Indoor Plants 101

by Patti

I have always been envious of those people who can grow indoor house plants and have the beauty of colourful nature throughout their home.  I am not one with green thumb abilities and usually kill every flower that I get my hands on.  I know I’ve shared stories with my friends of yet another house plant biting the dust and finding its way to the garbage because of my skill inability to grow indoor plants.  I’m sure I’m not the only one.

Now that I’ve recently moved and am close to family who do have that knowledge base for plants, I’ve decided that I need to add some colour to my décor if you will.  It isn’t only about the beauty of the plant but the health benefits that I’m seeking as well by wanting to learn how to be more successful in growing flowers and plants.

In talking to my knowledgeable 91 year old Grandmother this morning, she informed me that the Spider Plant, Ivy’s and Christmas Cactus would be great starter plants to yield success in growing for non-Green Thumbers like me.

The Spider Plant:

Tips for Growing Spider Plants

 What are the light requirements for spider plants?

Medium to high light, but no direct afternoon sunlight.

How much water do they need?

Spider plants need to dry out between watering. They have large, fleshy storage roots that store water, so don’t overwater them. It can lead to rot.

Do they have any special temperature requirements?

They are happiest in the same temperatures that make you comfortable

Do spider plants need much humidity?

Spider plants find our homes too dry in winter and need to be misted frequently indoors to prevent attacks by spider mites.

Info taken from the following website, for more specific information check out:

http://www.bachmans.com/Care-Handling/Plants/divHomePage.html?cnb=Plants&categoryCode=01&pageIndex=_pageIndexToken_spiderPlants  

Ivy’s:

Five Tips for growing the perfect Ivy:

• Mist the leaves a couple of times a week. Lack of humidity can cause them to dry out.

• Water the plants appropriately. “It doesn’t need to sit in a puddle, but it does need to stay moist,” Check the soil by sticking your fingertip beneath the surface. If the soil is moist, wait to water. If it’s dry, wet it down.

• Maintain a good temperature. Cooler temps are fine.

• Watch your light. Ivy plants will grow in low light, but they will not thrive in low light.  Ivy will do best in bright, indirect light. Keep the plants close to a sunny window but not in direct sunlight.

• Invest in insecticide. Ivy can be susceptible to infestation, including spider mites.

Information from: http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jan/15/five-tips-for-growing-ivy-indoors/

Christmas Cactus:

Light: Moderate light, partial shade and some direct sun in winter from eastern exposure.

 Watering: Keep soil evenly moist. Mist frequently.

 Fertilizing: Once flower buds form, apply a high-potassium fertilizer every 2 weeks.

 Special hint: Repot each year after flowering.

Like to know more: http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/tips-christmas-cactus-care

Out of the three plants listed, The Christmas Cactus is my favourite and I’m eager to go visit Grandma and try my luck at the one she has waiting for me.:)

Thanks for stopping by. I hope these few tidbits will turn you into a Green Thumb and perhaps you might want to snag a Christmas Cactus to do your ‘countdown’ to the holiday season with its beautiful blooming flowers.

Cheers,

Patti