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Proper Care of House Plants |
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Although every plant is different, there are some general rules to keep in mind when caring for house plants: - Water the plant from below. Set the plant in a dish of water or a sink periodically so that it can take water up through the soil and the roots. This will prevent rot in the leaves and stems.
- Most plants prefer to dry out a little bit in-between waterings.
- Where possible, place the plant in the environment it would most likely thrive in if it was growing in the wild. Specific care tips below will help determine this.
- Feed with plant food to maintain the nourishment it cannot receive through water alone.
- Avoid both direct heat and chilly drafts.
- Check the plant regularly for signs of pests, disease, or stress. Dead foliage and blooms should be removed for appearance as well as health.
- Pinching the tips off of the plants can encourage them to grow bushier. By keeping them a little more pot bound (a little too big for their pots) they can be encouraged to flower more.
Special Care for Azaleas:
Azaleas prefer and will flower longer if kept in a cooler environment. They do not like to dry out between waterings, so be sure to keep the soil moist. Use soft water or even rainwater where possible. (Brown leaves are a sign of under watering and yellow leaves are a sign that your water may be too hard.) They enjoy bright light but not direct sunlight.
Special Care for Begonias:
Begonias enjoy filtered sunlight; if this is not possible bright light will do. It is very important to water them from below to prevent stem rot, but the leaves can be misted periodically.
Special Care for Bulbs:
These bulbs may not appear to be too impressive upon arrival, but with a few days of patience they will begin to display their beauty. Keep them well watered and out of direct sunlight, and they will bloom beautifully for a week or more. Cooler temperatures will also encourage them to last longer.
Special Care for Cyclamen:
Cyclamen like cooler temperatures, but also require bright light. In the winter months they enjoy direct sunlight, but should be moved in the summer months from direct sunlight. Soil should be kept moist at all times but not saturated.
Special Care for Easter Lilies:
Easter lilies are shipped to you in bud so that they are not damaged during shipping. Keep the plant well watered and in a cool location with bright light but not direct sunlight. The buds will open over a couple of days for your enjoyment. The blooms should last two weeks with proper care and should be cut off once they collapse.
Special Care for Gerbera:
Gerbera enjoy bright light and even intermittent exposure to direct sunlight. Soil should be keep moist but not water logged. Leaves can be misted periodically and plant should be fed weekly during the flowering phase. Be sure there are no more future buds coming up before the plant is discarded after blooming.
Special Care for Hydrangeas:
It is almost impossible to over water a hydrangea. This plant should be watered daily to keep the blooms from drooping. If this does occur, stand the plant in a sink of water and they should revive. Enjoys bright light but not direct sunlight.
Special Care for Kalanchoes:
Kalanchoes are one of the easiest house plants to care for. They need very little attention and require watering only once a week. Moderate to bright light is sufficient, though it will not harm them to receive periods of direct sunlight.
Special Care for Potted Mums:
Potted mums enjoy bright light, but not direct sunlight. Cooler temperatures will allow them to flower for longer periods of time. Allow the soil to dry a little between watering, but water before the foliage starts to wilt.
Special Care for Potted Roses:
Potted roses love the light and direct sunlight will not harm them. Water your rose frequently to keep the soil from drying out, and fertilize about once a week.
Special Care for Spathiphyllum:
Spathiphyllum (or peace lilies) can dry out a little between watering, but try to water before the plant begins to droop. Enjoys moderate to bright light in a warmer environment. Thank you for your consideration of Bloom Depot,
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