Thursday, April 30, 2009

Should I have these plants in my house?

I have recently purchased two house plants ;English Ivy and Rhoeo plant ( Moses in the boat)) in addition to that I have two other plants a spathphyllum peace lily, and a tropical foilage plant and i was wondering is it dangerous to have these plants in my house? I know that some of them are posionous if eaten i don't plan on eating them, but are they still dangerous to have around ? I also have a little toddler around. I've been having a little abdomen and head pain can these plants be the problem?

Should I have these plants in my house?
english ivy is poisonous, but only if eaten in very large doses. What kind of tropical plant do you have? if its a defenbachia or philodendron, they are poisonous, but again, only if eaten in large amounts. Ive never heard of anyone developing symptoms like yours from exposure to these plants. there are plants that can cause an allergic skin reaction if you touch their leaves or get their sap on your skin, but none of the plants you mentioned fits that category. its doubtful that the toddler would bother with the plants and even if he did, i doubt he would eat enough to cause serious harm as most poisonous plants taste horrible. If your toddler is the type that is very inquisitive and puts absolutely everything in his mouth, then you might do well to get rid of the ivy(just to be on the safe side) and find out what kind of tropical plant you have. I wouldnt have a philodendron or defenbachia around if I had toddlers, just for my own peace of mind. before you bring any plant into a house with toddlers, you should google the name of the plant--there will be info that will tell you if its poisonous. google the words"poisonous house plants" and you will find sites that list the most common ones.
Reply:The only poisonous part of English Ivy is the berry. I have never seen ivy produce berries indoors so you won't have a problem there. No house plant will make you sick just by breathing in the same room. You would actually have to eat or chew on it's leaves. I'm not familiar with Rhoeo, however, if you have any doubts about any of your plants around the toddler, just place the plants out of the childs reach.
Reply:They are all fine, standard house plants found in most homes. Stop worrying, they help your indoor environment, not harm it by absorbing carbon dioxide and other gases and releasing pure oxygen into your rooms. The more plants the better!
Reply:poison control is always happy to answer these questions for you. the 800 # is usually located in the front of your phone book. if they can't help, take leaf from each plant, bagged separately, to a local nursery or plant club and see what you see!


my experience, i have had as many as 6 House cats at once+daycare, most House plants are not as dangerous as you think. you would only experience Physical symptoms from plants flowers or ingesting them. "dumb cane" only impedes the vocal cords, makes you or you pet loose the voice.


but always, esspecially with a child in the house, do your research! If you feel unsafe with the plant(s) in your house find someone to take them.


Good house plants? What are some good easy pretty plants for inside the house?

I want some plants in the house that are pretty and not really hard to maintain.

Good house plants? What are some good easy pretty plants for inside the house?
I have been planting for many years and have had many plants. I suggest for a first time (if this is the case) try an ivy plant. Aloe is a good starter too, if you forget to water. Just make sure the plants get light and water, and try to maintain an even temperature for your plants.
Reply:Spyder plants top my list for being easy-care, plus, they grow quickly, multiply, and are excellent air-cleaners. You can give the babies to friends, too, which is nice.


Other than that, I say, go to a nursury in your area (a real one where they'll know something more than what the tag says; not whatever-mart) and consult with them. Tell them what you're looking for in looks, what your habits are, how much light is in your home etc.


Or, buy some rooting hormone and some soil so that if you see a nice houseplant somewhere, you can ask for a cutting and then grow your own.


Also, to get plants, give them. Young nursery house plants usually cost around four dollars, so give them as gifts, and others will catch on and start giving you plants.


I used to clean houses for rich folks and the prettiest homes had artificial plants mixed in with the live ones. I had always been biased against fake plants, but this changed my mind. If you are clever with your arrangements, it can look really great without you having a greenhouse to maintain. Just don't forego real plants!
Reply:Some of the easiest to care for are peace lillies, spider plants, corn plants. Just water when the soil is dry to the touch. Usually every week or two. I like to put all of my house plants in the shower and turn it on for about 4-5 minutes on low like a rain shower. That way they can drain. This is a nice place to put them also when you are going on long trips. If you have someone come in to water for you they only need to turn the water on for a few minutes. Purchase the Miracle Grow house plant sticks and push in the soil. It will automatically fertilize and feed when necessary.
Reply:Go here:





http://www.myra-simon.com/myra/gardening...





I have the Mother In Laws Tongue / Snake plant which has survived several years of heat and indoor cold. And sometimes I forget to water it. The plant is about five feet tall with several shoots.
Reply:I would suggest cacti (that's the plural of cactus lol) or some of those small trees that look like palm trees - I hardly ever water mine, and they seem to survive enough lol





Hope this helps,





Tom.
Reply:Large or small?





Wandering Jews are pretty..hard to kill and a cool color. They are also real easy to get more plants from them..


Are house plants still a decorator look in new homes?

I don't see house plants featured in decorator magazines often these days.


Ten-fifteen years ago, they were in. What happened?

Are house plants still a decorator look in new homes?
They all died because everyone to busy to water them..
Reply:Well I have them in my home don't care what the magazines say because they look so lovely
Reply:Its old fashioned
Reply:absolutely a great decor...plus what they do to help the air quality......magazines do not design a great interior...you do ...to your likings...not someone elses...good luck and have fun
Reply:well lately they prefer minimal houses without many furnotures simple but in fegshui they prefer to have plants in the house...it brings good health so its up to u..i mean isurs house u should do it the way u wanted...it must show ur taste


My house plants are infested with tiny, thread thin, white worms. It is so gross! How do I ged rid of them???

All of my house plants have tiny little gnats, or some kind of small flying thing, and then I just noticed these worms in the dirt!! (I assume its the larva stage of the flys?) I got some bug killer that is taking care of the fly stage, but it wont kill the worms!

My house plants are infested with tiny, thread thin, white worms. It is so gross! How do I ged rid of them???
Use Earth-Tone or something similar - you need to make sure that the bug spray you get is safe for plants. Some bug spray is so strong that it will kill small houseplants. Earth Tone is good because it doesn't smell bad, it kills all stages of the insect, etc. You can get it at Walmart or a nursery.
Reply:julia it's a simple and quick solution to those buggies,


make a soapy-wash and spray on the plants leave it on for a couple of day's spraying ,and letting dry .when you see no more activity then rinse the plants ,fertilize and water well !


to make the suds use a tablespoon of dry detergent to 1-gallon of water (do all this outside in a mild-sunny area where the plants can air fairly quick......GOOD LUCK !
Reply:Mix like 2 cups water with 1 heaping tbsp of Epsom Salt. I will fertilizer plant and kill bugs because they won't be able to eat fertilizer in leaves. It is also make a flowering plant..flower more. It's like a energy boost w/phosphate stuff in it.
Reply:Go to the store and find the spray that says Weed Killer, weed has similar properties as the weeds so it WILL kill them!
Reply:take plants outside, and change the dirt
Reply:heatherrr your reported, get a life racist bastard
Reply:Spray with Liquid Sevin, It kills all insects on plants.
Reply:buy the biggest can of bug spray and spay the whole can on them or see if salt works!
Reply:1.- u can go to walmart and there is a garden seccion o you can go to this link and see if can help you:


http://gardening.about.com/od/houseplant...


http://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/defaul...
Reply:throw away the plants
Reply:Just pull them up by the roots..Like a weed.
Reply:Yuk throw them away- get them out of your house- lv Jo xx
Reply:get rid of the plant
Reply:exterminator

roller blades

What house plants grow well in an environment without much natural light?

I don't have many windows in my house and I don't get very much natural light that comes in. What plants thrive in this kind of environment?

What house plants grow well in an environment without much natural light?
Pothos, aspidestra, snake plant, ferns. Web site HGTV article has more suggestions:





http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_containers_o...
Reply:mould
Reply:Bamboo! there pretty and they hate the light.
Reply:IVY. or Steven Kings novel about the Kudzu weeds. dee-dee-dee-de!


flowering plants are the pansies -the one you can eat. help anything grow by adding a grow bulb to the area that you want plants in!
Reply:Pothos will grow well in little light. those are those green and white heart shaped leaves that grow long and viney . You can also put a cutting in water and it will grow.


What house house plants can you put in a freshwater tank?

because i have house plants and i have a Aquarium .

What house house plants can you put in a freshwater tank?
none. The house plants need oxygen not water. they will actually suffocate, die and simply destroy the water and the way the aquarium looks.


What plants will grow best in a dark house?

My 8 year old niece wants her own house plant. Her parents keep their house pretty dark. I don't know anything about house plants. Any suggestions on what I should get her?

What plants will grow best in a dark house?
One plant that has earned a suitable name as a durable houseplant is Cast Iron Plant, Aspidistra elatior. It was a very popular plant during the Victoria era, enduring cold, dimly lit rooms and the fumes from burning coal. This plant does well under medium to very low light conditions and medium to cool temperatures. In fact, practically the only way to kill this plant is through overwatering or by placing it in a high temperature location, which makes the plant susceptible to spidermite invasion. Cast Iron Plant has dark green, broadly sword-shaped, leathery leaves and reaches a height of 3'. A slow growing plant, yet one that thrives on neglect and makes a nice green accent for a dark corner.





Another easy to grow houseplant is Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema modestum. This small, bushy plant with sword-shape, variegated leaves normally grows to 2' in height. It grows best under medium light and temperatures, but will tolerate low light. Many cultivars are available with different leaf colors, including silvery-green leaves and dark, forest green leaves. A great plant for any indoor gardener.





Select plants that look sturdy, clean, well potted, shapely, and well-covered with leaves.





Choose plants with healthy foliage. Avoid plants which have yellow or chlorotic leaves, brown leaf margins, wilted or water soaked foliage, spots or blotches and spindly growth. In addition, avoid leaves with mechanical damage, and those which have been treated with "leaf shines" which add an unnatural polish to the leaves. Plants which have new flowers and leaf buds along with young growth are usually of superior quality.





Remember that it is easier to purchase a plant which requires the same environmental conditions your residence has to offer than to alter the environment of your home or office to suit the plants.
Reply:there are a few tropicals out there that like very moderate light.





all plants need a source of light... some palms and house tropicals can take dry heat, minimal light (sometime a small halogen will keep them pert...) and minimal food.





http://gardening.about.com/od/houseplant...





http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/m...





use some of these suggestions and when you go shopping around talk to someone who knows their stuff.





also note where plants are placed when you shop for a plant... don't get those outside in the direct light.. those under fluorescence will do better.... or those in the shade when outside awaiting for a new home.





http://www.catalogs.com/info/garden-yard...





http://www.growit.com/bin/KnowArt.exe?My...
Reply:violets


House plants that are safe for children and need little sun light??

I live on the third floor of an apartment and I would like to get some house plants. I dont get a great amont of sun and i have a 3month old son, so i need something that will be safe for when he starts to crall. Any help is greatly appricated.

House plants that are safe for children and need little sun light??
What about a few pots of herbs, maybe on a window ledge that's high enough to be out of your son's reach. Parsley, mint, coriander. You could ask at a garden centre which herbs don't need a lot of light. They're nice to look at and you can add fresh herbs to your food!
Reply:i don't know but it's defiently not a cactus!
Reply:Ferns often dont require a lot of light.


Whatever you get make sure your little one gets the idea PRONTO not to touch!

buckles

Why do some house plants attract those little fly-like gnats, and how do I get rid of them?

I just moved into a nice apartment, and brought a bunch of nice potted house plants with me...except now I have these annoying little gnats flying around everywhere, and I have a feeling it's because of the plants. I don't want to get rid of my plants, is there a way to get rid of the bugs and not the plants?

Why do some house plants attract those little fly-like gnats, and how do I get rid of them?
They are a result of overwatering. They are fungus gnats or shore flies. The larvae live in the soil. What you have to do is kill the adults and the larvae.





To kill the larvae you need to let the soil dry out completely. Don't worry, the plants can take dry soil better than the larvae can. When it's dry, water it lightly--enough to get some water to the plant. Then let it dry out again. Do this 3 times and that should take care of the larvae.





When you start doing the soil treatment I suggest you use Shultz Houseplant Insect Killer. It's made from marigold flowers but will last a few weeks--long enough to kill the adults. Make sure you spray all the leaves (top and bottom) and the pots and soil.





Once you have the problem under control don't go back to overwatering.
Reply:In a bottom of a glass, dump about 1/4 cup of white sugar. Add 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and add a drop of liquid dishwashing detergent.





Slowly fill the glass up to the (near) top with water and stir well. You may have to adjust depending on how tall your glass is, i.e. more sugar, or more vinegar.





Put it where the gnats are. They are attracted to the smell of the solution. When they land on it, they get stuck in it and fall to the bottom.





I have used this a lot, especially when I have had an infestation or something from a hidden, rotten potatoe or over-ripe fruit.





Good luck, those things are annoying! :-).
Reply:try washing the plant leaves with a damp cloth or spraying with Safersoap, a horticulture soap that deters insect infestation.


House-Plants?

In your opinion, what are the best house plants out there...like, easy to take care of, hardy, house plants.





Just wondering.

House-Plants?
Just about anything topical, but particularly hard to kill are the philodendron, spider plant, prayer plant, wandering jew, coleus and if you are in a humid place ferns.
Reply:I agree with Morgan, except ferns, they need a little more care............
Reply:Calatheas for their lovely foilage and the bromeliads for their distinctive foliage and flowers


House plants?

i have many house plants as of now and i am planning to move to arizona in about a month. is it legal to take plants across the boarders or are there restrictions.

House plants?
state borders no, not sure about country borders though. as long as they are inside plants they should do fine. arizona is beautiful and everything thrives there. good luck.
Reply:Buy large clear plastic bags... and the day of your move... water and feed your plants put each one in a separate large clear plastic bag and try to fill it with enough air to keep the sides away from the plant. Secure the top of the bag shut so that it is air tight. Carefully place each plant into your vehicle and you can transport it to AZ. Most house plants are legal in AZ... But be sure that the plants are not exposed to very hot or cold environments... and that they get some light in your car... I have transported my plants from New Mexico to Wisconsin this way over 3 days and nights of driving... and the air tight clear bags is like a terrarium, it helps to keep the plant moist and safe from being crushed. Good Luck!
Reply:State lines, you will be fine. If you are living in Canada and want to take your plants into the States, that's going to be a problem.
Reply:International transporting of plants is a no no but interstate, go for it unless we're talking marijuana.
Reply:if i were you i leave the plants here.they might dead there.