Air
Hot or dry air can cause plants to dry out aboveground, resulting in brown
leaf tips. In general, keep plants in a cool or humid place with indirect
sun. Some remedies for dry air include: standing the pot on a tray of wet
pebbles; misting the plant regularly.
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African violets
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do not mist these, as the droplets will cause rot
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fig family (Ficus, Rubber Plant)
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room temperature
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mimosa pudica (Sensitive Plant)
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minimum 60 degrees F, high humidity
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cactus
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growing season: 65+; dormant: 55-, avoid frost (cold makes plants sturdy
and encourages flower buds)
Pests and diseases
Plants can be attacked by various pests and diseases. However, overtreatment
can be worse than the disease. Read manufacturer's directions.
Propagation
There are four methods of propagation by stem cutting, depending on the type
of plant.
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Plants which root easily (such as Coleus, Tradescantia, Swedish Ivy, English
Ivy, Jade Plant, Peperomia, Impatiens): put cutting in glass on windowsill,
pot when roots are 1".
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Plants which grow baby plants (such as Spider Plant, Begonia): cut and plant
the baby.
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Plants which will root from leaves (such as African Violet, Streptocarpus,
Gloxinia, Begonia Rex): peg large leaf down with toothpicks, slit veins on
underside, dust with hormone powder, lay flat on compost, tent with clear
plastic bag.
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Plants which will root from stems -- most plants that will propagate by stem
cutting are in this category: (such as Geranium, African Violet leaf on a
stem, Philodendron, Fibrous Begonia, Crown of Thorns): dip in hormone rooting
powder, pot, tent with a clear plastic bag.
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fig family (Ficus, Rubber Plant)
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propagate by air layering
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mimosa pudica (Sensitive Plant)
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propagate by stem cutting
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cactus
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rooting -- take cutting or offset; let cutting dry a few days; root in equal
parts peatmoss and sharp (builders) sand; expose to sun and water occasionally;
pot when vigorous roots form
germination -- scatter seed on moist, sterilized soil; barely cover with
sand; bag and seal container; wait several days to several months for
germination; remove bag; pot when vigorous roots form
grafting -- cut and bind together while still wet; keep in moist, warm place
to prevent drying out; remove bindings in about two weeks
Food
Plants need food, but too much will kill a plant or render it unsightly.
Read manufacturer's directions and choose the appropriate food for the plant.
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fig family (Ficus, Rubber Plant)
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feed with manure water twice a month during growing season
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cactus
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low nitrogen such as 5-10-10 during growing season; feed established plants
only
Light
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fig family (Ficus, Rubber Plant)
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low light is adequate, but full light (not direct sun) is recommended for
best canopy
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mimosa pudica (Sensitive Plant)
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full light, some sun
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cactus
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direct sun
Soil
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fig family (Ficus, Rubber Plant)
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compost; repot in May when obviously pot-bound, only slightly larger container
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mimosa pudica (Sensitive Plant)
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well drained
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cactus
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equal parts sharp (builders) sand and houseplant soil mix; repot into next
size container when plant is within 1/4 inch of the edge, then wait several
days to water
Water
Overwatered plants suffer from rot underground. This will kill a plant. In
general, avoid standing water and provide dry spells between waterings.
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fig family (Ficus, Rubber Plant)
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keep soil moist in summer (three times/week), less in winter; drain well
and give an occasional dry spell between waterings; wash dust and pests from
leaves with rain or distilled water; can use a clean, soft, wet sponge
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cut flowers
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fill a clean vase at least 3/4 full of water; add 1 small drop household
bleach to stop algae from blocking stems; cut off about 3/4 inch of stem
on the diagonal; remove leaves that would be submerged; keep in a cool place
(not on the TV)
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mimosa pudica (Sensitive Plant)
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plenty in growing season, but very little in winter
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cactus
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active: when top 1/2 inch of soil feels dry, soak with water; dormant: water
lightly every few weeks (do not soak) avoid overwatering to prevent rot
