Monday, May 11, 2009

What is a good site about house plants?

i have sevelal house plants and do not now what thay are

What is a good site about house plants?
http://www.plantcare.com/


Does anyone know about little black round particles that are found on house plants?

I have a house plant in my bedroom in front of my window. I have noticed recently that there have been little black round dots on the plant, wall, and curtains, even the ceiling around the plant? I don’t believe the dots are harmful, but I would like to know what the mystery dots are?

Does anyone know about little black round particles that are found on house plants?
Well if its on the walls and such I would think it would be mold, which can be very harmful not only to the plant but to you. Talk to your local nursery to see if they might know what it is.
Reply:Actually sounds like artillery fungus or shotgun fungus. It is not that common indoors, but grows on wood mulch and can cover buildings and cars. I wonder if you have a woody chip mulch on the plant. Try changing the top inch or two of soil. Do not overwater. Clean off the black dots, as they are spores. If they are hard to remove I have heard mineral oil or scraping with a credit card. If they are coming off easily with soap and water then use that.


Can microwaves kill or damage house plants?

I want to place my house plant on top of my microwave and wanted to know is it safe.

Can microwaves kill or damage house plants?
It is safe, the microwaves are inside the box, not outside.
Reply:It's safe as long as you remove the plant when you water it. Even a drop of water dripping inside the unit can cause a short. Some microwave ovens get hot on the top. If yours does, then check the plant often to make sure the soil stays somewhat moist.
Reply:Yes, it is safe. You'd have to put the plant inside the oven to kill it
Reply:Yes, I have plants on mine! Good luck!
Reply:If the microwave oven damages plants it is leaking microwaves and can injure/kill you. If microwave oven is operating properly putting plants on it should be ok,if you don't cover any openings in the cabinet
Reply:Of course.


As long as they're outside it.
Reply:No the radiation from the microwave casuases the plant to DIE
Reply:if you put the plant inside the microwave it will severly damage it
Reply:Place the plant in a dish so no water can run inside the microwave when you water. That could be dangerous to you.
Reply:Should be safe unless the oven is leaking.

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Natural fertilizer mixture for house plants?

I am looking for a natural fertilizer mixture. What type of mixture (ingredients) would be good for fertilizing regular house plants.

Natural fertilizer mixture for house plants?
Fish emulsion is an excellent natural fertilizer but it smells pretty badly for a day. You can get it at a lawn and garden center. To get some trace elements plants need that isn't in fish you can add kelp meal.





If you don't want to mess with mixing fish emulsion you can get complete organic fertilizers such as PlantTone by Espoma. This is an excellent all-purpose fertilizer made from all natural products and it is good for both indoor and outdoor plants. It lasts about 6 week.
Reply:ASk your local nusery store.





I use coffee grounds, crushed up egg shells, and a varied amount of compost, depending on the plant and time of year.......





Different plants need different chemicals.
Reply:I suppose it depends on what you're planting. But if you're looking for any kind of cheap fertilizer, I suggest calling up your nearest racing pigeon club, and asking if any of the fliers want to get rid of their pigeon poop.


Can you put house plants in bathrooms?

I HAVE 4 NICE HOUSE PLANTS, AND TALL, I WOULD LIKE TO PUT THEM IN MY BATHROOMS, WILL IT HURT THEM? [ THE MOSITER]

Can you put house plants in bathrooms?
Ivy plants are wonderful for bathrooms as they love the humidity and moisture... As far as other plants depending on their requirements of light conditions and such it is hard to give an answer your best bet if you know the name of the plants is to search online by plant name and see if your bathroom meets the requirements or you can bring your plant to a nursery if you dont know the name and they should be able to tell you.
Reply:bathrooms are good because of the moisture from the shower
Reply:It will probably make them healthier. They'll love the moisture as long as they will continue to get the sunlight that they require.
Reply:bathrooms can be good for plants because of humidity especially in the winter but you need to know the light and temperature needs of those plants as well
Reply:yes, very good, plants will grow faster but from time to time it will need air so becareful there too.


Are Star Jasmines Good house plants?

I had a house plant book that said that a Jasmine was a good house plant and it could grow 9' tall, so I would need to prune it. I was at a store and fell in-love with this Star Jasmine and the smell is a to-die-for-lemony scent. All is said that it can grow 15 ft wide and it needs sunlight.

Are Star Jasmines Good house plants?
My son has grown one to cover his garden shed so it can't be seen from the street. It took just a couple of years to almost cover the small shed! It does need pruning but if you want to cover something like a trellis or shed, not too much pruning for the first couple of years.It will need a trellis by the way.





Edit, sorry, but forgot to mention, I wouldn't advise it for an indoor plant, it is a fast and vigorous grower best for outdoors %26amp; full sun.
Reply:http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/5652...





A couple of people shared their experiences growing Star Jasmine indoors on this site.





You will need a large pot or tub in which to grow the plant.


If you have a sunroom or sun porch it should be very happy.


It wants plenty of sun.


What is the coldest temp house plants can take?

It was pretty were I live ga. zone 7, and my husband told me to put the house plants out (which I do every year, but usally wait till april) Now the weather has turned, again, and it is going to be only 35 tomarrow night, day temps will stay around 60 for the high, What should I do%26lt; I have close to 100 of them and this is really going to be a pain in the a**

What is the coldest temp house plants can take?
Most traditional houseplants sold up there are tropicals. Therefore, not freezing weather will be tolerated by them.





Throw a blanket over them and strew some Christmas lights (first the lights).
Reply:Different plants are better in different temps, what plants are they?

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What do small types of bamboo house plants look like?

Would like to know how you handle the small house plant. I bought one and it did not have any instructions. The only bamboo plant I have seen besides this is completly different. It has cane like stems and the one I bought is very busy with thin leaf stems

What do small types of bamboo house plants look like?
bamboo likes lots of water, the first one you mention with cane like stems is probably bamboo, what you have now I don't have a clue


Is there ANY BEAUTIFUL japanese house plants that I can grow?

I looked up, and all I found is the Bonsai plant. But most people say it cant be grown indoors unless your absolutely careful and know how to take care of it. I'd like a japanese house plant to grow indoors only. yes, japanese only. btw i live in the us so if you also know where I could buy it, I would greatly appreciate it. any flower colored white is first priority.





ps: the giants pwned the patriots. XD

Is there ANY BEAUTIFUL japanese house plants that I can grow?
A few tips for you.





1 - You might want to take a visit to your local nursery and see what they're selling. (Local, not Home Depot or Lowes)





2 - Determine what growing Zone you're in.





3 - Google "Japanese House Plant".





4 - If you like the Bonsai that much, read up on it. You must have a green thumb of some sort. If not, don't worry, Bonsai are inexpensive enough.





Happy Hunting. :-)
Reply:i like bamboo. its not hard to grow inside, but im not sure if its chinese or japanese.


Where should I go to buy hearty house plants and around how much do I need to spend?

I am looking to buy a house plant (more like a small tree or a big cactus than a little flowering thing). What are reliable stores to get one at, or has anyone had luck using craigs list or ebay? What is a fair price (this might sound dumb, but I've never bought one before)?

Where should I go to buy hearty house plants and around how much do I need to spend?
An outdoor garden shop that specializes in many types of plants so you can the different types of plants and ask questions of the sales staff.





A fair prices depends on where you live. In Los Angeles in more costly than in Beaumont, Texas.
Reply:Since you have no idea, I would get a plant book and do some research to find what plant interests you.The book will give you all the information you need to know about the plant that catches your fancy. Don't look for anything unusual or exotic. They are the hardest to grow and maintain for the grower and the store that is selling them This kind of plant will always have a higher cost. A big cat us will ALWAYS be expensive because they are so slow growing. Without knowing your home environment or skill and I had to recommend a large plant, I would suggest a palm (after you see if you can give it a happy home )
Reply:You buy such plants at any Lowe's, Home Depot, Target stores.. they have all kinds... also some walmart's
Reply:Go to your local nursery or other places which sell plants and take about


$ 20.00. Don't go over board until you get the hang of taking care of them.


House plants, I need one that is different!!!!!!!!!?

So I live in RI and I am a plant fanatic. I have all those plants that everyone has spider plants, money trees, umbrella trees, mother-in-law tongues, doctor plants, ivy, Christmas cactus, jade, and aloe. But I am looking for something that will grow in this colder weather, that is not only one that I don't have but one that looks cool. I want something that needs watering once a week; I have all different light in my house, so that is not an issue but I need help. PLEASE HELP. When you reply send links if you have them for me to see what it looks like. :-) thank you.

House plants, I need one that is different!!!!!!!!!?
Hello fellow plant fanatic! I have a house plant that never fails to inspire ooh's and ahh's. It's called a Buddha Belly (http://davesgarden.com/pf/showimage/2628... and it's super easy to grow. It likes to dry out completely between waterings, and though as an outdoor plant it supposedly requires full sun, it does well indoors in sunny-ish rooms (though I've had it in less sunny rooms at times too). It has one solid bulbous trunk and huge, rapidly growing leaves. Mine blooms continuously all year round, though it did take about a year for it to find its groove in that department.





I found mine at Target of all places...but I haven't seen one since. I'm sure you can find one online, though.





I did just read something (as I was searching for a link w/ a photo for you) that said the plant is poisonous, so resist the urge to nibble on it. :) Good luck!
Reply:How about a lipstick plant: Aeschynanthus radicans - Lipstick Plant


Gesneriaceae; see this website for what it looks like:http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week081.sh...


or maybe a cigar plant: Exotic #10: MEXICAN CIGAR Cuphea ignea: http://www.rubythroat.org/CigarMexicanMa...


Guppy plant ('Hawaiian Jade')http://www.robsviolet.com/nematanthus.ht...


Highly recommended for the novice with a bright window, since they are very tolerant of neglect and are virtually indestructible
Reply:I like Moses In The Bullrushes: http://www.unex.es/polen/herbarium/html/...





or one of the ferns like rabbits foot:





http://www.flickr.com/photos/flutterbye8...
Reply:Try some orchids, they are a good plant

Why do hotels always use white towels

What does work against spider mites in house plants?

I think my (very large) house plant has spider mites. I cut some badly affected parts off, but there are probably still some I can't see. Is there something I can do to get rid of all of them?

What does work against spider mites in house plants?
An organic type approach is take a 32oz spray bottle add 2-3


drops of dish-washing liquid and several drops of hot sauce,the hotter the better, add water %26amp; shake. Spray all house plants to keep them from leaving one to go to the other.


Spray under leaves and on soil as well. Will not harm you or your plants. All soft bodied insects(white flies, aphids,spider mites) can't tolerate this mix and will die. Works on all plants in %26amp; out.
Reply:There are 2 ways to get rid of Spider Mites. Throw the plant away or, sell the house and leave the plant.





Failing that, we've found Spider mites really hard to get rid of let alone control them. We tried a lot of different insecticides and other "recipes" but to no avail. We even tried spraying or washing them in the sink but it was only temporary relief. Outdoor plants have a great advantage over the house plants in that there are plenty of predators out there to attack the Spider Mites. At one time we did put the plants outdoors for the summer in the dappled shade with the hopes of the natural predators taking care of the problem but, we just brought more back in in the house in the fall.





I hope you put your trimmings in a plastic bag and sealed it instead of just putting them in the garbage. If you didn't I suspect they all made their way back to the plant ,or another one.





Since we moved ( twice now ) and left the plants, we haven't had any Spider Mite problems. So listed below are a couple of sites I have found, where you can probably find more up to date information.





Good luck.
Reply:mix a little dishwashing liquid and water in a spray bottle, and spray the entire plant down (you might wanna put it in the tub to lessen the mess from spraying.) it may take 2 applications (1 wk apart) but it works, also, there's a Garden Safe brand insecticidal soap, but it's just as effective as the daw/palmolive and water
Reply:I agree with rachel.
Reply:Spray around the plant, not directly on it, with ordinary flyspray or even ant %26amp; cockroach spray. Wait a while (20 mins or so) and spray with clean water.


Good colorful house plants/flowers to grow in Michigan...they would most likely get medium sun.?

I need ideas for various colorful flowers that I can grow inside in small-medium pots.





Medium sun.





We live in Michigan.





We have air conditioning.





Plants are kind of known for dying in our house but Ive been into trying to have a green thumb...so I am getting better at keeping stuff alive.





Any suggestions?

Good colorful house plants/flowers to grow in Michigan...they would most likely get medium sun.?
Hoya are beautiful and very hard to kill! Rex begonia's leaves are as beautiful as any flower and you will not believe the variety! A clivia only blooms sporadically, but is well worth the wait. Christmas cactus is really easy to grow and will bloom when everything else is dormant. You have too much sun for African violets. You can try caladium indoors. Peace lilies are also nice, and anthurium.
Reply:Try a Dragon Wing Begonia





http://halversonfamilyfarm.com/Spectrum/...





Mine is as tall as me! (5'6")





Your heat in the winter and AC in the Summer is drying out your plants. If weather permits, outside is best. In the Winter, you can put your plants in a sunny area with a Humidifier, and Mist them every other day. Be sure to water weekly.
Reply:Begonias :-)


Do any house plants create more oxygen than others?

If so, what type of house plant would give off a lot of oxygen? Please don't say an air plant because that wouldn't be funny! I'm trying to think of natural ways to keep household air pure during the winter months when the windows are shut for months on end!

Do any house plants create more oxygen than others?
all house plant create oxygen; the biggest benefit of house plants is, that that they take out the toxins in your indoor air.the( Dracaena): is a family of house plants that take out all three toxins,that you find in your indoor air .it includes :the Mass-cane,Janet Greg ,Marginata,Warneckei .the (Masscane )also known as a corn plant is one of easy-est to care for. all can be found, where ever house plants are sold.
Reply:I would guess that the plants with more surface area have better cleaning capabilities since the more surface area the more photosysnthesis that can occur which is the process that releases O2 into the air.
Reply:Peace Lily, better known as Easter Lilly! They thrive indoors and give off the best amount of Oxygen. (Did a study for my office once...)
Reply:Spider plants are very good air cleaners.


What are some house plants that someone in apartment can easily take care of?

i don't have a green thumb, and i want a house plant to stick outside on my little porch.

What are some house plants that someone in apartment can easily take care of?
Snake plants are good for dark places and don't need much water. Very hard to kill.


Spider plants are good if you are going to stick out side. No direct sun and a good watering when dry.


Try some flowers if you want color. Start from seeds is least expensive and will do well - marigolds, zinniz, cosmos-will grow 3ft tall.
Reply:Get an Ivy or a fern, they are very low maintenance and make beautiful plants.
Reply:Ficas trees, spider plants, rubber tree, I have all growing in the house. For outside try spider plants geriaims, jade plants. They are all very hardy plants.
Reply:what kind of lighting do you have where the new plants are to go?
Reply:Is the porch enclosed? House plants are things like pothos, philodendron, peace lily and are all easy to care for. If it is an open porch and gets good light you could have geraniums, petunias, begonias. If it doesn't get much sunlight try coleus.


All are super easy.





Enjoy
Reply:Go online they have many, it depends on what you are looking for
Reply:1. Click this link for a picture of pothos ivy:





http://www.flickr.com/photos/elvisripley...





2. Click this link for a picture of helix ivy:





http://www.featurepics.com/online/Ivy-Le...

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Is there any house plants that I can grow without killing them?

I am awful at growing things, and I just want a house plant that I wont kill.

Is there any house plants that I can grow without killing them?
Trial and error my friend!


i found some plants are just not so fussy as others, yet some fussy plants grow great for me! can't keep simple ivy alive, yet orchids pretty much florish! my mom kills everything except african violets.


just go the store, by some cheapies and give it a go!


also, a regular watering/feeding schedule might help! some people over water, some under water. a schedule might help!


don't stop trying!
Reply:The only plant, of many, that my boyfriend and I have ever been succesful with a snake plant. It's got tall leaves and requires little watering... I never fertilize it, either. It's survived a lot. All of our other plants have died, but this one has been great. See the link below to check out a picture of the plant. Ours is a little bit darker green, probably because we don't water it as much. It still looks healthy, though. Good luck in your planting adventures!





p.s. I have killed a cacti.... so I know it can be done.
Reply:Might I suggest a silk plant for the young lady? Lol





On a serious note though, I would suggest a plant that loves shade and moisture. Because you're plant is inside, water doesn't dissipate quickly, so it's better to get a plant that won't die from too much water. Good luck.
Reply:Probably not, just buy a plastic plant it will last longer
Reply:Get a nice plastic plant. Some of them aren't that bad.


Or you could get a small tree of some kind. Those are easy to take care of.
Reply:Bamboo is pretty hard to kill.Aloe Vera is pretty sturdy these are plants that dont needconstant attention.Look into "desiduous plants", these are plants that require little or no water.
Reply:A Peace Lilly, they're easy to look after, jus stick them someone in your house and water them everyday, once a day! they're really beautiful as well, i have one! x
Reply:if you have a sunny window, may i suggest getting a few cacti? they prefer neglect. depending on conditions, you can get away with watering them 2, 3, or 4 times a year. feed them every other year or so. also, perhaps try succulents. they go well with cacti and need little care.





for low light conditions look into ferns. anybody can grow a fern. or try spider plants. you will need to water a spider plant weekly tho.
Reply:try growing an aloe vera plant, they are realy easy to look after and the best thing - aloe vera plant leaves contain aloe known historically for its beauty and healing purposes. Its really practical to have around the house. If used on your skin you get beutiful clear skin, and if kept in the kitchen its ideal because if you burn yourself through cooking put a bit of soothing aloe on it and your burn wont leave a scar - a plant where the love you put in you will definately get back!
Reply:cactus or a fern.


What are some house plants you can take piece of and make another plant fro me?

i would li to know about some house plants i can grow frome another house plant

What are some house plants you can take piece of and make another plant fro me?
You can propagate africa violets the same as geraniums. I recommend using some root hormone powder with them.





You can also try growing a pineapple from the tops, avocado tree from the pit, jade plant from a cutting, and dieffenbachia.





Good luck!
Reply:Geraniums are very easy to propogate. Just break off several pieces and pit into potting mix or in garden beds.
Reply:Lots of things root in water and will live happily there for months:


Begonia, impatiens, cyperus (all), gardenia, geranium, apostle plant, emerald plant, pansies, rose of sharon, pothos, philodendron, elephant ear, wandering jew (all), thyme, lemon grass, lots and lots. When in doubt, plunk it in water. You can also use rootone (rooting hormone), place in a pot, put pot in a zip-type plastic bag. When you see new leaves, you have roots.





Have fun.
Reply:Philodendrons, ivy, spider plants, christmas cactus, wandering jew and pothos can all be rooted in water from cuttings. Just be sure to plant them in potting soil before the roots get longer than a half inch. If you allow them to get too long, they become accustomed to living in water and take a really long time to grow in soil.


Going on vacation for 9 days. What's the lowest I can set my thermostat for most house plants to survive ?

I live in Michigan. Daytime highs are in the low 30's and night time lows are in the high teens. We have several regular green house plants. How low can I set the thermostat ???

Going on vacation for 9 days. What's the lowest I can set my thermostat for most house plants to survive ?
Depending on how insulated your house is I would say between 55-60. Also if they are near any windows I would move them to a table or counter where they won't be exposed to the air coming through the cracks of the windows. But they should do fine. I would be more worried about pipes freezing if it gets really cold!
Reply:It all depends on the plant and what they can tolerate, I know African violets and orchids almost die if it get below 50sh, I would give a good guess and say 55F Have a pleasant trip and Happy Holiday
Reply:67-68
Reply:i would set it to about 50 or so
Reply:Don't forget to turn down your water heater temp.
Reply:I say to keep the plants in good shape put them in the bathtub with a bit of water to keep them moist AND set the thermostat at 55-60 degrees... that should keep them healthy/happy...





Good luck
Reply:just set it 65 your not going to use very much more fuel from 55 and your plants will not be hurt
Reply:If you have any tropicals I wouldn't go below 60°


Best house plants in a very low lit area?

Could somebody suggest a few very good house plants that thrive in very low lit areas (one room is my bathroom which has very heavy curtians in the window)





and some that thrive in moderate light

Best house plants in a very low lit area?
For moderate lighting, trySnake plants, Ivy, Pothos and Wandering Jew; for low lights- Nephthythis, or butterfly plants. Bromeliads are a large family of plants (Vriesia, Billbergia, Aechmae, Annanas, Bromelia, Guzmania, Cryptanthus, Neoreglia) and also one of the hardiest of houseplants. They are able to tolerate much neglect.





The leaves grow in rosettes, which sometimes form a small water-holding vase. If warm, moist conditions are provided, they develop a spike-shaped colorful flower that can last up to 12 weeks.





Phalaenopsis Orchids are very easy to grow indoors. They require the following care, like other tropical orchids:





Most orchids like bright light. This makes them grow and flower properly.


Most orchids like a cool breeze and good air circulation.


Most tropical orchids like temperatures of 55 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.


Most orchids like to have their roots dry out between watering and therefore, need watering only once every two weeks


Most orchids like a humid environment. Create one by placing a bowl of water near your plants.
Reply:Ivy,Ivy,Ivy I love it and I have it....

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Do you know of any "low light" house plants?

I'm searching for a house plant(prefereably small tree), that requires virtually no direct light at all. There's a section in my house(the very center) that I'd love to place a small tree of some sort, but this section does not get any direct sunlight. Actually, the only light it would get would be when the over head light in the ceiling is on. I do NOT like artificial. I prefer real/live plants. Any suggestions?

Do you know of any "low light" house plants?
One of my favorite plants is the Chinese evergreen, or aglaonema. It puts up with low to medium light and comes in a wide variety of styles: different heights, and many different interesting leaf patterns.





There are many good dracaenas that do well in medium to low light. Warneckii is a good example that really brightens an area. I like the varigated leaves that are offered in many of our house plants as a way of adding interest to the home.





When it comes to really low light areas, the spathiphyllum, or closet plant, is the queen of the home. This one can put up with less light than any other species. It produces these little bloom structures that turn white and can be quite attractive.





In order to have success with house pants, you want to make sure and not over water them. We do tend to over water our house plants too often and it just causes root rot. In a low light environment, they just don't use as much water as they would in a bright outdoor environment.





Secondly, don't try to over fertilize. You can't replace light with extra fertilizer; that just creates additional problems. If you'l move them periodically to a brighter environment to let them gather some light, produce carbohydrates, and replinish their strength, then you can move them back in.
Reply:Hi, I'm a qualified horticulturalist and believe me that you do not want a peace lily in the room you have described. Peace lilies do not need a lot of light (only three hours of direct light a day), but it should be direct natural light.





There are two plants which I would recommend for your house.


1. Draceana marginata - Madagascar Palm. This plant will tolerate very gloomy conditions.


2. Howea forsteriana - Kentia Palms. This plant will also tolerate very low light conditions.





Both plants are easy enough to find. Hope this helps.
Reply:I too have a room in my house that has absolutely no sunlight. I have tried several plants and have found that a Spathiphyllum %26lt;Peace Lily%26gt; is the best of the best! Not only does it grow well enough to be a floor plant, reaching a height of about 4 feet, but it flowers from time to time, as well! And....best of all, it can take some neglect. I frequently forget to water it. It simply droops to remind me! Within 15 minutes, it is perky and good to go for a week or two %26lt;or, I must admit--even 3%26gt;





I can't recommend a Peace Lily more highly! Here is a link to "the care and feeding" along with a few photos:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spathiphyll...


Good luck!


Inexpensive house plants for basement?

Im looking for some inexpensive house plants for a basement bedroom. Something that doesn't need a lot of sunlight and that doesn't mind little bit cooler tempretures maybe even A/C for the summer. My budget is low so I cannot go crazy. Oh and if it blooms then even better:) I love flowers! Thank you for your help.

Inexpensive house plants for basement?
Bamboos work as well. Snake plants which often have variegated leaves that look nice, but I have to agree that you will have a hard time finding plants that will bloom with little light.
Reply:I have a spider plant that is the all green variety and when it makes babies it also makes small white flowers on the runners. You could also try a christmas cactus.
Reply:You won't find anything that will flower without light.Ferns are the only thing you could grow,providing there isn't a draught.But why don't you go for artificial?You can have loads of color then.


Which house plants do a good job of keeping indoor air at a comfortable humidity level?

i've had some plants before that aren't just nice to look at, but it seemed that they made their surroundings more pleasant too. i'd prefer not to go the humidifier route, as they can be noisy and/or cause mold.





are there any house plants you could recommend to help keep indoor air clean and comfortable until the time comes when we can open the windows again? (also very important: they MUST not be toxic to pets!)





thanks, i'm breathing better already!

Which house plants do a good job of keeping indoor air at a comfortable humidity level?
a complete list of air purifying plants (in relation to "sick building syndrome) is available at: oxford.net


following is a list of low humidity requirement plants:


chinese evergreen, aloe vera, spider plant (one of the best!), Pothos (another really good one!), Ficus- weeping fig, philodendron, Sansevieria-mother-in-laws-tounge or snake plant,


House plants as outdoor shade plants?

Can I use house plants as shade plants outside? Or are house plants for the inside because they need the shelter?

House plants as outdoor shade plants?
All plants originated outdoors so if you live in a frost free zone give it a try.I live in Sydney Australia and we grow plants outside that others cannot and then when we travel further north towards the tropics they can grow most of the plants outside that we can only grow inside.
Reply:It depends on your garden zone. For example I live in the U.S., Midwest, Zone 5. Every year I move my tropicals outdoors when the temperature reaches 70 degrees fahrenheit. These include begonias, hoya, wandering Jew, philodendron, clivia, certain types of elephant ears, tropical waterlilies, tropical hibiscus and others. Some require shade and others can take full sun. You are going to have to do a little research to find out what kind of plants do well in your area. I suggest talking to your local nursery.
Reply:Most house plants are either tropical or delicate, and won't survive outside depending on your region.
Reply:depending on the plant ,if it not cold out I put mine outside ,but where there is not that much sun.

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Wat type of plants are suitable for in house ?

i jus bought 3 pots of plant but i dunno their name. one of them the stem bend downwards and seem that it was dead.


2 of them are okay. As i was not at home i shutted all the windows, is it ok with that ?


how often do i need to water / put in the sun, for this in house plants ? how does a money tree look like ? any pic ?

Wat type of plants are suitable for in house ?
The plants that they sell in the plant stores.
Reply:It really depends on what kind of plants you have as to how much sun and water they need.


You can find information as well as a picture of a money tree here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachira_aqu...


I have african voilets and special pots to grow them in. These pots are ceramic and are in 2 peices. The otherside piece holds water and the inside peice is made from unglazed cermanic and holds the plant. It allows enough water to seep through the unglazed bisque to keep the plant watered without it getting too much water. And since voilets love the sun, I keep them in the window all the time.


Spider plants also do well in windows as do catcus. But aloe plants and christmas catcus tend do do better when they get indirect sunlight.


Plants should be turned every couple of days as well to keep their growth even.


If you can't find out what your plants are to decide the best location, you could try taking them or pictures of them to a local flower shop. They will quite likely be able to give you some good advise.
Reply:I recommend fake ones so you can't kill them like me. LOL
Reply:yup, i think the best way to decorate your house is with fake flowers or plants, which you can get it anywhere, go to 88db website and you can find real or artificial flowers for decoration like the artificial orchids, and if you still want to get real plants, then put it outside your house, so it can get enough sunlight


Using dirty aquarium water on house plants?

I had a thought.... all this dirty water you get from an aquarium water change containing lots of nitrates, isn't this great fertilizer for my house plants if I water them with? And what a way to save water as well. Am I right? And what about those that have salt/brackish water?

Using dirty aquarium water on house plants?
Use water from freshwater aquariums to water your plants.


Use water from the salty tanks to kill weeds!





Your local home improvement will have small bottles of fish waste labeled "Fish Emulsion". It is one of the best stuff for plants and a small bottle goes between 10-20 bucks!
Reply:Yes, old freshwater tank water should be fine for your plants.





I actually have a big lush green patch on my back lawn where I syphon my tank out on to the lawn. Just need a longer hose so I can water/fertilise the rest now.





A salt or brackish tank will be pretty much fatal to most plants though.





Ian
Reply:yes i use all my tank water on the garden but i dont have salt tanks but would imagine it would kill the plants. di
Reply:Yeah it is good for them all my dirty water from the tank goes on the plants outdoors
Reply:Yes you are right, I wouldn't use any salty water though.
Reply:Works well on my roses - I have been doing it for a few years


What are some good house plants to have that aren't poisonous to cats?

We are moving into a new house and looking to buy some plants, but since we have 4 cats we want them to be kitty safe.

What are some good house plants to have that aren't poisonous to cats?
ferns are good, stay away from any kind of philodendrons they're highly poisonous





Heres a list of safe plants though





Achira


Acorn squash


African violet


Algaroba


Aluminum plant


Alumroot


American rubber plant


Anthericum comosum


Antirrhinum multiflorum


Arabian gentian


Aregelia


Artillery plant


Aspidium falcatum


Aubepine


Autumn olive





Baby rubber tree plant


Baby tears


Bachelors buttons


Ball fern


Bamboo palm


Bamboo vine


Bamboo


Banana


Banana squash


Begonia species


Belmore sentry palm


Big shellbark hickory


Bigonia


Bitter pecan


Bitternut


Black haw


Black hawthorn


Blaspheme vine


Bloodleaf


Blooming sally


Blue daisy


Bluebottle


Blunt leaf peperomia


Blushing bromeliad


Bold sword fern


Boston fern


Bottle Palm


Bottlebrush


Brazilian orchid


Bride's bonnet


Bristly greenbrier


Brodiaea pulchella


Broom hickory


Bullbrier


Bur gourd


Burro's tail


Buttercup squash


Butterfly ginger


Butterfly iris


Butterfly squash


Butterfly tulip


Butterfly orchid


Button fern





Caeroba


Calathea insignis


California pitcher plant


Callistemon citrinus


Callistemon bradyandrus


Callistemon viminalis


Calochortus nuttalli


Calthea lancifolia


Camellia


Canada hemlock


Canary date palm


Candle plant


Candycorn plant


Canna lily


Cantebury-bell


Cape jasmine


Cape primrose


Carob tree


Carob


Caroba


Carobinha


Carolina hemlock


Carrion flower


Carrot fern


Carrot flower


Casaba melon


Cast Iron plant


Cat ear


Cat brier


Cattleya labiata


Celosia plumosa


Celosia spicata


Celosia globosa


Chamaedorean humilis


Chaparral snapdragon


Chestnut


Chicken-gizzard plant


Chickens and hens


Chin-lao-shu


China root


China aster


Chinese plumbago


Chlorophytum


Chlorophytum bichetii


Chocolate soldier plant


Christmas dagger fern


Christmas palm


Christmas orchid


Cinnamon jasmine


Cinquefoil


Cirrhopetalum


Clearweed


Cliff brake fern


Club moss


Cocks comb


Cocktail orchid


Collinia elegans


Color-band Cryptanthus


Columnar cactus


Common garden canna


Common snapdragon


Common camellia


Common catbrier


Common staghorn fern


Common greenbrier


Confederate jasmine


Coolwort


Copper rose


Copperlead


Coral berry


Coral ardisia


Coral bells


Cornflower


Crape myrtle


Crataegus phaenopyrum


Crataegus spp.


Creeping charlie


Creeping pilea


Creeping rubus


Creeping gloxinia


Creeping zinnia


Creeping mahonia


Crepe myrtle


Crimson bottlebush


Crimson cup


Crisped feather fern


Crossandra


Cucumber


Cushion moss


Cushon aloe


Cyrtudeira reptans





Dainty


Dainty rabbits-foot fern


Dallas fern


Dancing doll orchid


Davallia bullata mariessi


Davallia trichomanoides


Desert trumpet


Dichelostemma


Dichorisandra reginae


Dinteranthus vanzylii


Duffii fern


Duffy fern


Dwarf feather fern


Dwarf Rose-Stripe Star


Dwarf palm


Dwarf royal palm


Dwarf date palm


Dwarf whitman fern





Earth star


Easter cattleya


Easter daisy


Easter orchid


Easter lily cactus


Edible banana


Elephant-Ear Begonia


Emerald ripple peperomia


English hawthorn


Epidendrum ibaguense


Epidendrum


Epidendrum atropurpeum


Episcia spp.


Fairy fountain


False aralia


Fan tufted palm


Feather fern


Feathered amaranth


Fiery reed orchid


Fig leaf gourd


Figleaf palm


Fingernail plant


Fire weed


Fish tail fern


Flame of the woods


Flame african violet


Flame violet


Florida butter-fly orchid


Fluffy ruffles


Forster sentry palm


Fortunes palm


Freckle face


Friendship plant


Frosty





Garden snapdragon


Garden marigold


German violet


Gherkins


Ghost plant


Ghost leafless orchid


Giant white inch plant


Giant holly fern


Giant aster


Gibasis geniculata


Globe thistle


Gloxinia


Gold bloom


Gold-fish plant


Golden shower orchid


Golden lace orchid


Golden aster


Golden bells


Good luck palm


Grape hyacinth


Grape Ivy


Great willow herb


Green ripple peperomia


Greenbrier


Hagbrier





Hardy gloxinia


Hardy baby tears


Haworthia


Haws apple


Haws


Hawthorn


Hedgehog gourd


Hellfetter


Hemlock tree


Hen and chickens fern


Hens and chickens


Hickory


Hindu rope plant


Holligold


Holly fern


Hollyhock


Honey plant


Honey locust


Honeydew melons


Honeysuckle fuchsia


Hookera pulchella


Horse brier


Hoya 'Mauna Loa'


Hoya carnosa 'exotica'


Hoya carnosa 'krinkle'


Hoya carnosa 'variegata'


Hubbard squash


Hypocyrta spp.





Ice plant


Imbricata sword fern


Irish moss


Iron cross begonia


Iron tree


Ivy-leaf peperomia


Ivy peperomia





Jackson brier


Jacob's ladder


Japanese aralia


Japanese pittosporum


Japanese moss


Japanese holly fern


Jasmine


Jewel orchid


Joseph's coat


Jungle geranium





Kaempferis


Kahali ginger


Kenilworth ivy


Kentia palm


Kenya palm


Kenya violet


Kharoub


King and queen fern


King of the forest


King nut


Kuang-yen- pa-hsieh Lace flower vine


Lace orchid


Ladies ear drops


Lady lou


Lady palm


Lagerstroemia indica


Lance Pleumele


Large Lady Palm


Laurel-leaved greenbrier Mulberry tree


Leather peperomia


Leng-fen tu'an


Leopard orchid


Leopard lily


Lesser snapdragon


Lily of the valley orchid


Linden


Lipstick plant


Little fantasy peperomia


Little zebra plant


Living rock cactus


Living stones


Locust pods


Lou-lang-t'ou


Luther





Madagascar jasmine


Magnolia bush


Mahonia aquifolium


Malabar gourd


Malaysian dracaema


Manila palm


Mapleleaf begonia


Maranta


Marbled fingernail


Mariposa lily


Maroon


Mary-bud


Measles plant


Melons


Metallic peperomia


Metallic leaf begonia


Mexican firecracker


Mexican snowballs


Mexican rosettes


Minature maranta


Minature marble plant


Minature fish tail


Miniature date palm


Mistletoe cactus


Mockernut hickory


Mosaic plant


Mosiac vase


Moss phlox


Moss agate


Moss rose


Moss campion


Moss fern


Mossy campion


Mother fern


Mother of pearl plant


Mother spleenwort


Mountain camellia


Mountain grape


Mulberry bush


Musa paradisiaca


Muscari spp.


Muscari armeniacum


Muskmellon





Narrow leafed pleomele


Natal plum


Neanthe bella palm


Neanthebella


Nematanthus spp.


Neoregelia


Nephrolepsis


Nerve plant


New silver and bronze


Night blooming cereus





Odontoglossum spp.


Old world orchid


Old man cactus


Orange star


Oregon grape


Ossifragi vase





Paddys wig


Painted lady


Palm lily


Pampus grass


Panamiga


Pansy orchid


Paradise palm


Parlor plant


Parlor palm


Parsley fern


Peace begonia


Peacock plant


Pearl plant


Pearly dots


Peperomia peltifolia


Peperomia rotundifolia


Peperomia fosteri


Peperomia sandersii


Peperomia hederifolia


Pepper face


Persian violet


Pheasant plant


Piggy back plant


Pigmy date palm


Pignut hickory


Pignut


Pilea microphylla


Pilea mucosa


Pink polka dot plant


Pink Pearl


Pink starlite


Pink Brocade


Pirliteiro


Pitaya


Plantanus occidentalis


Plantanus orientalis


Platinum peperomia


Platycerium alicicorne


Plumbago larpentiae


Plush plant


Polka dot plant


Polystichum falcatum


Pony tail


Porcelain flower


Pot marigold


Prairie snowball


Prairie lily


Prayer plant


Prickly bottlebrush


Prostrate coleus


Purple waffle plant


Purple baby tears


Purple passion vine


Purpleosier willow





Queen's spiderwort


Queencup


Queens spiderwort


Queensland arrowroot





Rabbits foot fern


Rainbow orchid


Red african violet


red veined prayer plant


red berried greenbrier


red hawthorne


red palm lily


red edge peperomia


reed palm


resurrection lily


rex begonia


rhynchophorum


Ribbon plant


Roosevelt fern


Royal velvet plant


Rubber plant, baby


Russian olive





Saffron spike zebra


Saint Bernards lily


Sand lily


Sand verbena


Satin pellionia


Sawbrier


Scabious


Scarborough lily


Scarlet orchid


Scarlet sage


Sego lily


Shagbark hickory


Shan ku'ei-lai


Shellbark hickory


Shiny leaf smilax


Shrimp cactus


Silver nerve plant


Silver table fern


Silver pink vine


Silver bell


Silver heart


Silver star


Silver berry


Silver-leaf peperomia


Silver tree anamiga


Slender deutzia


Small fruited hickory


Smilax tamnoides vas hispida


Speckled wood lily


Spice orchid


Spider ivy


Spider plant


Spotted laurel


Squarenut


Squirrels foot fern


Star jasmine


Star plant


Star tulip


Star window plant


Star lily


Strawberry


Striped blushing


Sugar pods


Sulfur flower


Summer hyacinth


Swedish ivy


Sweet william


Sweetheart peperomia


Sweetheart hoya


Sword fern


Tahitian bridal veil





Tailed orchid


Tall feather fern


Tall mahonia


Teasel gourd


Texas sage


Thea japonica


Thimble cactus


Thorn apple


Ti hu-ling


Tiger orchid


Toad spotted cactus


Torch lily


Tous-les-mois


Trailing peperomia


Tree cactus


Tree gloxinia


Tropical moss


True cantalope


Tu fu-ling


Tulip poplar


Tulip tree


Turban squash


Turf lily





Umbrella plant


Urbinia agavoides


Usambara violet





Variegated philodendron leaf peperomia


Variegated wax plant


Variegated wandering jew


Variegated oval leaf peperomia


Variegated laurel


Velvet plant


Venus fly trap


Verona fern


Verona lace fern


Vining peperomia


Violet slipper gloxinia





Waffle plant


Walking anthericum


Washington hawthorn


Water hickory


Watermelon peperomia


Watermelon begonia


Watermelon pilea


Wax plant


Wax rosette


Weeping sergeant hemlock


Weeping bottlebrush


Weisdornbluten


West indian gherkin


Western sword


White edged swedish ivy


White heart hickory


White ginger


Whitman fern


Wild buckwheat


Wild buckwheat


Wild sarsaparilla


Wild lantana


Wild strawberry


Wild hyacinth


Willow herb


Windmill palm


Winter cattleya


Withered snapdragon


Woolflower





Yellow-flowered gourd


Yellow bloodleaf


Yerba linda





Zebra haworthia


Zebra plant


Zinnia sp.


Zucchini squash
Reply:I bought a pound of whole wheat grains for almost nothing at a feed store and put them in a flat box about six inches deep with potting soil in it. I have to wait until the wheat is about 4 inches tall to put it out for my four to play with. This has got them to leave the other plants alone. They really like it and it cost almost nothing.
Reply:There's some cat plant. I think it's called Chia cat plant. Cats flock around it so buy it already
Reply:These are the safe plants that even if they cause the cat to vomit, they are not likely to harm an otherwise healty cat:





African Violets


Coleus


False Aralia


Ferns


Geranium


Palms


Parsley


Spider Plant -*(I have one book that says that Spider Plants are toxic and another book that says they aren't. To be on the safe side, I wouldn't let your cat eat this kind of plant).*-


Sweedish Ivy





Some cat owners have found that growing grass or fresh catnip in a little pot, just for their pet, satisfies the animal's desires for greenery and keeps their houseplants unmolested.
Reply:Here is the website where you can find a list of them.(Ones which ARE poisonus)


http://www.xmission.com/~emailbox/plants...
Reply:Well you can get a catnip and cat mint plant just for them so they leave the others alone. Still avoid the poisonous ones, but they'll be thrilled that you got a couple plants just for them.
Reply:I don't know if you've ever heard of it but they have a cat plant called Chia cat plant. It's a special plant that cats like and it's safe. You can find this at Rite Aid, Duane Read, Eckeords, CVS, etc.
Reply:Try this site it is about kitty proofing your home!!!!


Forgot house plants outside during frost?

I put my house plants out on our deck during the day to get some extra sun. The next day I realized that I had forgotten them out over night and it had frosted. I've since brought them inside but they're not doing too good, they're all limp. Any suggestions on how I could revive them or is it a lost cause?

Forgot house plants outside during frost?
This happened with my spider plants. I have three and keep them outside during the warmer months. In November, the temps at night were still above 40 so I left them out. But I went for 3 days to my sisters and when I came back, they were all frost damaged! I thought I had lost all my wonderful spider plants that I had for 10+ years! They were limp and thawed out and awful. These are BIG plants, one of which is in a large 14 inch pot with a hundred spider trailers hanging down. They ALL died. Most of the parent plants died down to a single leaf. When I brought them in the house. I didn't water at first, but after two days of warmth I watered well. The next week, I started regular fertalizer with a 20-20-20 solution and kept that up keeping the plants moist. These plants like moist. After about 2 1/2 weeks I trimmed off all the dead leaves and trailers and was really dissapointed to have only a leaf or two still alive. However, I am happy to say that they are growing back beautifully now and look even better than before. This was a good rebirth process for them. I was lucky though. Just keep the plants warm, keep them watered, but not wet and then start fertilizing and take of all the dead mushy stuff so the plants won't be putting energy into the old stuff and will focus on new growth. Good luck, I hope it all works out for you!
Reply:I did the same thing with my 10 year old spider plant. I could have cried! What I did was cut it all the way back. I put it in a sunny window and made sure it didn't dry out. It came back very slowly. It's not as full as it was before, but I figure I can always fill it in with cuttings later on.
Reply:If they were watered well, they could be okay. They're going to look bad though, and some may die back to the soil. I have done that myself, and found that if I just kept treating them as if they had not had that experience, they came back, beautiful as ever. But it takes awhile to recover. Maybe all summer. Just don't feel stupid watering and caring for what seems to be an empty pot, do it anyway.
Reply:i think you lost them but just in case leave them alone for a couple of days see what happens but i do think you lost them.

Curves VC workout

I am looking for free to cheep cutting of house plants.?

My ex destroyed all my house plants and I am in need of some more. He is gone on to someone else ( thank goodness) and I would like some plant. Can anyone help me.

I am looking for free to cheep cutting of house plants.?
You could place an ad in a local paper, asking for cuttings..


Ask your friends and family...


Try this website. They have plant exchanges all the time: http://davesgarden.com/tools/





=)


How do I get rid of the gnats that are infesting the soil my house plants are potted in?

I have a terrible problem with gnats in the soil of my house plants. I would like to get rid of them without chemicals. Can anyone help?

How do I get rid of the gnats that are infesting the soil my house plants are potted in?
A 1/4 inch layer of sand on top of the soil will prevent future larve from crawling up from the soil. The adult gnats are short lived, so eliminating the next generation should solve your problem.





These gnats are also associated with spider mites. Leaves will exhibit pin point spots, if you look closely you'll see fine webs and very small (size of the dot over this "i") mites. To kill them use Disyston. Sprinkle on, water in.





good luck
Reply:I understand it is a chemical but 2 teaspoons of bleach per each cup of water should solve the problem without harming the plants. Be sure to mix it in the water not straight on the soil.
Reply:Yes, just mix a little bit of Dawn or other mild detergent with some water and spray them every couple of days. Make sure you get the leaves and under the leaves too. That should work.
Reply:you can try mixing mild dish liquid with water and spraying the plant with it. just a small amount will/should work. do not put so much on that it will foam up. i hope this works for you


How do I get rid of the flying bugs in my house plants?

I recently planted 3 house plants for my office and now there are little flying bugs in the soil, what is going on?? And how do I get rid of them??

How do I get rid of the flying bugs in my house plants?
Spray the soil with a pyrethrin based product. The larvae grow in the dirt. A couple of applications in the course of a week or two should do it.
Reply:put a few drops of dishsoap in a little saucer of water they will go to the water and get stuck.
Reply:The plants are probably pothos(vines with heart shape leaves). The Little flying pests are more than likely Whiteflies.


Water the plants well, then after about 5 minutes spray Schultzs,Insect spray for plants on the soil. It has pyrithins,(excuse the spelling) the idea is by watering you force the little buggers to the surface then kill them with a direct spray.


Do this every 10 days for the month then just give the plants a spray once a month afterwards. will keep them away. I have used Schultz for years works really good . After watering i will give about 8 squirts per 6 inch pot holding spray about 5 inchs from soil and lifting any leaves that are covering soil.


Good luck
Reply:At your local greenhouse or even Walmart you can find bug strips. They are small yellow or blue squares of sticky adhesive that the bugs will stick to and die. The bug strips are on on 6 inch sticks you stick into the soil and the strips are hidden amongst the foliage. I worked at a greenhouse for years and they work great.


As for cost....you can get 2 or 3 in a package for $3.00
Reply:sprinkle them with pepper...works every time. salt will harm the plant


How do I take care of mold growing on the soil of my house plants?

My house plants were outside for the summer, and now that they have been brought in they have all started growing mold on the soil and outside of the pots. I don't want them to die...help!!

How do I take care of mold growing on the soil of my house plants?
I don't think that u have to repot them, what I would do is take the mold out of the soil and replace that soil, let the plant soil mostly dry up and then water the plant, I believe that this happened because when they were outside they used the water quicker because it was hotter outside, then when u brought them in you probably watered them and maybe u shouldn't have done that yet, but don't worry I am sure they can be saved.
Reply:The best and most thorough way is to repot the plants. Get some new potting soil and start fresh. It's a messy job - but this way your guaranteed mold free!

roller blades

Can I use Bonzai fertilizer on house plants?

I've just bought some fertilizer for my bonzai tree but am wondering if its ok to use it on my other house plants - lillies and alike?

Can I use Bonzai fertilizer on house plants?
Would this type of fertilizer stunt the growth of other plants..ie , Bonzai lillies and daisies.?
Reply:why not
Reply:why pay more for a specialist fertiliser when a cheaper general house plant will suffice- your plants will come to no harm but will thrive better if you stick to the recommended fertilisers


Wolf spiders camping in my house plants?

I put the house plants out for the summer, now the wolf spiders have built large house like webs in them. How do I get them nasty creatures outta my plants?

Wolf spiders camping in my house plants?
If you spray your plants with white distilled vinegar, your spider problem will be gone in a flash. They hate it! Also it's non-toxic, so it won't hurt your plants. Take care!
Reply:You have to dig them out by hand. Any pest spray will kill your plants. We get wolf spiders floating in our pool every once in a while.
Reply:i would simply call home depot and get some professional help.
Reply:I have had success using Sevin Dust. It doesn't harm the plant and the spiders will go away. Aren't wolf spider just hideous looking? They enjoy the soil I think.
Reply:Wolf Spiders don't spin webs! They spin egg sacks but not webs. Wolf spiders are nomads who spend their lives wandering. The mommies carry their babies around on their back. Wolf spiders are harmless to humans unless you turn out to be allergic.





Maybe they're funnel weaver spiders.





Try mixing dishwashing liquid with water and dousing them. Ordinary household insect sprays should kill them.
Reply:You can use an insecticidal spray that is made for fruits and vegetables for up to 24 hours before consumption. It will not hurt the plants and will give a quick knock-down on the spiders without leaving any residue.
Reply:Squish them one at a time. Or buy some plant safe spider killer (like Rose spider killer).
Reply:burn the plant as fast as ucan i hate spiders


How do I keep my dog out of my house plants?

My 5 month old Puggle likes to get into my large house plants that are at floor level. He will dip his nose in and get a small amount of dirt out, then go on to the next one. GRRRRRR...Help!?!?

How do I keep my dog out of my house plants?
My poodle Chico went through a faze where he thought that my house plants were his new toys. I swear, I thought I would go crazy. I was rinsing my hair and I saw him leave my side to go into the living room. Two minutes later I'm in the living room and Chico is so happy to show me his new project-- my flowering Irish clover all over the champing rug, the roots all lined up......... I did not know if I should laugh, cry or kill. This little bundle of fluff had gone above and beyond the call of puppy. With a living room full of plants it was WAR. All I did was put some RED PEPPER powder all around the rim of my plants and that was that. It only took one sniff and I won the war. Good luck. This also works on outdoor plants.
Reply:You can buy spray bottles of safe pet deterrent for anything in your house (furniture, plants) at pet stores and probably Walmart. The main ingredient is cilantro, which is safe and natural, but really keeps the pets off of anything you spray it on.
Reply:Mix some cayenne red pepper in water, and spray the plants with it. Dogs like the smell /sensation even less than many humans.
Reply:apple bitter - see pet store


chili powder if you can't wait
Reply:shock collar
Reply:Kick the dog whenever you see it near the plants. It works with kids as well.
Reply:Try adding some pepper into soil. The smell will add a sneezing issue to the dog, it will think twice to continue. Or anything with a bad odour that will stop this, dogs have very strong smelling


How do I keep my cat out of my house plants?

I have big house plants in huge clay pots. although she has a litter box she still likes to dig and sometimes go to bathroom in the dirt. one plant I had for years died from this and I don't wanna lose another. Right now the rest of my plants are on the patio but I want to bring them back inside . I need somthing that will keep her away from my plant while I'm at work also. HELP

How do I keep my cat out of my house plants?
Here is a link to products for sale at Petco which repell cats:


http://www.petco.com/petco_Page_PC_produ...
Reply:I heard of one way to keep them off things is to put balloons where you don't want them to go. Then when they jump up the balloons will pop from their claws and the noise will make them jump down. That sounds tricky though. I mean what if they don't land on a balloon. Might be worth a try though. I thought maybe to have some boards cut to fit around the plants and lay on the top of the pots. If you were at home more a squirt gun, or spray bottle of water is effective to teach them to stay down.


Good luck.
Reply:Cover the soil with pine cones or small stones. If they find it uncomfortable under foot, they will keep off.
Reply:Get her some cat grass that you can grow. It is usually available at Petsmart, or other pet supply stores. Most of the time, cats eat plants and grass when their stomachs hurt or ache.This grass is good for cats, and better then the ones out in the yard. You may want to put the grass by the plant so that the cat will be tempted to eat the grass instead.
Reply:put them higher ther in them because they eat plants to help settel there tummy he might have a tummy ache
Reply:You may want to place some rocks on the soil to prevent digging, and litter box use.


There is spray that you can get from the pet store that the cat can't stand the smell of. I had to spray this on my pots a few times. It worked like a charm. They haven't messed with the plants in a few years.


I've sprayed that stuff around my car before to keep the cats putting prints on the paint.
Reply:had this problem .. cats juts love to dig and poo in all that compost.. my solution was to go out and buy decorative pebbles, big ones and put them all around the base of the plant.. cats can't get to the soil to big thereore they l;eave the plants alone..


be careful though because some house plants can be poisonious to cats.


the list is endless


CAT POISONS


The following table lists some plants that are poisonous to cats. Some you will not have heard of and some will surprise you. Don't worry too much as your cat is unlikely to eat any of these items voluntarily. They know what is bad for them. Just be aware how different a cats stomach and digestive system is to ours and please, always consult your veterinarian if you believe your pet has been poisoned





Alfalfa, Almond pits, Aloe Vera, Amaryllis, Apple seeds, Apricot pits, Arrowhead vine, Asparagus fern, Azalea


Balsam pear, Beech, Begonias, Bird of paradise, Bittersweet, Black locust, Boston ivy, Box, Buttercups


Caladium, Castor bean, Cherry pits, seeds %26amp; leaves, Chrysanthemum, Coleus, Columbine, Creeping Charlie, Creeping fig, Crown-of-thorns, Cyclamen, Castor bean, Cherry pits, seeds %26amp; leaves, Chrysanthemum, Coleus, Columbine, Creeping Charlie, Creeping fig, Crown-of-thorns, Cyclamen


Daffodil, Daphne, Deadly nightshade, Delphinium, Dieffenbachia, Drunk cane


Easter Lily, Elephant's ear, Emerald duke


Foxglove


Heart ivy, Heart leaf, Holly, Honeysuckle berries, Horse chestnut,


Hydrangea I


Iris, Ivies (all)


Jack-in-the-pulpit, Japanese Yew, Jasmine, Jerusalem Cherrylarkspur, Japanese Yew, Jasmine, Jerusalem cherry larkspur


,Liliies Lily-of-the-valley, Lupine


Majesty, Marble queen, Marijuana, Mescal bean, Mistletoe berries,


Mock orange, Monkshood, Morning glory, Mushrooms


Needlepoint ivy, Nephthytis


Oleander


Parlor ivy, Peach pits %26amp; leaves, Periwinkle, Philodendron, Poinsettia, Poison hemlock, potato, green parts %26amp; eyes, Pothos, Pot mum, Precatory bean, Privet


Red princess, Rhododendron, Rhubarb, Ripple ivy, Rosary pea


Saddle leaf, Skunk cabbage, Spider mum, Split leaf, Spraneri fern


Tobacco


Umbrella plant


Weeping fig, Wisteria


Yews (all)
Reply:I broke my very determined cat from this by taking chicken wire and putting it around the plant. Although it didn't look very nice, my plants lived. After he was out of this habit, I dug out my old rock collection from the barn and put them in the pot. I don't have to water them as much, and I have had compliments from people wondering where I bought the rocks!


I tried the aluminum foil, my cat just got it out of the pot and played with it.
Reply:They dislike walking on crinkled cellophane and aluminum foil.....but that's not too practical, and even less attractive. A very coarse stone or bark mulch might be an unpleasant "crust" to paw through....but if the odor of urine is already there, most cats (and all the neighbor's cats for miles around) will consistently return to the scene of the crime, mulch or not.
Reply:Put rocks or pine cones over the dirt. You can just gather whatever is around your yard, or you can go to a craft shop and buy bags of nice-looking river stones.
Reply:sprinkle a little vinegar in the pots - cats hate the smell of vinegar and will not go near them...





make sure you give me my 10 points for the best answer here :-)
Reply:My cat was doing that too, this is what I did:





I got this thing called SSScat! It's a motion-activated aerosol can that sprays when it sees motion. It makes a loud hissing noise and scares the crap out of the cat!





I put mine on the edge of the clay pot (you can put it on the inside too if the edge is too thin) and after about 5-10 times the cat totally stayed away from the plant. Once he stayed away from the plant, I moved the SSScat to the kitchen table, the counter tops, and other places I didn't want him to go.





It worked like a charm!!! www.ssscat.com
Reply:There are a few things you can do.





I ended up placing big rocks in the dirt that the cat can't move. I also use a mixture of water and hot pepper (like cayenne or jabanero) spray and spray the base of the plant.





I had to get creative and put my plants in bird cages so my cat wouldn't get to them.





Luck!

buckles

How do you get rid of nats or fruit flies who live in house plants.?

We added two new house plants and since have had an infestation of small nats in the house. Most seem to hang around the sinks and tubs (guessing they want water), the problem is growing and needs to be stopped. Does anyone else have this problem and has anyone stopped a similar infestation?

How do you get rid of nats or fruit flies who live in house plants.?
Yes little Gnats, They are so annoying. Best thing to do is to leave your plant´s without water for a week, even a few days. Just so the top soil has dried out. Gnats live off the wet soil and the dead root´s from house plant´s . This way , you will be rid of them in a few days. PS Put the stopper in the sink at night,


How do I get rid of gnats that live in my house plants?

I recently re-potted my house plants and for some reason they are now infested with gnats. I have already tried a bugspray for houseplants but its not working. I heard of using Dawn dishsoap mixed with water does that really work? And does it have to be Dawn or will any dishsoap work?

How do I get rid of gnats that live in my house plants?
I've tried the soap (Ivory) spray, and it hasn't worked that well for me.





Chemical solutions:





Ortho Rose %26amp; Flower Insect Killer (recommended for houseplants); contains bifenthrin.





These insecticides that contain permethrin, pretty well known and not dangerous: Bonide Eight Garden %26amp; Home Insect Control, Southern Ag Garden Insect Dust, Spectracide Bug Stop Multipurpose Insect Control Concentrate .
Reply:The lemon dishsoap works well. You can spray on your solution or let them soak in the sink. I'd fill a large bowl with soapy water and dunk in the foliage, shake it out, dunk in again, shake, etc. the first time, and then make sure you have some of the solution (a tablespoon dish soap + spray bottle mostly full of water) on hand through the summer months to spray them once a month or so.
Reply:We have to flush/drown the plants in the tub a few times a year. . . It is the only thing that helps, plus keeps the salt levels down in you plants also :) GL!!!
Reply:These gnats are called fungus gnats. They breed in the soil, and they love peat moss because it holds water so well that fungus levels go up.





The chemical method is to use permethrin (which can be found in outdoor insect killers, check the label). It is used as a soil drench, but you only need to get into the first couple of inches of soil. This is a very toxic solution if you have fish or small pets. Keep the plant away from children and pets for 4 months.





There are several ways to manage them using "home remedies." Some of them are already mentioned. Here's a few more:





1. They don't like peppermint tea. You need to keep up the peppermint tea treatment for a while until their breeding cycle is broken. However, this means you may have to overwater the plant and that leads to fungus growth and root rot.





2. They absolutely hate cinnamon. The powdered cinnamon that you can find in a big container in any dollar store is a massive repellent for them. And it smells good to humans. This breaks their breeding cycle because they can't get to the soil to lay eggs.





3. Repot again, and this time, put 1-2 inches of clean sand (if you can't find this, look in an aquarium supply place) on the top of the soil.





4. Heat treat any soil you use to repot. Microwave it (directions below) This will stink, but it's better than gnats.





5. You can try freezing the soil before use if you have a big freezer. That's what I do to keep those grain-moths from appearing when I buy bulk grains from the health food store. But I never tried it on the soil.





Best wishes!


My House Plants Have Nats - How do I get rid of them?

Since I moved into my new house my house plants have started housing nats. I don't know what to do to get rid of them. Is there a treatment I can put in my plants or should I stop watering them? Help.

My House Plants Have Nats - How do I get rid of them?
you can make a solution from dawn dish soap and water to spray on the leaves, use a small amount of soap, mix with about 8 ounces of water, or you can buy a chemical at Home Depot that will help.
Reply:I'd go to a gardening store and find some plant-safe bug repelent and spray the plants with it.
Reply:Well i love plants and i have oh so many plants gnats love plants because of the moisture i also get them from time to time the best solution is to put your plants out doors for a day or two and clean your plant stand or are very well then replace your plants to are this works very well,.
Reply:urinate on them
Reply:If what you have are fungus gnats, dilute one tablespoon of bleach(don't worry, your plant will be fine) in about 1/2 gallon of water and they should dissapear. I've used this simple technique many times with 100% success and had no plants suffer.
Reply:check to see if somebody tossed some food in them!
Reply:Sounds like fungus gnats.





1. Find a bright yellow piece plastic card. Gnats are attracted to yellow. Cover the card with a sticky substance such as sugar syrup. The gnats will be attracted to the card and get stuck.





2. Place some freshly cut potato wedges on the soil. The larvae will feed on the potatos. Dispose of the potatos and the larvae. Repeat as necessary.





3. Cut back on the watering and allow the surface of the potting mix to dry out.


How can you keep your cat from chewing on your house plants?

I have two cats, one male one female both enjoy chewing on our various house plants or getting up on the dinning table.

How can you keep your cat from chewing on your house plants?
I keep my plants on a high shelf that the cats can't reach. The water pistol is a good idea, but it must be done while the cat is actually in the act of chewing on the plants. If you spritz him even a few seconds after the fact, he won't make the connection between the crime and punishment.





Lilies in particular are very bad for cats. Here's some good toxicity info about plants:





http://tinyurl.com/dqg75





http://tinyurl.com/abjgv
Reply:1. get litter box


2. put top on litter box


3. put cat in litter box


4. lock cat in litter box


this will teach it
Reply:i have the same problem, all the plants i have had either get all the leaves chewed up or actually knocked down, but only one of my cats is the culprit.


she knows she's not allowed on the counters, yet she tries, when i see her, i hurry and grab the spray bottle (with water) and thats all i need to do,and she'll run away.
Reply:Instead of smacking 'em, try a small water gun...works like a charm!
Reply:Add another small plant to your planters that your cat doesn't like. Peppers, onions, garlic, etc.
Reply:Theres a type of spray ypu can get animals don't like it and you can spray it on the plants.


Ask your vet about the spray he may know where you can get one.


Also you can try smacking them each time they go near a plant. Worked for me!
Reply:let me know when you figure it out, but be careful lots of plants are poison to them, I had to get rid of most of mine for that reason. they dont seem to eat the violets, I dont know why.
Reply:You should try misting your plants with a cayanne pepper tea. It smells and tastes bad. After a while the cats will associate the bad taste with the plants and leave them alone.





I have heard that when the cats get on the table you shoot them with a squirt gun. They associate the table with getting wet and stay off.

roller blades

House Plants have a fungus on the soil?

I have purchased 5 house plants recently and after 2 weeks all of them have a layer of grey fungus lieing across the soil that they are bedded in. It looks a little bit like a layer of dust. What is it? Is it harmful? What can I do to get rid of it?

House Plants have a fungus on the soil?
They are probably planted in potting soil which contains perlite which can leave a residue on the top of the soil. It won't harm your plants but is unsightly. You can place pebbles over the top for a better appearance or just repot them in fresh potting soil. They could possibly not be getting enough light.
Reply:Most house plants have a bit of fungus on the surface of the plant. The fact that yours has a lot tells me that you might be over-watering them, as well as (possibly) over-feeding them. I raise African violets, and one of the things I use is a chemical called Physan. I use it because my plants are raised with a wick-watering system, and I don't want the trays of fertilizer solution to build up algae; however, it also deals well with molds and fungus. You can get it at the Violet Showcase near Denver, Colorado (they ship). I'm sure it's available other places as well.
Reply:Sounds like you are over watering them, the dust that you describe is called botritus or commonly know en as grey mould and if nothing is done it will kill your plants, DON'T re-pot them as this will put your plants under more stress.


Spray all the pots with Bordeaux mix every two weeks.





If you have a copper watering can put 3oz of garden lime into a copper can and mix well with a pint of water, the lime reacts with the copper can and you have Bordeaux Mix, this is how it was made by my head gardener
Reply:I don't know for sure what it is but if you want to risk the plants for a while longer in their soil, and see if it contiunes or affects their growth any, I would use a spoon and take off the very top of the soil where you see it, you would thus also see if it goes any deeper and has roots or anything. It might just be peat moss or something else put in the soil for its own good, that has risen to the top and looks dark. You might ask the vendor who sold you the plants, there are so many soil types and additives these days.





However as long as the plants look healthy you could risk leaving it. Just in case it is always good for any bug infection or plant disease to water your plants a couple of times with dishwashing soap in the water, lightly sudsy. Also you can get a little spray bottle and put this soapy water in it and spray the whole plant lightly leaves and all and the top of the soil. If this stuff starts to grow, I would transplant, otherwise you can get coloured shiny paper like you see the florists putting around plants they sell, leaving nice edges sticking up where people don't see the soil and put a ribbon around them. Fancy. Or just use shiny tin foil. Palmolive dishwashing soap seems to work best, maybe because it is antibacterial but other dishwashing soaps seem to work to, I have also heard of sudsy water from the yellow clothes washing sunlight bar soap being used alot in our grandparents days but I haven't tried it myself. Its amazing that Palmolive can do this and not harm the plants and also that it is so gentle it can be used to wash hair and washes and disenfects hands better than most bathroom soaps. Good Luck
Reply:Really change the soil if you like, they were planted in soil that was not treated, they should be fine.
Reply:its fertilizer risen to the top of the compost. start repotting this month and everything will b just beautiful by June.
Reply:transplant them just in case. Use a different soil to put them in.


How can i find out if my house plants are acid-loving plants?

i have a few house plants and i am not too sure what kind of plants they are. i'v been trying to find pic online but with no luck. does anyone know how i can find out the kind of plants i have so i can distiguish them from acid and others?...

How can i find out if my house plants are acid-loving plants?
ferns, gardenias, scheffleras, camelias, and azaleas all love acidic soil.


most other common indoor plants don't really care.
Reply:If you know what they are than just do a yahoo search.





If you don't know than try hunting down the same kind in your local greenhouse and ask what are the needs of the plant.





Greenhouse people are very knowledgeable and usually helpful.
Reply:Commercial potting mixes have the right Ph for almost ALL houseplants.





If you're curious about what your houseplants are - go to a greenhouse/nursery, and look for similar plants - then you can ask the employees there about any special needs they might have.





But unless you have a cactus, an orchid, or and african violet, "regular" potting soils will fit the bill.

Broken Teeth

How can I get rid of ants without harming my house plants?

I have ants around and in my house plants.

How can I get rid of ants without harming my house plants?
I use soap and water to kill ants. A mixture of 3-4 tablespoons of dish soap in a pint spray bottle. The soap will suffocate the ants. After the ants die wash the soap off the leaves. Soap is actually a fertilizer for plants.


What's the best self-watering tool for house plants?

What are the best plant watering tools for potted house plants? Where you insert a tool and it releases the correct amount of water for you or something.

What's the best self-watering tool for house plants?
you can use self-watering pot and you only need to top it up like once a week or so.





i know the tool that you are referring to, it's aqua spike. what you do is you screw up the aqua spike onto a water bottle and you stick it into the potting mix and it'll release the water from the spike. i never use it so i don't know how good it is.
Reply:I have a friend who is a florist and she is always bringing flowers and plants around our home. Nice girl but, a-little nutty.


Anyway. she puts this green compound in the bottom of the plant pots that holds like 20 times its weight in water. You can fill this block up with the water and it slowly releases its charge over weeks without dripping all over the place
Reply:Check with your local garden centre. There are things for this i am told.


How do you move house plants from one state to another, most moving companies don't do it.?

My family is moving to another state. My mom has a few house plants that she loves and wanted to take to her new home, however the moving company said they won't be able to take the plants. What should we do?!

How do you move house plants from one state to another, most moving companies don't do it.?
House plants die quickly in the heat or cold of a dark moving trailer and the moving companies will not assume responsibility. Furthermore, it is illegal to take plants across many state lines. The same applies to some fresh fruits and vegetables. For instance, you are stopped at a checkpoint before entering osuthern California fron Arizona and asked to discard any and all fruits and vegetables. This is to prevent the spread of pests like the medeterranean fruit fly into the lush fruit growing region of California. Some plants are particularly invasive. Kudzu is a prime example. It is a huge problem in many parts of the south and its' eradication costs electrical utility companies millions of dollars a year. Many aquarium plants are also considered invasive species. Some of these discarded exocitc now choke the waterways of some of our best recreational waters.





Good luck with your move.
Reply:Check to make sure that you can take them first- some states will not allow you to take certain plants into their state because it may be an invasive species.
Reply:Throw them in the back seat of the car. buckle them in. ;-)
Reply:Leave them behind. Your mom can start over in the new house. It will be fun for her. I promise.
Reply:Put them in the back seat with the dog and 2.5 kids and start your engines.
Reply:Yeah, they can't be held accountable if they die. Their moving guys not gardeners.





You'll need to do it yourself. Depending on what type of plant your moving, you'll have to dig up quite a bit of dirt around it (so that you have the plant, and a large lump of dirt at the bottom w/as much of the roots as possible)