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For many people
today, growing houseplants is a fascinating hobby as well as a means
of improving the general appearance of the inside of the home.
Growing them successfully though can be tricky for beginners.
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This
small guide will help beginners and amateurs to grow houseplants
more successfully, rather than just trying to keep them alive.
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| Purchasing your plants |
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| Beginners should
start off with the tried and tested types that are easy to look
after like Tradescentia, Crassula, Dracaena's, Peace
Lily, Ficus Elasticus and
Yucca's. |
| Remember
these plants are not hardy and if bought in winter make sure the
plant is wrapped up well for the journey home. It can be fatal for
plants like African Violets to spend as much as half an hour in
the cold.
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| Make sure when
purchasing plants that they have a care label attached. |
| Don't be too kind to
them when you get them home, let the plant acclimatise to its new
surroundings before watering & feeding. |
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| Conditions for Growing |
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| Most
indoor plants are just like most people, they don't like being
cold. Most houseplants available on the market are happy at
room temperature, about 65F. One of the biggest factors of poor
development in houseplants is fluctuating temperatures. Most
houses are warm during the day and evening but at night the
temperature, if not constant, will drop substantially and this
can be harmful for some plants. |
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| Syringing
(spraying plants with clean water) removes dirt from the
leaves and increases humidity to a degree. Be sure to syringe
plants early in the day to allow the leaf surface to dry. Leaf
disease can develop if the leaf surface remains wet overnight.
High humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens are often ideal for plants. |
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| Most plants
indoors must have adequate light if they are to do well.
Generally speaking, plants with green foliage will fare better
in the less well-lit locations, and plants with colourful
foliage will do better in the lighter positions. Almost all
indoor plants will benefit from artificial lighting in the
evening, particularly in the short winter days. Due to
possible leaf scorch, spotlights should be at a reasonable
distance, but other forms of light should be suspended some
6ft above. |
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| Watering is
probably the most difficult subject on which to offer advice,
as most plants differ in their moisture needs. As a general
rule most plants like their soil damp, not wet, not dry, the
trick is keeping the fine line between. Personally with my own
plants (with a few exceptions) I only water when the compost
has almost dried out. Also, if its warm and raining pop your
plants outside for a good soak and wash. Reduce the amount of
watering in winter as the plants are dormant. |
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| All
houseplants benefit from feeding. Follow the instructions of
each different type of fertiliser for dosage amounts. The
compost should be watered in advance of feeding and you should
not feed sick plants or plants that have just been potted. |
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| Tips |
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| Increase
your houseplant collection by taking
cuttings. |
| Save money:
Instead of using a chemical leaf cleaner to shine your
leaves, wipe them with cotton wool soaked in milk and
water (not tap water, use bottled or rainwater). |
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| Popular
houseplants... |
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Peace Lily - Spathiphyllum |
| A
striking plant with arum-like flowers and large,
lance-shaped, glossy green leaves. The flowers,
produced over the summer, can last for up to six
weeks or or more. It is perfect for a shadier spot
in the house but should be kept out of cold
draughts. |
| House:
Yes, no direct sunlight. |
Conservatory:
Shady, cool spot. |
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Money Tree, Jade Plant
- Crassula ovata |
| An
easy-to-grow house plant with thick, fleshy, succulent leaves
that are sometimes edged red, are borne on thick,
many-branched stems. It is the attractive tree-like shape and
foliage that they are grown for but sometimes
they produce star-shaped, white flowers in autumn too. |
| House:
Yes |
Conservatory:
Yes |
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Orchids |
| Not
only are these flowers beautiful, coming in a great variety of
colours, shapes and scents, but the plants themselves seem
otherworldly. |
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Calla
Lillies |
| They
can easily be grown indoors. Plant the tuber in a pot of
good potting compost. Immediately place in full daylight
in the house, and water regularly. The leaf develops
first, after which the eye-catching flower appears.
Callas can be planted out in the garden after mid-May,
but do not forget to take them indoors before the first
night frost strikes. |
| House:
Yes |
Conservatory:
Yes |
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Brugmansia
- Angels Trumpets |
| Highly
scented, especially in the evenings, with masses of
large two tier double trumpets up to 35cm long. This
exotic shrub is long lived if kept frost free, and makes
a handsome specimen for the house or conservatory. |
| House:
Sunny porch or large window |
Conservatory:
Yes |
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Venus Fly Trap |
| The
Venus Fly Trap is a carnivorous plant that catches and
digests animals - mostly insects and spiders. Its
trapping structure is formed by the terminal portion of
each of the plant's leaves and is triggered by tiny
hairs on their inner surfaces. |
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Cycad
- Cycas Revoluta |
| Cycas
revoluta, one of the most primitive living
plants, are very unusual and popular
ornamentals. A rugged trunk, topped with
whorled feathery leaves has lead to the
common name ''Sago Palm'', however it is
actually related to conifer and Gingko trees - all cone bearing plants which
trace their origins back to the ancient
flora of the early Mesozoic era. |
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Palm
Trees |
| Palm
trees are ideal for a sunny conservatory where they
make a grand display reminiscent of Victorian times. Relatively easy to care for
palms can tolerate hot spells and even periods of
drought. They require a good watering and feeding in
the summer. |
| House:
No |
Conservatory:
Yes |
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Plant Pot Stands & Etageres |
| Plant pot
stands and etageres are the perfect way to save space
whilst allowing you to show your plants effectively.
Used indoors and outdoors they allow you to create an
aesthetically pleasing display and are useful for
interchanging your plants on a regular basis. They work
particularly well in conservatories or in areas where
space is at a premium and are available in different
sizes. |
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