Peace Lily Plant Care

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Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum, Sail Plant)

This lily produces flowers from May to August. The flowers last about six weeks. As the flowers age, they turn from white to pale green. Its glossy green leaves lean out as sails from the center of the lily, hence the name Sail Plant.

Spathiphyllum is a rhizone. Given the correct treatment and conditions, it can double its size in one growing season. It would live for 10 years or more if treated well. Try it!

Peace Lily Plant Care (Spathiphyllum, Sail Plant)Requirements
Light:

Keep your lily in semi shade in summer and bright light in winter. Always keep the lily out of direct sunlight. Strong direct sunlight will damage the leaves.

Temperature and Humidity:

Keep your lily in warm to average-warm room. It requires minimum temperature in winter - 55 degrees F (14 degrees C) It needs high humidity - mist the leaves frequently. Stand pot on marbles or pebbles in a tray with water.

Soil:

Grow the peace lily in a peat-based potting mix.

Water:

Keep soil mix moist at all times. Water the lily less frequently in winter.

Fertilizer:

Use a water soluble fertilizer once per month. Reduce fertilizing the peace lily in winter. It's out of the growing season.

Pest and Diseases:

The Peace Lily is susceptible to being attacked by red spider mite and greenfly.

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To treat wash the leaves with likewarm soapy water containing nicotine. To extract the nicotine crush pieces of tobacco in water. Let the preparation rest for a few hours then pour through a sieve into a container. Mix your nicotine liquid with warm soapy water.
If the infestation is severe, use Safer insecticide from Bonsai Boy.
Yellow leaves indicate that the plant is exposed to too much sunlight. Remove the yellow leaves and place the lily in a more shaded area.

Floppy leaves indicate too little watering. Immerse the pot in a pail of water and thoroughly soak the plant, then drain it very well. Do not allow the rootball to get soggy.

Propagation:

For best growth and flowering, divide the peace lily and repot in early spring every year.

 

 

Philodendrons Plant Care

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Philodendrons Plant Care Requirements

Philodendrons are climbers and trailers and some are erect green tropical plants with thick stems. Their leaves are heart-shaped, sword-shaped, fiddle-shaped or triangular and maybe green or red.

The young leaves of the Burgundy species are bright red and turn green when they mature, while the underside of the leaves are burgundy. The Red Leaf Philodendron has dark green, shiny triangular leaves with coppery undersides. Their stems and leafstalks are red. Thr climbers need a support; such as, a piece of tree bark on which to grow.

Philodendrons Plant Care Requirements
Light

Philodendrons require bright light. Inadequate lighting causes small leaves and straggly growth.

Temperature and Humidity

They require warm temperature and medium humidity.

Soil

Grow your philodendrons in an all-purpose soil mix.

Water

Water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry before the next watering.

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Fertilizer

Fertilize your philodendrons twice per month from early spring to late summer.

Pests and Diseases

Philodendrons are susceptible to being attacked by aphids, mealybugs, scale and spider mites. Wash the leaves with lukewarm soapy water. If infestation is severe, spray with Malathion or Rotenone. Overwatering philodendrons causes root-rot to occur plus salt build-up and brown spots to form on the leaves.

Propagation

Propagate philodendrons by placing cuttings in water, by layering or by sowing seeds in vermiculite. Apply water soluble fertilizer in the water or vermiculite once per month.

Piggyback Plant Care

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Piggyback Plant (Tolmiea Menziesii)

The Piggyback plant is native to Western Canada and the United States. It got its common name from the manner in which it reproduces. The young plants are formed at the bases of the mature leaves and seem to be riding piggyback on the main plant. The leaves are green and hairy. These plants are beautiful in hanging baskets. Try them.

Piggyback Plant Care (Tolmiea Menziesii)  Requirements
Light

The piggyback plant requires bright light.

Temperature and Humidity

The piggyback plant requires mild temperature of about 68 degrees F (20 degrees C) during the day and about 50 to 60 degrees F (10 to 15 degrees C) at night and medium humidity.

Soil

Grow your piggyback plant in a loam soil mix and keep the soil well drained.

Water

Water your piggyback plant moderately, but get the entire pot of soil moist to the touch. Allow the soil to dry before the next watering. Overwatering causes leaf tip burn.

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Fertilizer

Fertilize fully established piggyback plants once per month. Do not fertilize newly potted plants during the first two months, if you had used a commercial soil mix.

Pests and Diseases

The piggyback plant is susceptible to being attacked by whitefly. Spray with Malathion or Rotenone.

Propagation

Propagate your piggyback plant from plantlets and repot in an all-purpose soil mix.

Ponytail Plant Care

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Ponytail Plant (Beaucarnea recurvata)

Ponytail Plant Care

The Ponytail plant is a succulent originally from the desert areas of Mexico. It has a bottle-shaped stem which serves as a reservoir for water and from which grow grey-green leaves up to 3ft. (1m) in length. It sometimes produces clusters of small white flowers.

As a houseplant the ponytail plant is easy to care for and it grows well when placed outdoors during summer.

Ponytail Plant Care (Beaucarnea recurvata) Requirements
Light

The ponytail plant requires bright and direct sunlight all year.

Temperature and Humidity

It grows well in the temperature range from 55 - 70 degrees F (12 - 22 degrees C), but your ponytail plant requires low humidity.

Soil

Use an all-purpose soil mixture for your ponytail plant.

Water

Water your ponytail plant once per week from spring to early fall, but after each watering allow the soil to become almost dry before the next watering. Water infrequently in winter.

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Fertilizer

Use a liquid fertilizer twice per month during spring and summer.

Pests and Diseases

The ponytail plant is susceptible to being attacked by spider mites and mealybugs, if it is located in a too dry and warm area. For treatment use Malathion or Diazinon and move the plant to a cooler area with better air circulation. For low toxic plant food and non-poisonous insecticides visit Victorpest.com

Propagation

Propagate your ponytail plant in summer by placing seeds or shoots in moist peat moss or vermiculite.

Rubber Plant Care

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Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Choose the Rubber plant from the Ficus family as a starting houseplant. It's a tough plant and will fit very well in difficult locations in your home. It's an upright plant with glossy green leaves. It grows exceedingly well when given proper care. Clean the leaves occasionally with a soft damp cloth to maintain the beautiful appearance. Cut off the tip to stimulate low branching. It is sometimes sold at a low price to bring customers into the store. Buy it. It's tough.

Rubber Plant Care (Ficus elastica) Requirements
Light

Rubber plants require bright to diffused/filtered light.

Temperature and Humidity

Keep your rubber plant in a warm area with well circulated air with medium humidity.

Soil

Grow your rubber plant in a rich loam soil.

Water

Water your rubber plant moderately, but get the entire pot of soil moist to the touch. Allow the soil to partially dry before the next watering. Overwatering rubber plants causes the lower leaves to turn yellow and drop.

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Fertilizer

Fertilize your plant twice per month from early spring to late summer.

Pests and Diseases

Rubber plants are affected by mealybugs, mites, scale and thrips. Wash leaves with lukewarm soapy water. If infestation is severe, spray with Malathion or Diazinon.

Propagation

Propagate rubber plants by air layering.

Spider Plant Care

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Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)

Spider Plant Care Requirements

The Spider plant is an excellent plant for a beginner because it grows easily and quickly. It is also very tolerant of different growing conditions. It has long, narrow, curving bright green leaves with a creamy center or edges. It produces small white flowers on long stems and finally these flowers become plantlets which can be potted.

Chlorophytum is extremely adaptable to different growing conditions.

Spider Plant Care (Chlorophytum) Requirements
Light

A well lit and a well ventilated area away from direct sunlight is best suited for the spider plant, but it will also tolerate other conditions.

Temperature and Humidity

The spider plant requires average warmth and must not be kept below freezing point in winter. Mist the plant regularly in summer.

Soil

Grow your spider plant in an all-purpose soil mix.

Water

Water your spider plant 2 or 3 times a week during spring and summer, but allow the soil to became almost dry between waterings. Water sparingly in winter.

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Fertilizer

Use a liquid fertilizer once every two weeks in the summer. During the dormant period of winter feed your spider plant once every two months. If you use a commercial soil mix to repot, do not fertilize for a period of two months.

Peats and Diseases

The spider plant is pest free, but will be attacked by aphids if the plant is weak. If the infestation of aphids is severe, treat with Malathion or Rotenone.

Propagation

Pin the plantlets on moistened vermiculite placed in a container near the plant. Vermiculite gives the plant stronger roots. When the roots are formed, cut the stem and repot your new spider plant in an all-purpose soil.

Snake Plant Care

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Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Snake Plant Care Requirements

Snake Plant grows in clumps of heavy, sword-like, vertical, fleshy leaves to
a height of about 18 to 32 inches ( 46 to 82 cm). S. zeylanica has dark, mottled leaves and S. trifasciata laurenti has the same types of leaves with a creamy-white edge. Sansevieria are very durable and grow in adverse conditions. Try it.

Snake Plant Care (Sansevieria) Requirements
Light

The snake plant prefers bright to direct light, but grow well in diffused or shaded light.

Temperature and Humidity

The snake plant grows well in warm temperature and medium humidity.

Soil

Use a 50-50 mixture of a cactus mix and an all-purpose soil mix.

Water

Water your snake plant profusely, but allow the soil to dry before the next watering.

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Fertilizer

Fertilize lightly each month during spring, summer and early fall, but not during winter. Repot your snake plant about every 4 years.

Pests and Diseases

Snake plants are susceptible to attacks by mealybugs and scale insects. Treat with lukewarm soapy water. If infestation is severe, spray with Malathion or Diazinon. Overwatering snake plants will cause leaf and root rot.

Propagation

Propagate your snake plants from offsets, by leaf cuttings and by division at the roots.

Venus flytrap plant care

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Venus flytrap plant careRequirements

The Venus flytrap is an easy to grow houseplant. Try it. It's an insectivorous plant "monster" that devours insects. Its leaves have very sensitive spines in the center of the upper surface. When these spines are triggered by the touch of an insect, the leaf snaps shut trapping the insect. The trapped insect is slowly digested as food for your Venus flytrap.

Venus flytrap plant care (Dionaea muscipula) Requirements
Light

venus flytrap plant care requires bright sunlight.

Temperature and Humidity

Keep your Venus flytrap in a cool area with good air circulation and high humidity. Place outdoors during summer.

Soil

Use unmilled sphagnum moss in an open terrarium. Replace moss as it starts to disintegrate.

Water

Keep the soil mix moist at all times. The Venus flytrap naturally grows in swamps.

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Fertilizer

Feed your Venus flytrap once per week with liquid fertilizer when the plant is indoors. If the plant catches insects outdoors in summer, no fertilizer is needed.

Pests and Diseases

Venus flytrap is never damaged by insects because it consumes them, but it is susceptible to powdery mildew.

Propagation

Propagate your Venus flytrap by dividing the underground bulbs.

Healthy houseplants tips

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Healthy houseplants tips

Healthy Houseplants and Flowers - Buying Tips!

To insure success as a beginner in growing house plants, you must start with strong, healthy plants. We give you tips to make buying flowers and plants easy both when you buy from your neighborhood florists and when you order flowers online.

• Observe these conditions when buying flowers and house plants.


• Buy houseplants from a reliable and credible nursery, where you are sure to get healthy plants and professional advice.


• Buy the type of plants that will not grow too big for the available space in your home.


• Check the soil mix to be sure that it is not dried out. If it is dried out, the plants are being neglected.


• Buy houseplants that have a well-balanced shape.


• Check the roots. Many roots protruding from the bottom of the pot is a sign of neglect. The plant should have been repotted.


• Do not buy flowering plants if the majority of the buds are opened. Those plants will have a short flowering life in your home.


• Do not buy plants if you are prevented from thoroughly checking them out.


• Ask the nursery attendant for information on the plants' feeding, watering, fertilizing, temperature and lighting needs and where best to locate the plant in your house.


• Be sure you can provide the conditions which the plant requires.


• Make sure that your plant is appropriately covered during transportation. Plants need to be protected against extreme temperature and wind.


• Put your new plants in a segregated area for one week to prevent the possible spread of pests and diseases to your other plants.


• Signs of trouble in house plants


• Leaves show signs of plant diseases and pests. Example; leaves are discolored and/or have holes and are limpy.


• Uneven distribution of leaves


• Soil mixture is dry and hard. That's a sign of neglect.


• Tips for ordering house plants and flowers online


• Be sure that your order is clearly written or correctly selected.


• Be sure that the plants or flowers ordered are available.


• Order early and make sure that the delivery date does not conflict with the florist's delivery schedule.
  Give specific information, including a return address.


• Order flower online from florists who control their own delivery.

When you order flower online, you would not be able to use the advice given for shopping from your neighborhood florists. Growers Flowers.com maintains excellent customer satisfaction.
House plants suitable to certain lighting conditions

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Healthy houseplants tips

LIGHTING CONDITIONS HOUSE PLANTS

Low light/Shade Aspidistra - Cast Iron Plant, Asplenium - Bird's Nest Fern, Dracaena - Corn Plant, Fatsia, Ferns, Fittonia - Mosaic Plant or Nerve Plant, Maranta - Prayer Plant,
Neanthe Bella Palm or Dwarf Palm , Philodendron, Sansevieria - Snake Plant
Indirect/diffused/filtered light Anthurium - Flamingo Flower, Asparagus, Azalea, Begonia rex, Bromeliads, Chlorophytum - Spider Plant, Chrysanthemum, Codiaeum - Croton, Dieffenbachia -
Dumb cane, Fuchsia- Lady's Eardrops, Hedera - English Ivy, Hoya - Wax Plant
or Hindu Rope Plant, Impatiens - Busy Lizzie or Patient Lucy, Monstera -
Swiss Cheese Plant, Philodendron, Poinsettia, Scindapsus - Devil's Ivy or Pathos
Bright/direct sunlight Acacia - Kangaroo Thorn, Bougainvillea - Paper Flower, Cacti & Succculents, Celosia, Citrus, Coleus, Hibiscus, Jasminum - Jasmine, Lantana, Oxalis - Wood Sorrel

Plant Lights

Pointers to help you make the best use of all available light in your home!

Examine your home to determine where there are the following lighting conditions; bright/direct light, filtered/indirect light and dim/low light.
Know the lighting requirements of the indoor plants you bought. If it is not written on the tag, ask the attendant.
Place indoor plants requiring bright/direct sunlight in windows facing the south if you live north of the equator, and in windows facing north if you live south of the equator.
Place plants requiring a medium amount of sunlight (filtered/indirect) in the same rooms as above, but behind curtained/screened windows.
Place plants requiring dim/low light in hallways, bathrooms or bedrooms.
Turn indoor plants around at least twice per month during the growing season in order to maintain a balanced growth.

Signs of Lack of light

• 
  New leaves are smaller and not as colorful as they should be, if they had received the required amount of light;


• 
  Old leaves look pale and may have curled edges;


• 
  Variegated leaves may turn plain green;


• 
  Leaf tips and edges may be brown;


• 
  The plant's growth is in one direction towards the source of light. Leaves on the new stem are pale green and small. The new growth on cacti and succulents looks limp and weak.
  Signs of Too Much Light

Stems and leaves have grey-brown or yellow patches;
Plants wilt during the day despite all other plant-care factors being appropriate for that plant. (Factors: watering, temperature, humidity, soil and fertilizing)
Cacti become yellow.

 

• 
  8 Rules to ensure your success with house plants


• 
  Don't over water. Over watering prevents the roots from breathing air which they need.


• 
  Plants need a rest in winter. Reduce your watering, feedong and heating from the amount given during the growing season.


• 
  Monitor the humidity of the rooms, and in winter, increase the humidity especially for tropical plants.


• 
  Keep a close observation for signs of trouble and treat them immediately.


• Good general care is a preventative measure to attacks by pests and diseases.


• 
  Group like plants together. You will better capture their beauty and they will also grow better.


• 
  Timely repotting improves the growth and health of your plants.
  Know the plant-growing conditions that exist in your home and buy house plants that will be compatible with those growing conditions; such as, light,

temperature and humidity.

Pay attention to the advice given for taking care of the plants listed below in our Beginners' Plant Group. These plants are some of the most common houseplants and a few are referred to as ‘cast-iron' plants. They grow well in a wide range of conditions and you would be successful as a beginner with them.

Tropical House Plants Care

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Tropical plants and flowers are easily available off- and online so that we can always make use of their vibrant beauty. The Basics for Being Successful with tropical house plants and flowers
Light, temperature and humidity, water, soil, fertilizer, pests and plant diseases are the principal factors that must be appropriately controlled to ensure success in growing tropical house plants and flowers.

Tropical House Plants Care

Light

• Light is the most important ingredient needed to produce bright, attractive foliage and flowers, and food for plants.


• Plants receive light from all sides in their natural environment. In our homes they receive light from one side, usually from a window. Agreed? Now, to compensate;


• rotate your plants at least twice per month to allow the whole plant to get an equal amount of light.


• 
  Tropical plants and desert plants require more light than others, so note the different amounts of light we get in our homes; bright, direct light; indirect, diffused or filtered light and low light. Check your home carefully to see how much light enters each room.


• Bright, direct sunlight - Light that delivers the full rays of the sun into a room from the south windows. (Note: Plants can be scorched by magnified sun's rays passing through glass panes.)


• 
  Indirect, diffused or filtered light - Light that filters through a sheer into a room from the north or south windows.


• 
  Low light -Light that is normally in bathrooms, bedrooms and hallways.
  When needed, natural light can be augmented by artificial plant lights.


• Plants that thrive in sunny tropical and desert conditions may have their leaves scorched by the magnified sun's rays passing through glass panes, especially patterned glass.


• Use sheers or net curtains to filter out the strongest rays.

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Temperature and Humidity

Recommended temperatures are not absolute, as most tropical house plants will survive at temperatures lower than the recommended one. There must be a balance between light, temperature and humidity.

In winter

high temperature may cause increased growth in house plants that cannot be supported by the existing amount of poor light in a room.
when temperature gets close to freezing tropical house plants may suffer damage at night, because the temperature in the rooms may be too low.
In summer tropical house plants require a high enough level of humidity to survive under hot conditions.
Humidity - the amount of moisture present in the air in ratio to a given temperature - is necessary for the proper growth of all plants, but is most important for plants with thin and delicate leaves. Mist these plants at least once per day. If your tropical house plants are in bloom, cover the blooms while you mist, to protect the petals from rotting.

Even though most house plants are tropical plants, yet high temperatures adversely affect some of them by causing the moisture in the soil to evaporate too quickly. We will give tips for maintaining acceptable temperature and humidity level for the house plants we introduce to you.

When needed, humidity can be increased in rooms by putting water in trays with gravel or marbles. Place these trays near heating radiators. Plants can also be placed on the gravel in these trays but the base of the pot must not touch the water. Trays with houseplants must not be placed near radiators.

Soil

There are many good, all-purpose commercial mixes available which you can use to repot tropical house plants. Always ask your nursery attendant if you need to have a special mix for your plant. The house plants which you buy online or directly from nurseries would have been grown in the medium most suitable for them, so do not change that soil until repotting has to be done.

To sterilize your own soil preparation, fill a baking pan with your soil mix and bury a potato in the middle of the soil. Place in oven at 350 degrees. When the potato is cooked, the soil is sterilized.

Water

Inadequate watering - both overwatering and underwatering - is the greatest cause of damage to house plants.

Overwatering leads to root rot and leaf spot and, if not corrected, the plant will die. Underwatering leads to wilting from which the plant will rebound after the next watering. That is, if there is a next watering.

As a general rule, water your house plants when the surface of the soil looks dry or when the soil crumbles in your fingers.

Here are 5 factors which affect the watering needs of tropical house plants: - room temperature, humidity, evaporation, type of potting soil and type of container.

Rules for Watering

• Use room temperature or lukewarm water.


• 
  Rain water is the best water for house plants.


• 
  Allow chlorinated tap water to sit overnight before using.


• 
  Never use water from water softeners.


• 
  Water from the top of the pot.


• 
  Do not spill water on the leaves or the crown - (the junction of stem and roots) - of the plant.

Fertilizer

There are 16 chemicals/elements which are essential for plant growth. The most important ones are:

 

NITROGEN which promotes growth. In spring use fertilizers with low nitrogen content because nitrogen will cause excessive growth.
PHOSPHORUS which promotes root development and growth and the formation of flower buds.

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• POTASSIUM/POTASH helps with root growth and maintains a balance between nitrogen and phosphorus.


• 
  CALCIUM/LIME helps phosphorus and potassium to be readily available to be absorbed by plants. It is detrimental to plants which need acid in their growth because it neutralizes the acid.


• 
  And many trace elements; such as iron, copper, zinc, molybdenum, manganese and boron plus lesser chemicals.

General Rules for Fertilizing

• 
  Fertilize lightly but frequently, i.e.- once or twice per month; heavily - once every 3 or 4 months, or use a slow release fertilizer starting in spring. Your choice depends on the type of plant.


• 
  Do not fertilize newly bought house plants during the first 2 months.
  Do not fertilize during winter.


• 
  Do not fertilize during the first two months after repotting with a commercial fertilizer.


• 
  Too much or too little feeding, watering or light, or poor air circulation can hinder plant growth and development and cause your houseplants to be vulnerable to being attacked by pests and diseases.

Chinese Evergreen Plant Care

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Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema species)

This evergreen is very easy to grow. It grows tall and have large, oval pointed, dark green leather-like leaves. It's an excellent plant for bedrooms and bathrooms. There is almost no need for repotting your Chinese evergreen. It will live for about twenty-five years without repotting.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema species) Plant Care Requirements

Chinese Evergreen Plant Care

Light

Chinese evergreen requires dim/low light. Do not place in direct sunlight.

Temperature and Humidity

Requires medium humidity at room temperature.

Soil

Use peat loam. Chinese evergreen will also grow in water alone.

Water

Keep the soil moist from spring to fall. Water your Chinese Evergreen sparingly in winter.

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Fertilizer

Fertilizer fully establish plants lightly each month. Feed the plant consistently because insufficient fertilization causes the leaves lower down the plant to wither and drop. Do not fertilizer freshly potted plants during the first two months.

Pests and Diseases

Chinese evergreen is affected by ants and mealybugs. To treat wash leaves with soapy water. If badly infested, spray with a poison-free environmentally friendly insecticide

Propagation

To propagate your Chinese evergreen, divide it and repot in an all-purpose soil mix. Also propagate by air layering or by putting cuttings in water.

 

 

Cast iron Plant Care

Cast Iron Plants (Aspidistra eliator)

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Aspidistra eliator will survive under very adverse conditions. It's almost indestructible, but grows very well when given proper care. They have dark green oblong ovular leaves about 2.5 feet (77 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide. It's an ideal plant for beginners. Try it.

Cast Iron Plant Care Requirements (Aspidistra eliator)
Light

Your cast Iron plant requires diffused/filtered to low light.

Temperature and Humidity

Requires cool temperature and medium humidity.

Soil

Use an all-purpose soil mix.

Water

Keep your cast iron plant soil mix relatively dry all year round.

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Fertilizer

Fertilize your cast iron plant regularly in spring and summer.

Pests and Diseases

The cast iron plant is susceptible to mites and scale. Treat with warm soapy water. If infestation is severe, spray with Malathion or Diazinon.

Propagation

To propagate divide your cast iron plant and repot in an all-purpose soil mix.

Bromeliads Plant Care

Bromeliads (Aechmea, Cryptanthus, Billbergia, Nidularium)

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Most bromeliads house plants have leaves with spiny edges. These leaves are arranged in cuplike rosettes that assist the plants in absorbing moisture from the atmosphere. Some are epiphythis. Epiphythis are plants that do not need soil around their roots. They absorb nutrients and moisture from the air through their leaves. For support their roots can cling to objects; such as, tree bark, rocks or driftwood.

Bromeliads Plant Care
Light

Bromeliads require bright light. Thrive in windows that are not in direct sunlight.

Temperature and Humidity

They require warm humid conditions. Mist your bromeliads everyday.

Soil

Bromeliads do not need a specific type of soil, but grow well in organic soil with very good drainage.

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Water

Water your bromeliads occasionally, but avoid overwatering. Also keep the cuplike leaf rosettes filled with water.

Pests and Diseases

Mealy bugs and scales may attack bromeliads. To treat pick off by hand or wash with lukewarm soapy water. If badly infested, spray with Malathion or Rotenone.

Propagation

To propagate bromeliads place moss around the roots of the offset. Allow the offset to grow several months before removing. When removed from the tree, place in cutting soil mix and keep warm until the plant is established.

Asparagus Fern Plant Care

Asparagus Ferns (Plume, Plumosa, Spencer)

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Asparagus ferns are easy to grow. They have tall upright stalks of dense furry foliage. These stalks can be trained to grow overhanging the sides of a hanging basket. There are many different kinds of these ferns. They are usually used as hanging plants.

Asparagus Fern Plant Care

Light

Keep asparagus ferns in an area with filtered/indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight.

Temperature and Humidity

Keep asparagus ferns in a cool and well ventilated area.

Soil

Grow your asparagus ferns in regular potting soil.

Water

Keep soil moist at all times fron spring to fall. Water your asparagus ferns sparingly in winter.

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Fertilizer

Fertilize fully establish asparagus ferns once per month. Do not fertilizer repotted plants during the first two months.

Pest and Diseases

• Asparagus ferns are affected by leaf drop and root knot.


• Leaf drop - Leaves turn brown, wither and fall because room temperature is too high.


• - To treat, set room temperature at about 68 degrees F (43 degrees C) and increase humidity.


• Root knots are enlarged areas on the roots.


• - To treat, separate parts of the plant with healthy roots and replant in sterilized soil.


• Propagation

Propagate your asparagus ferns by dividing the plants and by sowing seeds.

Aloe Vera Plant Care

Aloe Vera Plant Care Requirements

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Aloe vera is the most widely known of the Aloe species. It is a succulent with thick, fleshy grey green leaves, arranged in an overlapping manner. It is renowned for its healing properties. Its juice/sap is used on burns, in cosmetics, shampoos, soaps and in health drinks. All Aloe species bloom only when the plants are old. Report at least once every 2 years in the growing season of spring. For more information on its healing qualities, read.

Aloe Vera Plant Care (Aloe variegata) Requirements
Light

Aloe vera requires bright light.

Temperature and Humidity

Aloe vera requires medium temperature and low humidity.

Soil

Aloe vera grows well in a cactus soil mix.

Water

Water your aloe vera from spring to fall, but after each watering allow the soil to dry thoroughly before the next watering. Water infrequently in winter.

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Fertilizer

Aloe vera requires very little fertilizing. Fertilize once per year in early spring. Use a cactus fertilizer or any house plant fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer is best.

Pests and Diseases

Aloe vera is sometimes affected by mealybugs and root lice. Wash the leaves with lukewarm soapy water. If infestation is severe, spray with Malathion or Diazinon. It is also susceptible to crown rot.

Propagation

Propagate your aloe vera from offsets in a cactus soil mix.

Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)

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Croton - Plant Care Requirements

There are different varieties of Codiaeum variegatum. They are some of the most colorful house plants. They have multi-colored leaves of green, orange, yellow, red, pink and white. The leaves are principally the source of beauty in these plants. They grow vigorously and must be pruned in early spring.

Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) Plant Care Requirements

Light:

Requires very bright light for 4 to 5 hours each day.

Temperature and Humidity:

Requires warm temperature and moderate humidity.

Soil:

Use loamy soil.

Water:

Keep your Croton moist at all times.

Fertilizer:

Feed your plant monthly from late spring to early summer. Do not feed repotted plants during the first two months.

Pests and Diseases:

Croton is susceptible to being attacked by mealy bugs, scale and spider mites.

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To treat for spider mites wash the leaves with lukewarm soapy water containing nicotine. To extract the nicotine crush pieces of tobacco in water. Let the preparation rest for a few hours then pour through a sieve into a container. Mix your nicotine liquid with warm soapy water.
To get rid of mealy bugs use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, wash the plant with lukewarm soapy water and rinse with clean water. If the infestation is severe, use Safer insecticide from Bonsai Boy.

To treat for scale use lukewarm soapy water and brush the scales from the leaves, then rinse. If the infestation is severe, use an insecticide.

Propagation:

Propagate by using stem cuttings. Repot your Croton in a loamy mix.