Healthy Houseplants

Light, water, temperature, humidity, ventilation, fertilization and soil are the main factors affecting plant growth. When selecting a new house plant your first task is to make sure it it suited to the environment you have to offer. It is better to get a plant suited to your home than try to alter you home to suit the plants.  Most plants will have a tag showing the conditions they best grow in.  Here are some notes to help you understand the conditions in your home.

Light
 South facing window – Bright Light – Direct light goes farther into the room in the winter
East & West facing window- Moderate- good for flowering and low light plants
West is hotter than south facing because of concentrated quality of light in the afternoon
North facing window – Low
 
Quality of light – Red – Far Red and Blue Wavelengths are most important. Quality is improved if you use artificial light.
Cool, white Florescent tubes make blue light that keeps plants from becoming leggy
Warm white florescent tubes make red wave lengths that help promote flowering. 
 
Nutrients
The goal is to have new growth that compensates for leaf drop.
Nitrogen helps with lush growth and healthy green foliage
Phosphorus helps with root development and quantity of flowers
Potassium increases resistance to disease and aids in photosynthesis
Micronutrients should be replaced once a year
 
Use commercial fertilizer which comes in granular, crystalline, liquid, stick and tablet form.  Most are water soluble.  It’s not necessary to use fertilizer in winter.  Apply monthly in the summer months
 If a crust or white stain appears on the soil, flush with water.

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