| Hardy Houseplants |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-610 |
|
|
Q: I clearly do not have a green thumb, and need help picking plants that are tough to kill. Which ones should I choose? A: (Walter Reeves, DIY Gardening expert) Growing houseplants is something that anyone can master, especially if you choose the right plants. Here are my top five selections for easy-to-care-for houseplants, and some growing tips.
1. The airplane plant, also known as the spider plant (figure A), is one of the most popular houseplants, and one of the easiest to care for. Additionally, this plant is easily propagated using a simple method that is described below.2. The rubber plant, or ficus (figure B), is another excellent choice. This plant does best in full sunshine, so it will be happiest near the brightest window in your house. If left in a darker area, the leaves of the rubber plant will begin to fall off.
3. The wandering jew (figure C) is a popular houseplant, and quickly produces large amounts of foliage. It is available in dark green and variegated varieties (figure D).
4. The philodendron is easily identified by it's glossy, green heart-shaped leaves (figure E). This plant is very easy to maintain, and tolerates low-light situations very well.5. Pothos (figure F), or Epipremnum aurem is a beautiful variegated plant, and is supremely easy to grow.
Growing Tips - To propagate airplane plants, simply snip off one of the "babies" -- or miniature versions of the parent plant -- with scissors (figure G). Then, simply root the smaller plant in a pot containing potting soil. Water the new plant, and place it near a window where it can get ample sunlight. Within a couple of weeks, the baby will form roots. Within a couple of years, it will be producing babies of its own.
- For overgrown plants that have begun to show brown vegetation -- such as the wandering jew shown in our demonstration -- it may be necessary to give the plant a "haircut." Use scissors to trim back the trailing vegetation around the sides (figure H), leaving just the healthy foliage at the top of the pot. Trimming away the unhealthy foliage will likely result in healthy new growth.
- To avoid over-watering houseplants, rely on the "finger test." Stick your finger down into the soil in the pot, then pull it out. If soil clings to your finger (figure I), the plant doesn't need to be watered. Only water the plant when the soil becomes dry.
RESOURCES :
Successful Houseplants: Advice on Choosing, Displaying and Caring ...
Model: 0754808327
Author: Andrew Clinch
The Complete Houseplant Bible (Updated)
Model: 0754804690
Author: Peter McHoy
How Not to Kill Your Houseplants: The Foolproof Guide to Lush, Healthy Plants
Model: 0595192769
Author: Anne Pregosin
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
