supply humidity for houseplants:
Fill a tray or saucer with pebbles. Fill the tray with water and place the container on top of the pebbles. The evaporation of the water provides additional moisture. Keep the water in the saucer clean and replenished.
Group plants together. This replicates a natural habitat and creates a nice display of greenery.
Move the plants to a room that has more humidity, such as a bathroom.
Find a second container larger than the one your plant is in. Place the smaller container inside. Fill the space around the small container with peat moss. Keep the filler moist to provide humidity and insulation.
Smooth-leaved plants can be misted or washed. Do not spray or wash a "hairy"-leaved plant (such as an African violet).
Grow smaller tropical plants in a terrarium or other enclosure.
Light
Light is necessary for plants to manufacture food (photosynthesis), so the proper light level is critical to any plant's health and survival. Insufficient light produces small, pale leaves and small (or no) blooms. The lower leaves may dry and fall off. Variegated-leafed plants leaves will be all green. Too much light causes brown areas, shriveled or dry, wilted leaves. Foliage plants usually require less light than flowering plants.
The amount of light your plant is getting may not match the day length requirements of the plant. The term applies to each individual plant variety's specific light requirement. The proper amount of light (whether natural sunlight or artificial grow lights) is critical in order for the plant to grow and induce dormancy, but especially important for flowering and blooming. In the natural world, day length replicates the passing of the seasons of the year.
The three types are:
Short day — requiring short days and long nights.
Long day — requiring long days and short nights.
Day neutral — will bloom under either scenario.
Temperature
Proper temperature is also important. Quick changes in any environment can cause distress and possibly death. Avoid putting a plant near a heating or air conditioning duct. While some air movement is tolerated and even appreciated, keep them away from drafts near entry doors. In general, tropical plants like temperatures of 70°-80° F, hardier plants 65°-75° F.
Soil
If you want healthy houseplants, use the proper growing medium. A quality potting mix is the only acceptable type of soil to use in containers. There are many premixed varieties to choose from, many designed for the needs of specific plants such as African violets and cactus. Whether you use premixed or your own recipe, make sure it is a sterile mix and not ordinary soil from your garden.
Food
Fertilizer is a component of plant health, not a cure for whatever ails. Find the proper food for your plant and follow the manufacturer's instructions explicitly. Do not apply if the soil is too dry — the plant can be burned.
Insufficient food means no growth or blooms, pale or spotted yellow leaves and young leaves falling off. Too much can make leaves appear burnt or produce extreme growth that creates a "leggy" plant. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually slow down growth. Don't feed a houseplant during dormancy. Flowering plants usually require more food than foliage plants.
If you discover that you have overfertilized a plant, leach the soil to remove harmful salts. To leach, flush the soil three or four times with clean water, making sure the water drains through the container.
Root Health
A strong root system is the key to a healthy plant. Plants in the landscape can send out roots to search for water and nutrients, but a potted plant is completely at the mercy of its owner. Poor root health can result from either over- or underwatering. Additionally, excessive fertilizer and potbound plants also can contribute to a poor root system. Root rot is a common killer of houseplants. If you suspect this aliment, examine the roots. If most of them are dark, soft and dead, it is best to discard the plant.
Grooming
Once a leaf turns brown, has a hole in it or a spot chewed away, it's not going back to its original state. Cut out damaged or diseased leaves and branches. When you have to face the fact that a plant cannot be saved, throw it away, soil and all. This is especially important if the problem is biotic and you have other plants that might become infected with the same problem.
Clean your pruning tools after they have contacted a diseased area or an infected plant. Reuse a container only after washing with a disinfectant and letting it dry completely. One simple recipe for cleaning is 1 part liquid bleach to 9 parts water (be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses when cleaning).
Identifying Common Symptoms
One of the challenges of identifying houseplant symptoms is that some symptoms may indicate totally opposite causes. Brown leaves for example, may mean too much or too little water. You'll have to do some self-examination of your home environment and plant care practices. You can then refine your diagnosis by identifying and correcting the most likely cause. Also remember that the problem may be due to a combination of more than one cause. The best advice is to know your plant. Here are some things to look for:
Browning leaves
Inadequate or too much light
Too little or too much fertilizer
Potbound plant
Poor drainage
Insects
Root rot
Mineral (iron or nitrogen) deficiency. If new leaves are yellow, iron is needed. If older leaves, it's most likely nitrogen.
Black leaves
Cold air drafts or a too cool environment
Too much water
Insufficient humidity
If new leaves won't uncurl, the plant may be potbound
Wilting
Dry brown spots (crisp) indicate underwatering. Soft brown spots (mushy) are caused by overwatering.
White or yellow spots or rings mean that water (most likely cold water) has touched the foliage or the plant is being watered with water that is too cold (tepid water is best).
Too much sun
Pests
Leaves fall off
Occasional leaf drop is common in many plants, especially when new. Make the adjustment to a new environment gradual, with a few days of medium light in between.
Mature plants will normally shed older leaves, usually at the bottom.
A sudden drop of most or all leaves is a sign of a sudden trauma like extreme temperature change.
Leaves fall from the bottom means too little light
Leaves falling from many areas means the plant is underwatered.
Improper feeding (could be too much OR too little fertilizer).
Root rot
Low humidity
Too little water
Potbound plant
Buds fall off
Insufficient water or humidity
Insufficient light
Change in temperature
Underfed plant
New location
Pests
Will not bloom
Plant is not mature enough yet
Inadequate sunlight
Plant is dormant
Temperature is too hot. A lower nighttime temperature is needed.
Too much nitrogen in plant food
Day length light requirement is not being met
Insects
Potbound plant
Plant is too dry
Plant is underwatered
Tall "leggy" plants
Insufficient light. Increase light gradually.
Plant not growing
Potbound plant
Plant is underfed
Insufficient light
Plant is dormant
Take care of these fundamental plant needs and your plant problems should be few and far between.
Water
Overwatering is the most common mistake that houseplant owners make. Too much water literally drowns the plant. Excessive water means too little oxygen in the soil. The roots are unable to take in any more water, the top portion of the plant is stressed, root rot results and the plant dies. If overwatering itself doesn't kill the plant, then the increased possibility of disease might.
Water thoroughly and irregularly rather than in small frequent amounts. Use pots with good drainage (make sure the hole is unobstructed). Empty excess water from the saucer or built-in catch basin underneath the plant after watering. Tap water is usually okay. Water treated with softeners and untreated hard water both contain minerals which may harm some plants. Water plants with water that is room temperature.
All plants have different watering requirements. Read the plant tag or consult a houseplant guide for specifics about your plants. The best test for moisture is nothing new. Stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle joint (1" - 1 1/2"). If it comes out moist and dirty, you should be okay. If it's dry, it's time to water.
Reduce water during plant dormancy (the winter, or darker months). With smooth-leaved plants you can get water on the leaves, "hairy"-leaved plants like African violets will spot if water gets on the leaves (especially cold water). The best way to water most plants is at the soil level. Flowering plants usually need more water than foliage plants.
Directly related to the overwatering problem is having a container with improper drainage. Too much water in a container indicates that the drainage hole is blocked or the container has poor potting soil. A green, slimy residue on the container indicates too much water.
Humidity
A welcome addition to most indoor environments, adequate moisture in the air is a component of overall plant health. To supply humidity for houseplants:
Fill a tray or saucer with pebbles. Fill the tray with water and place the container on top of the pebbles. The evaporation of the water provides additional moisture. Keep the water in the saucer clean and replenished.
Group plants together. This replicates a natural habitat and creates a nice display of greenery.
Move the plants to a room that has more humidity, such as a bathroom.
Find a second container larger than the one your plant is in. Place the smaller container inside. Fill the space around the small container with peat moss. Keep the filler moist to provide humidity and insulation.
Smooth-leaved plants can be misted or washed. Do not spray or wash a "hairy"-leaved plant (such as an African violet).
Grow smaller tropical plants in a terrarium or other enclosure.
Light
Light is necessary for plants to manufacture food (photosynthesis), so the proper light level is critical to any plant's health and survival. Insufficient light produces small, pale leaves and small (or no) blooms. The lower leaves may dry and fall off. Variegated-leafed plants leaves will be all green. Too much light causes brown areas, shriveled or dry, wilted leaves. Foliage plants usually require less light than flowering plants.
The amount of light your plant is getting may not match the day length requirements of the plant. The term applies to each individual plant variety's specific light requirement. The proper amount of light (whether natural sunlight or artificial grow lights) is critical in order for the plant to grow and induce dormancy, but especially important for flowering and blooming. In the natural world, day length replicates the passing of the seasons of the year.
The three types are:
Short day — requiring short days and long nights.
Long day — requiring long days and short nights.
Day neutral — will bloom under either scenario.
Temperature
Proper temperature is also important. Quick changes in any environment can cause distress and possibly death. Avoid putting a plant near a heating or air conditioning duct. While some air movement is tolerated and even appreciated, keep them away from drafts near entry doors. In general, tropical plants like temperatures of 70°-80° F, hardier plants 65°-75° F.
Soil
If you want healthy houseplants, use the proper growing medium. A quality potting mix is the only acceptable type of soil to use in containers. There are many premixed varieties to choose from, many designed for the needs of specific plants such as African violets and cactus. Whether you use premixed or your own recipe, make sure it is a sterile mix and not ordinary soil from your garden.
Food
Fertilizer is a component of plant health, not a cure for whatever ails. Find the proper food for your plant and follow the manufacturer's instructions explicitly. Do not apply if the soil is too dry — the plant can be burned.
Insufficient food means no growth or blooms, pale or spotted yellow leaves and young leaves falling off. Too much can make leaves appear burnt or produce extreme growth that creates a "leggy" plant. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually slow down growth. Don't feed a houseplant during dormancy. Flowering plants usually require more food than foliage plants.
If you discover that you have overfertilized a plant, leach the soil to remove harmful salts. To leach, flush the soil three or four times with clean water, making sure the water drains through the container.
Root Health
A strong root system is the key to a healthy plant. Plants in the landscape can send out roots to search for water and nutrients, but a potted plant is completely at the mercy of its owner. Poor root health can result from either over- or underwatering. Additionally, excessive fertilizer and potbound plants also can contribute to a poor root system. Root rot is a common killer of houseplants. If you suspect this aliment, examine the roots. If most of them are dark, soft and dead, it is best to discard the plant.
Grooming
Once a leaf turns brown, has a hole in it or a spot chewed away, it's not going back to its original state. Cut out damaged or diseased leaves and branches. When you have to face the fact that a plant cannot be saved, throw it away, soil and all. This is especially important if the problem is biotic and you have other plants that might become infected with the same problem.
Clean your pruning tools after they have contacted a diseased area or an infected plant. Reuse a container only after washing with a disinfectant and letting it dry completely. One simple recipe for cleaning is 1 part liquid bleach to 9 parts water (be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses when cleaning).
Identifying Common Symptoms
One of the challenges of identifying houseplant symptoms is that some symptoms may indicate totally opposite causes. Brown leaves for example, may mean too much or too little water. You'll have to do some self-examination of your home environment and plant care practices. You can then refine your diagnosis by identifying and correcting the most likely cause. Also remember that the problem may be due to a combination of more than one cause. The best advice is to know your plant. Here are some things to look for:
Browning leaves
Inadequate or too much light
Too little or too much fertilizer
Potbound plant
Poor drainage
Insects
Root rot
Mineral (iron or nitrogen) deficiency. If new leaves are yellow, iron is needed. If older leaves, it's most likely nitrogen.
Black leaves
Cold air drafts or a too cool environment
Too much water
Insufficient humidity
If new leaves won't uncurl, the plant may be potbound
Wilting
Dry brown spots (crisp) indicate underwatering. Soft brown spots (mushy) are caused by overwatering.
White or yellow spots or rings mean that water (most likely cold water) has touched the foliage or the plant is being watered with water that is too cold (tepid water is best).
Too much sun
Pests
Leaves fall off
Occasional leaf drop is common in many plants, especially when new. Make the adjustment to a new environment gradual, with a few days of medium light in between.
Mature plants will normally shed older leaves, usually at the bottom.
A sudden drop of most or all leaves is a sign of a sudden trauma like extreme temperature change.
Leaves fall from the bottom means too little light
Leaves falling from many areas means the plant is underwatered.
Improper feeding (could be too much OR too little fertilizer).
Root rot
Low humidity
Too little water
Potbound plant
Buds fall off
Insufficient water or humidity
Insufficient light
Change in temperature
Underfed plant
New location
Pests
Will not bloom
Plant is not mature enough yet
Inadequate sunlight
Plant is dormant
Temperature is too hot. A lower nighttime temperature is needed.
Too much nitrogen in plant food
Day length light requirement is not being met
Insects
Potbound plant
Plant is too dry
Plant is underwatered
Tall "leggy" plants
Insufficient light. Increase light gradually.
Plant not growing
Potbound plant
Plant is underfed
Insufficient light
Plant is dormant