Houseplant Care Tips
by David Dewsnap, Assistant Conservatory
Curator
Houseplants are a great addition to any home
by brightening up living spaces and bringing an outdoor feeling inside.
Learning how to ‘read' the signs your houseplants are sending is
a proactive way to keep them healthy and prevent the use of pesticides.
Here are a few quick tips to keep your plants looking their best:
- Always
check the soil for moisture. Do not water it if it feels wet to
the touch. If the soil feels dry, water it thoroughly and discard
any excess water in the drain pan.
- Are there
older yellowing leaves? Don't
be alarmed. This is a natural ageing process. They will either
drop off by themselves or need to be removed.
- Are their
leaves green but have brown tips or edges and are wilting? This is usually a sign
that the plants are too dry or have been allowed to dry out.
- Is the
plant wilting and the leaves are yellowish with brown tips and
edges? The plants are being kept too wet. Make sure the pot is
not sitting in water.
- Do you see
insects or the results of insects feeding? Remove the plant from the others. Insects can migrate
to all of your plants. Either wash or pick off the visible insects,
or discard the infested areas. If the insects do get out of control
you can use a recommended green friendly insecticide. Stop by Olbrich's
Schumacher Library for advice on choosing an environmentally-friendly
pesticide.
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