Saturday, November 19, 2011

How do I get rid of nats on my house plants?

little tiny flies in my plants, and they are very annoying!

How do I get rid of nats on my house plants?
well they kind of smell but a Venus fly trap might do the trick also some plants put off a smell that attracts insects so you might want to look into different plants.
Reply:Knats like to live in drains - so if you're plants are in or near the kitchen this is probably where they are coming from.





I think you need to get rid of their home first.





I read somewhere that pouring boiling hot water down the drain will get rid of them. They live off of the build up in the drain so this gets rid of the build up.





I also use lemon in my garbage disposal - cut it in half and let it grind away. Sure smells wonderful afterward too.





It could be another kind of knat - here is a site that Bob Villa has and he's talking about knats on houseplants.
Reply:knats like to hang out in decaying plant mat. and the very top of the soil if you put some sharp decorative pebbles "rocks" on the surface they won't lay eggs cause they don't like the rocks same for under the pot if poss. shouldn't be sitting in water anyway. There are also nematodes that will eat any little unwanteds in the plant medium. Buy em by the millions usually at your local well stocked gardening store or on the web
Reply:Mix a bottle of water with some pepper, and a little bit of dish soap. Enough pepper to just smell it in the water, and maybe a drop of dish soap. Then spray the plants with it.
Reply:roach spray ? on vinegar


Any home remedies for getting rid of gnats in my house plants?

I have tried letting the plants dry out between waterings, I have tried setting out vinegar and soapy water, but I can not get them to go away! Is there anything natural I can put in the soil or spray on the plant? I have two cats, so I don't want to use any chemicals.

Any home remedies for getting rid of gnats in my house plants?
that´s the problem , between watering , don´t water them at all for a week, or put them outside if you can , they will dry out quicker, as they love wet soil, and dead root´s. The soil in the middle of the plant is still wet. and that´s why you can´t get rid of them, If you have plant´s in the kitchen, make sure you put the stopper in the sink, this way it will stop them from having a drink, And dry out the plants. Hope this helps
Reply:mix a small amount of dawn dish soap one or two drops with water and water plant. The taste drives them away. then you can take a glass and put a piece of fruit in the bottom cover with a piece of foil with tiny holes poked in it to catch and release the bugs out side. They go in and cant get back out . Don't leave too long without checking.
Reply:I don't know if this is exactly what you're looking for, but if you put bleach in a bottle cap and hide it in the plant, the gnats won't stay around it. They don't like the aroma of bleach. Then, the bleach will crystalize and you just refill it! You just need a little bit, and maybe if you hide it well, your cats won't find it.
Reply:change the soil. :o)
Reply:every day, put a few slices of potato on the suface of the soil... the females will lay eggs there... You must remove them daily and dispose of them!!!.... and put back another bunch of slices each time..... then, get some yellow posterboard... cover it tightly with saran wrap, then smear the plastic wrap with Vaseline.... it makes a sticky trap for the flying adults... when theres' bugs on it, just remove the plastic, put new on and new vaseline..... or go for an insecticide like mentioned here...





http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/21...
Reply:Well I make cigarette tea, this kills the spider mites in my plants and also the knats. two cigarettes torn apart, leaf only.


Add one quart of water (hot) and let it steep over night. Spray


How do I get rid of fruit flies in house plants without chemicals?

A friend gave me a plant and it had fruit flies in the soil. Now all my plants have them. Suggestions, please?

How do I get rid of fruit flies in house plants without chemicals?
plain old soap and water. mix 'em in a spray bottle and spray once a week 'til they're gone
Reply:Put the plants in front of the T.V. and make them watch "Dancing With The Stars..."





Even "fruit flies" hate that show...(and they'll just fly away somewhere more sane...)





Or try using Chanel #11...(it was an experimental batch that failed...)
Reply:Fill a cup half-way with a cider-vinegar %26amp; water mixture.


Cover with tinfoil and secure with a rubberband. Poke holes all over the top. Flies will be attracted into cup and die.





Good luck!
Reply:Get some Venus Fly Traps.
Reply:fly strips they work very well, you can hand them from the ceiling
Reply:Catch the biggest, meanest-looking spider you can find and leave it on your plant. Ladybugs are effective too, but a spider won't eat your plant. The spider is a gardener's friend.

Why do hotels always use white towels

How can you get rid of Spider mites in house Plants? I have tried evetything and nothing has worked?

I have tried washing w/ detergents, rubbing alcohol, garlic, and several insecticieds including one for outdoor use for pine trees. I am at my wits end I have several plants that are effected. I have even repotted using new soil.


Its very frustrating I cant start plants for the garden indoor because the mites kill them.

How can you get rid of Spider mites in house Plants? I have tried evetything and nothing has worked?
However, spider mite control will


almost always take several treatments. This


is because the spray will not kill eggs.


Consequently, eggs will be hatching following


your first treatment. To insure you kill all


activity, treat once a week for 3-6 treatments.


This schedule is necessary in the warmer months


when cycles develop quickly. If it is the


off season and development is slower, treat


2-4 times every two weeks. Don't waste your


time with standard materials like dursban or


diazinon. Like most arachnids, spider mites


are not too vulnerable to these active ingredients.


The best material for spider mite control is


called CYFLUTHRIN. This concentrate uses a synthetic


pyrethrin which has no odor and is very active on


mites. More importantly, it is very gentle


on treated plants. Use it to treat as many


plants that you believe may have activity.


Spider mite activity may be centralized,


but don't limit your coverage area to just


the active plants. The more you cover the


better protection you will get. Cyfluthrin can


be used inside for household plants which have


activity. If possible, take the plant


outside for treating purposes. You can bring


it inside once the spray has dried. Be sure


to inspect all plants in the home to catch


any activity before it is too late. In most


cases, treating plants around the infested


one is a good practice. Cyfluthrin is gentle


enough to use and getting the mite before


it causes damage is important. If the spidermites


have moved off the plants and have been found


in the home, use Cyfluthrin to spray all


baseboards, moldings and any other location


activity has been found. This will insure


they will not be able to establish themselves


in the structure.


If the mites are being found on an edible plant


or tree which will produce fruit or vegetables,


you will need to use something other then the


Cyfluthrin. There are several choices and you


must make your decision based on how each product


works. The safest product to use which only kills


nuisance insects when applied is INSECTICIDAL SOAP.


This material can be applied to any plant and though


it will kill insects when applied, it is important


to understand that it provides no residual. This


means you will have to use it over and over - sometimes


once every couple of days - to break the cycle of


most any spider mite infestation. The benefit of


Insecticidal Soap is the fact that it is so safe


to use presenting no hazard to anyone that might


be eating the produce or plant. If you want something


a little stronger, you should apply PERMETHRIN CONCENTRATE.


This product will last 7-14 days providing a mild


residual so that there is something left behind to


kill off rogue mites which are missed with the


first spraying. It is both odorless and very effective


on just about any pest and is probably the single


most used insecticide on vegetable and fruit plants


in the world.


Once you decide which product to use, do your


applications with one of our PUMP SPRAYERS. We have


several which will work well for this job. They


range in size and price so match one up with the


type of treating you will be doing. Furthermore,


is you are deciding to get either Cyfluthin or


Permethrin Concentrate, be sure to get some


SPREADER STICKER to add to the tank mix. This material


enables the active ingredient to better "cover" and


"spread" over the targeted plant so you are less likely


to miss key areas where some mites may be nesting.


There is no need to use Spreader Sticker with


Insecticidal Soap; in fact Insecticidal Soap has


many of the same qualities as Spreader Sticker


so it will do a good job of covering targeted


plants regardless.


One last option you might consider is the use


of PERMETHRIN DUST. Like the sprayable Permethrin,


this product will provide residual that can last


2 weeks or more. The other advantage of using a


dust is that you can clearly see where you have


treated. Since the dust will leave a white powdery


film over areas where it lands, one can clearly


see just where it has been applied. Use a HAND DUSTER


for small jobs or a DUSTIN MIZER if you have a


lot of dusting to be doing and expect to be


treating over the course of the growing season.


The Dustin Mizer is very efficient and will allow


you get complete coverage with little effort.


Dusting is a much faster way to treat targeted


plants then spraying and is rapidly becoming a


favorite amongst farmers and weekend gardeners


alike.


Spider mites are persistent pests which


can kill most any plant. They reproduce


quickly and will move inside if given the


chance. Treat once a week for several weeks


to insure you have got the entire population.


Use Cyfluthrin in a hose end or a pump sprayer


to get the best results. Once under control,


try to inspect every month or two and be


sure to treat again if they reappear.
Reply:I would put them outside in a protected area from the weather %26amp; put ladybugs or praying mantis on them. You can buy bugs at most feed stores. Dang sorry I cant help you.
Reply:Diatomaceous Earth
Reply:You can get ride of mites with Mayonnaise .wipe on the leave let set for 20 min and then use soft spray of water to wash leaves and water plant set outside over night with brown paperbag , Take bag off in midmorn after sun had hit plant ands warmed as to kill mites and leave nutrients in soil. good luck it works.


What are some good house plants?

I have two peace lillies that I have had forever, but I want to buy some more plants that don't take a lot of time and effort and that are nice looking. Any suggestions?

What are some good house plants?
Pothos, very little maintenance %26amp; grow wonderfully.
Reply:A son or daughter that has done too many drugs!
Reply:african violets are good my favorite is the christmas lilly,ive got an ivy, boston fern.elephant ears there all nice plants and easy to take care of.
Reply:English Ivy


Wandering Jew


cactuses


Does my house have a higher concentration of oxygen if I have a lot of house plants?

I have lots of houseplants. In theory, my house should have more oxygen than most people's. Am I right?

Does my house have a higher concentration of oxygen if I have a lot of house plants?
I test houses for indoor air quality and my meter is set up to measure the percent of Oxygen (O2) and CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) in parts per million. I have never seen a house with higher than the average oxygen 20%.
Reply:maybe a very slight higher conc of oxygen, but not enough to make a difference.
Reply:Humans breathe in oxygen and exhale carbondioxyde. Plants take in this carbondioxyde and release oxygen. At night, though, plants breathe the way humans do. So yeah, I think there's more oxygen in your house than in a house with no plants at all but you certainly won't notice it if you open your windows every now and then - it's not all that much, you know. Not like you could start charging your guests admission. =) On the other hand, with so many plants cleaning the air in your house, you may not feel the need to air it that often.
Reply:hmm.. interesting question. My guess is probably not, your house is not a vacuum, so the oxygen levels will try to equalize with the air outside. Kind of like when you put an ice cube in a warm glass of water, the ice cube eventually melts making the whole body of water one even temperature. The oxygen will equal out with the air around it. My theory...


What kinds of plants make the best house plants?

I really want to bring some live plants into my home, but I have no idea what kind I should get.......or how to take care of them!


Thanks

What kinds of plants make the best house plants?
Ugh...florists don't always know, trust me. We can tell you all about how to arrange flowers and most likely the schientific names of them, but not so much how to grow them. In fact, many of the other florists in my shop don't even keep house plants. Anyhoo...I have always foung pothos extremely forgiving. They droop when thristy then perk right back up. Also, mother in law tongues are good as well as diffenbachia. Stay away from ficus and peace lilies if you want easy. Oh...there is a plant at home depot called something like zzxx plant or something. It has weird letters in it. It is so easy!
Reply:Ivy, they are hard to kill, just water occasionally and let them be.





You can even leave them just in water. Ivy do love crowded roots so you don't have to worry about transplanting them either.
Reply:Geraniums are fairly easy to keep alive. You should put them next to a window, and water them once a week, with 1-2 cups of water. When you buy it, make shure that the pot it's in is quite big, otherwise you may have to transplant it when it gets bigger.
Reply:Spider plants, aloe vera plants, any kind of philadedrum plants, some kinds of ivy plants......or cactus are very hardy also.......





You could probably go to a florist shop and ask them .....they could probably assist you on that.......or a garden centre will also do.

massage shoes

How often should you water your house plants?

I live with my sister, but she always lets her plants die. She got four of them last week and hasn't watered them yet... so I'm stepping in.





How often should I water them?

How often should you water your house plants?
it depends on a lot of things, like humidity, which can suck the water out of the plants.





i usually water mine when the soil starts to get dry, but not completly dry. usually about twice a week.





maybe for her next birthday or christmas or whatever you should get her some of those glass things they sell on tv that you fill with water and put into the plant. that way she'll just need to refill them when they get empty and not worry about watering the plants.
Reply:It depends on what plant, but in general..I soak the crap out of them and just check them every few days. A lot depends on how hot it is in your house. Dryer weather I tend to water them more, I've had tropical plants that I keep in doors in the winter and outside all summer and have had them for almost 7 years now.


Rule of thumb....If you stick your finger in the dirt and it's damp...leave it, but if it's really starting to get dry or the plant is starting to droop, water the heck out of it, then just leave it
Reply:Good for you! you might try to pour room temperature water on each plant in a slow, controlled stream. when the water stops being soaked up by the soil you are done. repeat alternate days until you determine how much they need in a week.
Reply:Depending on plants. . it's gud to water them everyday or atleast 1ce in 2 dayz
Reply:usually once a week is good. cactus can go longer in between waterings.
Reply:Depends on what kind of plants they are. But I'd say if she's had them a week, some watering needs to be happening.
Reply:little bit every 3 days


What are the top oxygen producing house plants?

I know that pothos ivy is one of them, but I want some plants in every room to boost oxygen in my home.

What are the top oxygen producing house plants?
Adapted from Your Naturally Healthy Home, by Alan Berman.


No listing of the Top Five Cleaners would be complete without mentioning houseplants, our often-overlooked helpers in ridding the air of pollutants and toxins, counteracting outgassing and contributing to balanced internal humidity.


Find out which houseplants are our most effective allies in keeping your household air clean and pure.





SIMPLE SOLUTION: It is suggested that one plant should be allowed for approximately 10 square yards of floor space, assuming average ceiling heights of 8 to 9 feet. This means that you need two or three plants to contribute to good air quality in the average domestic living room of about 20 to 25 square yards.


Research has shown that these 10 plants are the most effective all-around in counteracting offgassed chemicals and contributing to balanced internal humidity.





* Areca palm


* Reed palm


* Dwarf date palm


* Boston fern


* Janet Craig dracaena


* English ivy


* Australian sword fern


* Peace Lily


* Rubber plant


* Weeping fig





Although many plants like light, they do not all have to be placed near windows. Many indoor plants originated in the dense shade of tropical forests and have a high rate of photosynthesis. These are ideal for the home and can be placed in darker corners. When positioning plants, try to strike a balance between light and ventilation because the effect of plants on indoor air pollution appears to be reduced if they are set in a draft.
Reply:I have many Philodendron plants in my home for this purpose.
Reply:It pretty much depends on how large the plant is and how fast it ghoes through photosynthesis.





For the best results, put the plant near the best light, give it good soil, and water it healthily.


What are some good house plants?

I basically live in a basement and there are only small windows. What are some sturdy plants that really don't need much ligh, if any at all? If possible I would like to have plants that are not taking up my iny windows.

What are some good house plants?
Spider plants will grow in low light conditions and they tolerate neglect. And they improve the air quality.


How do I deter cats from house plants?

How do I stop my cats from gnawing on and digging in my indoor pot plants?

How do I deter cats from house plants?
There's a product that is used for dog training called grannick's bitter apple. You can find it at petco in the dog section. It tastes really bad, but doesn't hurt them at all. (They do make a version for cats, but it's the same thing).





My cat was chewing on my Christmas tree until I coated it with bitter apple. She hasn't gone near it since!





Here's a link to more info: http://www.grannicks.com/


http://www.petco.com/product/2094/Granni...
Reply:How about growing some cat grass. Chia pets make one now.
Reply:Well cats will naturally dig in house plant pots, because of the dirt! But try covering the dirt with small rocks, but not gravel type!!! and completely cover all the top of the dirt!





Many house plants can be dangerous to cats if eatten! Like the vine kinds and the poinsettia's and a few others!!! If there floor pot plants try putting something in front of the plant, like a kids saftey gate for a few weeks! and I know there are a few sprays you can spray on the outside of the pot that cats and dogs don't like, to keep them away! There sold at almost all petshops!





It isn't the cats or dogs fault about plants, it's a natural instinct way before man was ever around!!! But finding ways to keep them away can be a project in it's self! You may like many people, you may have to move the plants to a different room where the cats can't get to them or get rid of the cats or plants!





Like I said it isn't the cats or dogs fault and you shouldn't be harsh to them! they don't know there not to be messing with them! It's like telling a outside dog to not relieve himself in your yard!!!
Reply:Chili powder or cayanne works well. I have also used pine cones or plastic forks stuck in the dirt with the tines upwards.
Reply:I put newspaper over the dirt and then put decorative rocks on top so my cat (booboo) doesn't see/have access to the dirt. She still swipes at the leaves though!

Perfect semi formal makeup

What's the best way to progagate house plants from cuttings?

I get mixed results. Sometimes the plant cuttings florish, sometimes not. Generally, I put the cutting in a cup of water and wait until it develops roots. Sometimes, though, they rot. What am I doing wrong? What are some other 'greenthumb' tips? I'd like to be better with plants.

What's the best way to progagate house plants from cuttings?
There is a white power called rootone or root tone anyway you cut a circle around the bark portion then another about an inch away...cut a line between them and peel off the outter layer. spread rootone over the entire area then dampen spagram moss and wrap a ball of it around the branch over the rootone. Wrap and secure the moss with clear wrap making it as air tight as possible. Roots will grow while the branch is still living off the plant. When you see plenty of roots emerging through the moss clip it off and plant. In the case of say fruit tree cuttings the clipping is as mature as the mother plant and will bare fruit just as it would on the mother plant.
Reply:use rooting hormone powder,, and quality soil
Reply:Egg shells crushed in water.
Reply:Try damp sand or perlite instead of water -- many things need the oxygen they're not getting in water. Also the success rate of transplanting rooted cuttings from sand or perlite is higher than cuttings rooted in water for many species.


Easy care house plants? I want to get more but what else besides pothos?

I also have a cute money tree and this other plant that has a white flower but I want to fill the inside of our apartment with lots and lots of gorgeous plants!

Easy care house plants? I want to get more but what else besides pothos?
I have a Heart Leaf Philodendron it is part of a plant that was given to may aunt over 50 years ago. The plant I have was my mothers cutting, it is at least 20 years old. I am going to give a cutting to my daughter, that will make it three generations, a heirloom plant.








Good luck which ever one you choose.





Below is a sites with other plants that is also easy to grow.


http://redwoodbarn.com/houseplanttable.h...


http://gardening.about.com/od/houseplant...
Reply:I recently got hooked on Clivia, Plumeria and Adenium . If I can't kill them they have to be tough. And beautiful flowers indoors without a lot of extra lighting. eBay is a good source, seeds and seedlings are cheap but mature plants can sell for thousands of dollars. Some expensive ones are the result of hundreds of years of breeding others show up out of sheer luck, maybe we'll get lucky. RScott
Reply:I have a sheffelera ?sp. and a rubber plant both which I have found to be easy to grow and don't require alot of direct light.
Reply:Philodendrons are practically un-killable and are very pretty.





Peace lilies are nice too.


What are the names of house plants that produce oxygen?

What are the names of indoor plants that expell the most oxygen in the air?

What are the names of house plants that produce oxygen?
Plants with large leaf surface areas and that can take a lot of sun will make more O2 than say a shade plant. So pick any houseplant you like that takes full sun and has large leaves.
Reply:all plants produce oxygen. the amount of oxygen expelled from a plant depends on the amount of photosynisist taking place. Plants that stay green all the time produce more oxygen than plants that don't stay green.
Reply:All plants produce oxigen.
Reply:plantae


If I grab and shake my house plants, will that help them grow?

Just curious. The plants are tropical and don't get the excitement of the storms like regular wild plants. I thought about shaking them for a few seconds each day and wondering if that would help them grow better. What do you think?

If I grab and shake my house plants, will that help them grow?
I shake my trees and to help remove dead leaves,not hard but a little. but I think doing it every day may stress out your plant. furthermore you may make it go in to shock and it could possibly die. add plant food to encourage new growth.
Reply:ummm no. that's bad for plants. it rips their roots
Reply:I think that is a waste of time, and it will hurts the stems, or the roots of the plants.


If you want the plants to grow faster, maybe you shall spend some time and play some music instruments every day. or you should play some soft music radio for those plants. At least that is what I heard, like in the farm, people used to play music while they were milking the cow, or watering things. the scientists say the plants have a sense of hearing...
Reply:Tropical plants live in SPITE of storms, not because of them. Just take good care of them, and don't EAT any more of them - it's clearly affecting your thinking processes.
Reply:yes about as much a someone shacking you
Reply:I am going to call the authorities for attempted plant assault .
Reply:might not be a bad idea...it would also shift the soil a bit allowing for more spaces to open up where the roots can grow. I have heard (and seen) that when you put a bit of stress (like binding some of their branches down) on plants it'll make them work harder to stay alive then when you remove the stress it'll flourish!
Reply:actually, you're on to something.... but a little more gently, please..... touch, move the branches, pick off bad leaves, cause some movement of the plant DOES actually do good for it.... just like seedlings need the movement of air to grow strong enuff to be able to go outside and survive the winds, and how plants in their native environment brush against each other when the wind blows... and how a young tree is to be left enuff room in it's stakes to be able to move with the wind so it's trunk grows strong..... I inspect my garden about daily and even outside, will run my hands over the leaves and branches to hopefully 'stimulate them' as if another plant was beside them...... just don't shake the pot and the roots!!.... you are on your way to being a good gardener!!.....
Reply:uhmmm no that has about as much chance of making them grow as when I threatened mine to vacuum them up if they didn't grow.


They ended up in the vacuum...


**But seriously don't shake them it's really bad for there root systems. If they're not growing correctly look them up on the internet and you should find how to take care of them properly.
Reply:After shaking a plant, you MUST slap it and throw it to the ground. If this doesn't perk it up , kick it.

inline skates

How do i find pictures of house plants?

I have to find out some information about plants and I'm trying to see pictures of specific houseplants and outdoor plants that I like.

How do i find pictures of house plants?
go to google images and type "different types of house plants"


see what you get
Reply:Goto Yahoo. Click images. Type in "houseplants"


What home-made fertilizer will most house plants benefit from?

I have a coleus plant, a cactus, ficus, bamboo, and some others which I don't know the name of... and I would like them to grow better. I remember reading somewhere that just by putting skins of vegetables/fruits in certain plants' soil serves as a good fertilizer, though I'm not sure if that's true and what's the best way to do it. If any of you know any good tips for easy to implement home made fertilizers, please share.

What home-made fertilizer will most house plants benefit from?
Used tea leaves, yes, also used coffee grounds. Crushed egg shells are good too. If you have a fish tank, when you clean it, put the yucky water into old milk jugs and then water with it, also put the dirtied fish stones on top of your houseplant soil and more good fish fertilizer will go into the soil as you water regularly.
Reply:used tea leaves (strained) are a good source of nutrients for all plants. I 've tried this and it has done wonders for my garden.
Reply:I have a excellent mixture which I use on all my plants in or outdoor, but as you know cactus need very little moisture and I will NOT use this mixture for my cacti as it pobably will make them grow stringy.


1 tsp Epsom salts


1 tsp baking powder


1 Tblspn Saltpetre


1 Tblspn Scrubbs Amonia


Mix with 5 litres of water and fertilize every second week as you would use any other commercial fertilizer, the results are stunning...Good luck !!
Reply:Manure Tea.





Get some horse, cow or chicken manure [fresh or not]. Place inside a


cloth bag [old pillow case, perhaps]. Place the bag inside a pail of


water [I use 5 gal bucket]. The manure will steep [a day or 2], water will turn a


shade of brown and it becomes an excellent fertilizer.





NOTE: Chicken manure is strongest/very strong; if using it, your plants will not need as much and you may have to be careful not to give them too much.


Is it harmful to water house plants with carbonated water?

sometimes when i come home from work, i have some carbonated water left in my bottle and i just dump it on my plants. is that harmful or is safe for plants to be watered as such?

Is it harmful to water house plants with carbonated water?
the carbonated water will kill the plant the best thing to use is bottle water or distilled.
Reply:Only one way to find out.


Is it safe to spray house plants with soapy water to kill soil gnats?

I have a purple heart, spider plant, and Swedish ivy, all of which are outdoors and recently, they have become infested with soil gnats. I have heard that you can kill them by spraying soapy water on them but I am afraid of killing my plants. Any suggestions?

Is it safe to spray house plants with soapy water to kill soil gnats?
yes, just spray the plant with water 1/2 hour later then repeat with soap then water 3 days later
Reply:Soapy water is effective and mostly safe.





Try a google-soapywater/houseplants. Years ago there was a guy on pbs that used a lot of soapy water on plants but I can't remember his name.

Curves VC workout

How can I keep my house plants watered while out of town for 3 weeks?

I am going to Spain for three weeks. I have about 20 plants (large and small) and am exploring my options, here. I've tried a cheap version of those glass globes, but noticed the holes get clogged with soil and they don't work so well. I've also heard of placing a big pot of water on the floor and running a cotton string to each of my plants. Any input on these or other methods? Thanks!

How can I keep my house plants watered while out of town for 3 weeks?
You can put a few in the bath tub with shallow water to feed from the bottom. Soak bark in water, before leaving water once more then layer dirt with bark so water in soil will stay moist. Just check to make sure bark has no bugs, put a piece of potato near bark the bugs will be drawn to it and are easily seen to treat. This can be done in plant soil also to detect bugs.





Good Luck
Reply:Larger Plants that would not dry out more than once during your absence should be watered thoroughly just before you leave.





Plants which normally require watering every few days can be moved away from sunny windows and into bright but indirect light. This will slow down the plant’s use of water. Try this method before you leave to get an indication of just how far it will stretch the plant’s drying-out time.





Those plants which need to be watered frequently can be enclosed (pot and all) in clear plastic bags. Punch a few holes in the bag to provide a small amount of circulation. It is essential to move these plants away from sunny locations and into bright INDIRECT light. This will avoid heating up the inside of the plastic bags and “frying” the plants.





If your bathroom is fairly bright, you can use the “bathtub method.” Place your plants on bricks in the tub, fill the tub with an inch or two of water (not enough to reach the top of the bricks), set your plants on the bricks, and cover the bathtub with clear plastic.





Consider asking a friend to plant-sit. But: Do not ask a friend who doesn’t have plants of his/her own; the lack of experience could prove fatal to your plants. Choose only one person to look after your plants, and leave complete instructions with that person. If possible, move inaccessible plants into easy to reach locations, and if you have plants scattered throughout the house, make carefully complied list of every plant and its location. Special collections (bonsai, orchids…) should be given to the care of a fellow collector, if at all possible.





As a last resort (in summer only!), larger house plants can be placed outside (pot and all) in the ground on the north side of your house, and left in the care of Mother Nature.





I used the bathtub method, more than once It worked fine. Iost no plants.





Lucky, Hope you have a good trip:)
Reply:ask ur neighbor to do it while ur away
Reply:Poke a hole in the bottom of the pot and stick a string through it. Then fill a plastic container (with the lid partially cut) up with water. Place the pot on to of the container with the string dipping into the water. Capillary Action will draw the water up and keep your plants watered.
Reply:put those that will fit in bathtub, water until it comes out of the bottom of planter, large plants can be watered about 15 minutes before you leave, then check - soak up any standing water in the dish underneath -


What types of house plants for my apartment?

I have medium light and was wanting something that would be easily maintained. Also I would like the types of plants that are best at purifying the air. Any suggestions?

What types of house plants for my apartment?
get a philidendrum..not sure on the spelling...they really dont need any light...and if you forget to water them and they get all wilty...just water them and they pop right back to life ..they also look good big green leafs...good luck
Reply:Flowering plants from nature will not do well unless they are complete shade plants. Indoor flowering plants that do well include Christmas cactus, seedum, orchids, and poinsettias - altho poinsettias need special treatment to get them to bloom - but they grow well. The best indoor plants are greens, which also do the best air purifying. If you're adventurous, try a bucket with veggie seeds. You can grow carrots, lettuce, etc if you don't try to start them in a flat, don't over-water and give them as much light as you can, maybe a sun lamp over them..
Reply:Great news: allplants help purify the air! Larger leaves will do the best job....


Scheffelaras and pothos are VERY easy to grow, as are many kinds of ivy.. with little light required.
Reply:Get easy to manage green plant. Provides plenty of Oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange. Also looks good and easy to manage.


Hello, i have house plants. i have bugs in dirt, looking for something to use without killing my house plant?

i have little black bugs thats in the dirt, there all over my house, i cant seem to get rid of them. i've been using fungal spray and insect soap spray nothing seems to be helping.

Hello, i have house plants. i have bugs in dirt, looking for something to use without killing my house plant?
Diomasious Earth. I think that's how it's spelled, but they'll know what your talking about at the garden store. It's basically a fine sand with particles so small, they are razor sharp to insects (but perfectly harmless to anything else).
Reply:My suggestion is you buy new soil and get rid of old soil and spray your house for insects.
Reply:Do these bugs fly around the house. If so, they probably are fungus gnats. They lay their eggs in the dirt in the pots. They hatch into larvae and then into flying insects. They are very common specially in new plants from the nursery.





My wife uses a product she gets from GardensALive.com. It is a bacteria that you mix with water and put in the soil. It kills the larvae. It usually takes a couple of weeks but it does the job.
Reply:First you have to identify the bug in order to treat them. Probably need to wipe down and clean everything real good. Get one of the bugs while it is still alive and see what kills it.
Reply:red pepper mixed into the dirt.
Reply:Little black bugs could be lots of things. Do you mean ants? Or tiny beetles or what?





If they are ants, you can get a powder or a liquid bait to put down. Try asking where you bought the plants or at a garden centre or hardware store.
Reply:Add some dish detergent/mild detergent to water in a spray bottle. Spray directly into the soil and this should do the trick.
Reply:You can try Raid Yard Guard fogger. Do this outside, you can even place the plant into a cardboard box to concentrate the fog on your plant.





Another alternative is to soak some cigarette tobacco in water, and use the resulting fluid in a sprayer to kill the bugs. It will work, believe me.
Reply:get new soil


How do you keep house plants/outside plants from getting "leggy"?

We buy plants for the outside pots in the spring and the seem to get real "leggy" or stringy and long...I know the quality of the plant is involved..but is it too much water/sun/????

How do you keep house plants/outside plants from getting "leggy"?
If you will keep the plant trimmed back, it will force it to get bushy. Usually a plant gets "leggy" when it has not been trimmed. Feeding with Miracle Gro would really help also.
Reply:don't know I dont have a green thumb

roller blades

Tropical house plants - tips for keeping them fresh and keen?

My west-facing high-windowed air-conditioned apartment is bursting with tropical palms, paquira aquaticas, and other broad-leaved plants, but their fronds occasionally brown and dullen. I spray regularly and top up woth water only occasionally.





Have a lovely day.

Tropical house plants - tips for keeping them fresh and keen?
the shower tip is a good one, also, rub the leaves with banana skin, this really helps :)
Reply:Take them into the shower .. I do all the time .. My a/c blows over several of mine, and they tend to get dusty ... I take them into the shower , spray them good , and wipe the leaves off with a sponge ..


( Hint .. DON"T tell your friends you shower with plants ...) lol...


Have a good one !
Reply:Houseplant foods are beneficial, but remember that a little fertiliser can go a long way.


Place a newspaper between the windowsill garden and the window at night to keep the chill from injuring house plants


Rotate house plants in dim locations to sunny spots to keep them all in prime condition


Dust foliage plants or give them an occasional shower


How come i keep killing house plants?

Yes i water the plant, and no, i do not over water the plant. Yes the plant gets some sun. I get tropical plants, and even bought plant food for the new plant, but he is not doing good at all.





The last plant i got was healthy, then all of a sudden he got weak, and then i noticed bugs that looked like centipeads (spelling?), where did these bugs come from?

How come i keep killing house plants?
No Green Thumb. Tropical plants like it warm and enjoy a fine mist with water at room temp. It sounds like the bugs that attacked your last plant was because there was mold in your dirt and the dirt did not get a chance to dry out thoroughly. The next time you buy a plant make sure you have the directions for care. Follow them to the T and you should be OK. Most need water once a week. Water them till it runs out the bottom then stop. As for food do not get on leaves just poor on dirt. Try again you'll get it down sooner or later. Good Luck!!
Reply:Lots of people kill plants with kindness; keeping the soil moist (rather than wet) is a good rule of thumb unless it's something like bamboo. Don't fertilize for the first 2 - 3 months, as most nurseries/suppliers pot their new plants in a soil/fertilizer mix. After that, I like to fertilize most plants each time I water with a quarter-strength soluble fertilizer. Light can be an issue for some plants. If you see leaves turning brown or getting VERY light green, they're probably getting too much sun; if they "lean" toward the light, they probably need to be a bit closer. Very few plants can take direct sunlight, particularly from a west- or south- facing window. If you must use these windows, try putting a sheer curtain on the window to cut down on the intensity of the sun. Humidity is also a factor to be considered; if the tips of the leaves get brown, or if they wilt quickly, it may be too dry. To combat this (without using a humidifier), try setting the pot on a tray or saucer filled with pebbles, into which water has been poured so that the pebbles are just sticking out. As the water evaporates, the air immediately around the plant will be more humid. If you are having pest problems, a good drench will sometimes take care of things - most nurseries can point you at a good all-round product (Safer Soap is a good one).





These are all very general suggestions, obviously, but hopefully they'll get you back on track with your plants. Good luck!
Reply:Tropic plants love humidity, you need to put a few rocks between bottom of the planter and between the water catch all plate, bigger than the plant vase! Add water down into that area, not to be sucked up by the roots.





If to close to the window now in the winter time, cold temperture may be killing it.


Find its accurate dirt ph level its supposed to be at. Find the best book at the local library or here online. Maybe at times you should of put a large enough bag over it with some air in the bag put in sunshine for an hour or so, for more humidity to build it up. Don't over heat this way. Short time fix!





Bugs may have been in dirt all along, and layed the larvae that ate the roots. So now plants is dying. Put whole thing in garbage bag like Glad bag wrap it up, twist into a tie and toss it, so all bugs die and don't breed, and infect other natural floral in your state of residents.





Stick to normal household plants, good for your area!
Reply:What kind of plant, you did not state here.


Maybe they are some kind of pest worms. Earthworms are brown and longish, so don't kill those. I suggest you put granular insecticide and spray the leaves of other plants that have such a problem.


I am sorry your plant died. Soil condition could also be a cause of death. some plants need arid soil, damp or moist soil. Certain plants like poison ivy and dumbcane do not need sunlight much. The flowering plants do need plenty.
Reply:I am taking a guess but maybe its cause of the soil
Reply:well, for tropical plants, it may depend on the climate of where you live. i don't think that tropcial plants do well in a lot of climates.
Reply:You know plants were not made to grow inside, really. Nothing is native to indoors :-) I have been a landscaper for 14 years and I have trouble with houseplants. I can only grow them if they are IN a window. And my availabilty of windows is on the north side. I water my plants once a week. That is I take them to the sink, fill them up with water and let them drain there. And I spritz them with water from a spray bottle. After they've drained I take them back to their saucer in the window. NEVER plant in those pots that have saucers attached! They are terrible. Mine are in about 6 inch to 8 inch pots. Larger pots will not need water as often as they don't dry out so quickly.





Whatever bug you have, take the plant outside and spray it with a safer soapy insecticide thoroughly. Let it dry and bring it back.





Good luck :-)
Reply:Get a spray bottle from the garden department and spray them with a watery mist.
Reply:it could be the climate of the indoor conditions


make sure the plant you have can actually survive indoors. many plants require a lot of sunlight i mean a lot


others need little to none.


yours being tropical plants it could most likely be lack of sunlight and most of all the climate as tropical plants prefer more of a humid and warm climate rather than cold AC air
Reply:most insects lay their eggs in the soil of a plant.


try removing the soil from all the pots, wash out all the pots (try the dishwasher if you have one; for hot soapy water) and buy new, fresh houseplant potting soil.


rinse the old soil off the plants roots with lukewarm running water and re-plant them in the fresh soil.


Get a good houseplant systemic fertilizer (most home and garden centers have them) and ask a store associate for advice about the care for each type of plant.
Reply:Take the plant back were you got it and tell them or show them, they should not be selling plants with bugs. With your plants dying maybe its the heat in your house, if you have gas keep a glass of water next to the plant or set it inside the pot just to get moisture in the air.
Reply:get a book about houseplants and read it to learn which plants do best inside and which you like


the two most important things are light and water, decide where you want to keep the plants, make note of their exposure (north, south, east or west) talk to your local garden shop and select the plants best for you
Reply:not enough sun?


What Tropical Plants/House Plants are deadly to Cats?

I just purchased some house plants and I was wondering if anyone knew the specific species and perhaps a web link with photos of house plants that are deadly to Cats. I don't want my cat to get sick..I have a few Snake Plants and some ohther ones I am unfamiliar with-I purchased them at Home Depot. Thanks.

What Tropical Plants/House Plants are deadly to Cats?
Below is a link to a list of plants that are toxic to cats. This web site also gives information for each plant on what symptoms to look for that would alert you that your cat may have been poisoned by eating a particular plant.





http://maxshouse.com/Toxic_Plants%20_Ind...





Lilies in particular are extremely poisonous to cats and can be a potential cause of kidney (renal) failure in cats. The entire plant, leaves, stamen, pollen etc. are all poisonous. Symptoms of poisoning can occur within two hours and include vomiting, depression and lack of appetite. No matter how little of the plant has been eaten, or even if your cat has just washed pollen off it's coat,veterinary advice should be sought immediately as time is of the essence.





Below is another link, but this one is for a list of plants that are considered to be safe for cats.





http://cats.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite...
Reply:Ready for this list...


These are some of the plants that are toxic %26amp; or deadly to domestic housecats.


You can look up the images by name via google or a nursery website.





Aloe Vera


Amaryllis


Asparagus Fern


Autumn Crocus


Avocado


Azalea


Baby's Breath


Baneberry


Bayonet


Beargrass


Beech


Belladonna


Bird of Paradise


Bittersweet


Black-eyed Susan


Black Locust


Bleeding Heart


Bluebonnet


Box


Boxwood


Branching Ivy


Buckeyes


Buddist Pine


Burning Bush


Buttercup


Cactus, Candelabra


Caladium


Calla Lily


Castor Bean


Cherry (pits, seeds %26amp; wilting leaves)


Cherry, most wild varieties


Cherry, ground


Cherry, Laurel


Chinaberry


Chinese Evergreen


Christmas Rose


Chrysanthemum


Clematis


Cornflower


Corn Plant


Cornstalk Plant


Croton


Corydalis


Crocus, Autumn


Crown of Thorns


Cuban Laurel


Cutleaf Philodendron


Cycads


Cyclamen


Daffodil


Daphne


Datura


Deadly Nightshade


Death Camas


Devil's Ivy


Delphinium


Decentrea


Dieffenbachia


Dracaena Palm


Dragon Tree


Dumb Cane


Easter Lily *


Eggplant


Elaine


Elderberry


Elephant Ear


Emerald Feather


English Ivy


Eucalyptus


Euonymus


Evergreen


Ferns


Fiddle-leaf fig


Florida Beauty


Flax


Four O'Clock


Foxglove


Fruit Salad Plant


Geranium


German Ivy


Giant Dumb Cane


Glacier IvyGolden Chain


Gold Dieffenbachia


Gold Dust Dracaena


Golden Glow


Golden Pothos


Gopher Purge


Hahn's Self-Branching Ivy


Heartland Philodendron


Hemlock, Poison


Hemlock, Water


Henbane


Holly


Honeysuckle


Horsebeans


Horsebrush


Horse Chestnuts


Hurricane Plant


Hyacinth


Hydrangea


Indian Rubber Plant


Indian Tobacco


Iris


Iris Ivy


Jack in the Pulpit


Janet Craig Dracaena


Japanese Show Lily *


Java Beans


Jessamine


Jerusalem Cherry


Jimson Weed


Jonquil


Jungle Trumpets


Kalanchoe


Lacy Tree Philodendron


Lantana


Larkspur


Laurel


Lily


Lily Spider


Lily of the Valley


Locoweed


Lupine


Madagascar Dragon Tree


Marble Queen


Marigold


Marijuana


Mescal Bean


Mexican Breadfruit


Miniature Croton


Mistletoe


Mock Orange


Monkshood


Moonseed


Morning Glory


Mother-in Law's Tongue


Morning Glory


Mountain Laurel


Mushrooms


Narcissus


Needlepoint Ivy


Nephytis


Nightshade


Oleander


Onion


Oriental Lily *


Peace Lily


Peach (pits and wilting leaves)


Pencil Cactus


Peony


Periwinkle


Philodendron


Pimpernel


Plumosa Fern


Poinciana


Poinsettia (low toxicity)


Poison Hemlock


Poison Ivy


Poison Oak


Pokeweed


Poppy


Potato


Pothos


Primrose


Privet, Common


Red Emerald


Red Princess


Red-Margined Dracaena


Rhododendron


Rhubarb


Ribbon Plant


Rosemary Pea


Rubber Plant


Saddle Leaf Philodendron


Sago Palm


Satin Pothos


Schefflera


Scotch Broom


Silver Pothos


Skunk Cabbage


Snowdrops


Snow on the Mountain


Star of Bethlehem


String of Pearls


Striped Dracaena


Sweetheart Ivy


Sweetpea


Tiger Lily *


Tobacco


Tomato Plant (green fruit, stem and leaves)


Tree Philodendron


Tropic Snow Dieffenbachia


Tulip


Water Hemlock


Weeping Fig


Wild Call


Wisteria


Yews --


Japanese Yew


English Yew


Western Yew


American Yew
Reply:You can add Spider Plants to the list. I had one and was told by my vet to keep it out of reach of my cats.


My house plants are dying?

my house plant are dying I never had this promblemI have had them for year I move to a different place and they look there worst what can I do to help them?

My house plants are dying?
My search pulled up this site that might be some help to you. Good Luck !

















Cleaning


Houseplants may collect dust or greasy films that dull their appearance, making them less attractive. Clean leaves are favorable to healthy growth. Also, cleaning helps control insects and enhances the plants’ attractive-ness. Products that clean and shine leaves are generally not recommended because the waxy coating residue may interfere with air exchange. Never use these products on plants that have hairy leaves, such as African violets.





The best way to clean leaves that are not hairy is to dampen a soft cloth with water and wipe the lower and upper surfaces of each leaf. An alternative is to place the entire plant outdoors or in the shower to rinse it off. Plants with hairy leaves should not be dusted with a wet cloth but with a soft cosmetic brush. A pressure sprayer may be employed.





Fertilizing


All plants require certain essential elements for proper growth. Houseplants, in low light conditions of the interior environment, have reduced fertilizer requirements.





Observation will guide you in determining a plant’s fertilizer needs. As a rule, applications should be more frequent when the plants are in their growth stage(s). This is usually in the spring and summer when sunlight intensities increase and the days are warmer and longer. During the short days of winter, many houseplants that receive little or no artificial light enter a "resting stage." If plants go into a winter rest period, do not give them fertilizer.





Frequency of fertilizer application varies somewhat with the vigor of growth and age of each plant. Rapid, new growth is often undesirable, as plants may outgrow their locations. As a rule, fertilizer applications should be more frequent when the plants are growing. Fertilize at the recommended label rate every two or three months, or dilute the fertilizer to about one-tenth the recommended rate and use this solution at every watering during the growing season. An alternative to these methods is to fertilize every seventh watering.





A complete fertilizer (one that contains nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium) is an excellent choice for indoor gardens. Choose a balanced fertilizer for foliage plants, such as 20-20-20, and one that is higher in phosphorous for flowering plants, such as 15-30-15. These numbers represent the percents by weight of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the fertilizer.





Fertilizers are available for houseplants in liquid form, water-soluble granules and slow-release forms (granules, stick or tablets). Water-soluble fertilizers are often preferred because dilute solutions reduce the potential for fertilizer burn.





Soils that have a white film on the surface or pots with a white crust on the rim or drainage hole may indicate that the plant is being over-fertilized and/or possibly over-watered. Salt buildup in the soil can lead to root damage, causing symptoms such as reduced growth, brown leaf tips, dropping of lower leaves and wilting of the plant.





The most effective way to prevent soluble salt injury is to prevent the salts from building up. Water correctly by watering the soil thoroughly and allowing the excess to flow out of the drain holes into a tray which is emptied.





Indoor Containers


Many types of containers can be used for growing plants. Most pots with bottom drainage holes are made of plastic, ceramic or clay, whereas decorative containers without drainage holes may be made of clay, ceramic, plastic, wood, copper, brass and various other materials.





It is important to choose the correct size container for the plant. Containers too small or too large present an unbalanced appearance. An appropriate container should provide room for soil and roots, allow sufficient headroom for proper watering, and be attractive without competing with the plant.





Two methods for potting houseplants are:





Planting directly in the container


When plants are potted directly in the container, the container should have a drainage hole and a tray to catch the excess water. If the pot does not have a drainage hole, place a layer of coarse gravel in the bottom to allow a space for excess water (it is important not to saturate soil in such containers).


Placing a potted plant in another, more decorative container ("double-potting")


The "double-potting" technique can be used with decorative containers with or without drainage holes. The smaller, interior pot should have a drainage hole. If the decorative pot does not have a drainage hole, place a layer of gravel in this pot, and place the potted plant on the gravel layer. No gravel layer is necessary. If the decorative pot has a drainage hole, be sure to place a tray beneath the pot to catch the excess water.


Never place pots directly in contact with the carpet, floor or furniture as moisture can damage its surroundings.





Clay pots are porous and allow air movement through the sides of the pot. This allows the soil to dry and oxygen to reach the roots. Nonporous containers prevent water from evaporating through the sides, thus, plants require less frequent watering than those in clay pots.





Light Requirements


The environment in our homes dictates which plants will grow vigorously and which will suffer. The most important environmental factor in growing plants indoors is adequate light.





Light provides the energy source needed for plants to manufacture food. The amount of light is commonly measured in foot-candles (ft-c). The interior of a well-lighted home is often less than 100 ft-c, while outdoor light intensity on a clear sunny day may exceed 10,000 ft-c. Plants differ greatly in their light intensity requirements (see table). houseplants are often classified by the amount of light necessary for growth:





Low (minimum 100 ft-c, 75 to 200 preferred for good growth)





Medium (minimum 100 to 150 ft-c, 200 to 500 preferred)





High (minimum 150 to 1000 ft-c, 500 to 1000 preferred)





Very high (minimum 1000 ft-c, 1000+ preferred)





About 100 ft-c for 12 hours per day are necessary simply to maintain plant quality for one year, and at least 200 ft-c for 12 hours per day are necessary for foliage plants to manifest any benefit from fertilization.





With the exception of homes with a sunroom or greenhouse, few homes have areas with sufficient light levels to grow plants that require very high light (hibiscus, wax begonia, geranium). High light plants (weeping fig, English ivy, schefflera) can usually be grown well near windows or glass doors with western or southern exposures. Medium light plants (African violet, Boston fern, dumb cane) do well if placed within several feet of these light sources or in eastern exposures. Low light plants (peace lily, heart-leaf philodendron, cast-iron plant) can be placed several feet away from eastern exposures or in northern exposures. The amount of light at any given location will vary according to time of year (angle of the sun, day length), outdoor tree shading, window curtains and wall color (light reflection), as well as the location itself. Inexpensive light meters are available.





Artificial lighting is widely used to supplement or replace natural light. Many houseplants grow well under artificial light provided by fluorescent lamps or special incandescent lights. A large variety of fluorescent lamps are available. Generally, ordinary incandescent lamps are not recommended for plants, as plants placed under them tend to stretch or become "leggy." It is possible to make up for lack of sufficient light by increasing the time or duration that the plant is exposed to light. Sixteen hours of light and eight hours of darkness are satisfactory for most plants. Use an electric timer to ensure the correct cycle each day.





While lack of sufficient light results in poor plant growth, too much light can also be harmful. Shade plants cannot tolerate excessively high light levels. When a plant receives too much direct light the leaves bleach or scald, sometimes dying. This often happens after moving a plant outdoors in direct light. Any changes in light intensity should be gradual.





Light requirements in footcandles (ft-c) for some common houseplants


Low Light (100 ft-c)


Aglaonema commutatum Silver Evergreen


Aglaonema commutatum cv. Silver King Silver King Evergreen


Aglaonema modestum Chinese Evergreen


Aspidistra elatior Cast-iron Plant


Aspidistra elatior cv. Variegata Variegated Cast-iron Plant


Chamaedorea elegans Parlor Palm


Epipremnum aureum Golden Pothos


Epipremnum aureum cv. Marble Queen Marble Queen Pothos


Monstera deliciosa Split-leaf Philodendron


Sansevieria trifasciata Snake Plant


Sansevieria trifasciata cv. Laurentii Goldband Sansevieria


Medium Light (100 to 150 ft-c)


Aechmea fasciata Silver Vase


Asparagus densiflorus cv. Myers Plume Asparagus


Asparagus densiflorus cv. Sprengeri Sprengeri Asparagus


Asparagus setaceus Fern Asparagus


Aucuba japonica cv. Variegata Gold-dust Plant


Brassaia actinophylla* Schefflera


Brassaia arboricola* Dwarf Schefflera


Caryota mitis Fishtail Palm


Chamaedorea erumpens* Bamboo Plant


Chlorophytum comosum cv. Variegatum Spider Plant


Cissus rhombifolia Grape Ivy


Dieffenbachia amoena Giant Dumbcane


Dieffenbachia maculata Spotted Dumbcane


Dizygotheca elegantissima False Aralia


Dracaena deremensis cv. Warneckii* Striped Dracaena


Dracaena fragrans cv. Massangeana* Corn Plant


Dracaena godseffiana* Gold-dust Dracaena


Dracaena marginata* Red-margined Dracaena


Dracaena sanderana* Ribbon Plant


Fatsia japonica Japanese Fatsia


Ficus benjamina Weeping Fig


Ficus elastica cv. Decora India Rubber Plant


Ficus lyrata Fiddle-leaf Fig


Ficus retusa Indian Laurel


Gynura aurantiaca Velvet Plant


Hedera helix and cultivars English Ivy


Howea forsterana Kentia Palm


Maranta leuconeura cv. Erythroneura Red-veined Prayer Plant


Nephrolepsis exatata cv. Bostoniensis Boston Fern


Peperomia caperata* Emerald Ripple Peperomia


Peperomia obtusifolia Oval-leaf Peperomia


Philodendron bipennifolium* Fiddle-leaf Philodendron


Philodendron scandens subsp. oxycardium* Heart-leaf Philodendron


Philodendron selloum Tree Philodendron


Pilea cadierei Aluminum Plant


Pilea involucrata Friendship Plant


Plectranthus australis Swedish Ivy





Polyscias balfouriana cv. Marginata Variegated Balfour Aralia


Saintpaulia species, hybrids, and cultivars African Violet


Spathiphyllum cv. Clevelandi Cleveland Peace Lily


Spathiphyllum cv. Mauna Loa Mauna Loa Peace Lily


Syngonium podophyllum cv. Trileaf Wonder* Trileaf Wonder Nephthytis


Tradescantia fluminensis Inch Plant


Zebrina pendula Wandering Jew


High Light (150 to 1000 ft-c)


Aloe barbadensis Aloe Vera


Alternanthera ficoidea Joseph’s Coat


Aphelandra squarrosa Zebra Plant


Araucaria heterophylla Norfolk Island Pine


Beaucarnea recurvata Ponytail Palm


Cissus antarctica** Kangaroo Vine


Citrofortunella mitis Calamondin Orange


Coffea arabica Coffee


Coleus blumei Coleus





Cordyline terminalis Ti Plant


Crassula argentea Jade Plant


x Fatshedera lizei** Botanical Wonder





Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Chinese Hibiscus


Hoya carnosa** Wax Plant


Iresine lindenii Blood Leaf


Podocarpus gracilior Weeping Pododarpus


Polyscias fruticosa Ming Aralia


Rhoeo spathacea Moses-in-the-Cradle


Schlumbergera cv. Bridgesii Christmas Cactus


Sedum morganianum


Burro’s Tail





*May also be conditioned to grow in low light.


**May also be conditioned to grow in medium light.
Reply:Put them back wherever they were growing well ! and check for bugs!!!
Reply:WATER THEM SILLY!!!!
Reply:Check light levels first, then check to make sure they aren't next to the furnace vents. Could also be a temperature change. Or maybe different water? Different cities add different things to their water supplies. (like fluoride and chlorine, which plants don't usually like)
Reply:I use the water from my fish aquarium to water my plants. Were your plants in extreme heat/cold when you moved them? They will probably survive your move, but it may be some time before they pull out of the stress they've endured. Good luck!
Reply:Buy some plant food, and give them some cold tea. You might find they need watering more or less, because your present house may be colder or warmer than your last one.
Reply:Try making sure that they have plenty of light, plenty of water and fertilizer. Perhaps they need repotting to a larger pot.
Reply:give them sunshine...most of all ..H20!

buckles

Oxygenating house plants?

what are some very oxygenating house plants that will thrive in a sixty to seventy degree home?

Oxygenating house plants?
spider plants


peace lillies


ivy


money tree


coffee plant


violets


mother in laws tongue


all plants are oxygenating plants..


and most do well inside with the right conditions


i have like 15 house plants in my kitchen and cant think of half od the names!
Reply:Peace Lily,prayer plant,Ivys,are all low light.
Reply:Peace Lilly...anything in the philadenderon family. What kind of lighting can you provide?


Does Cayenne hurt house plants?

Hello everyone,





I just moved in with a new roommate. I am finding out that her cat loves to eat all my house plants. I haven't had this problem with my cat. Looking up info on trying to stop my roommates cat from eating plants and I see a remedy that calls for putting cayenne pepper on the plant to deter in worst case scenarios. I think I have reached this point, because the cat loves to play with the squirts from the squirt gun. But my question is will the cayenne hurt my plants.





Thanks for any answers,


-Chris

Does Cayenne hurt house plants?
cayenne pepper will not hurt your plants. I have even sprinkled the crushed peppers (Like from Pizza Hut) it runs the cat off and have even started some extra plants.
Reply:i thought you were talking about the car (the porsche cayenne) that hurts house plants, but dont know about pepper. sorry


What are good types of house plants to get for apt?

I'm interested in getting some house plants/flowers for my apartment and wanted to know what types are good. I like colorful plants.

What are good types of house plants to get for apt?
If you like beautiful colorful indoor plants you cant go past Coleus. They come in many different colours and leaf shapes. Because they are a rain forest plant they make good indoor plants.





The sites below will show you some of them.


http://www.thegardenhelper.com/coleus.ht...


http://www.botany.com/coleus.html


http://rainforest1155.smugmug.com/galler...


http://www.pbase.com/stephenoachs/image/...








The other plant that grows well indoors is Peace Lily also known as Spath (Spathiphyllum)


http://www.plant-care.com/drooping-peace...


http://products.proflower





If you would like a bit of height then go for indoor palms


like the Majestic Palm. The bigger the pot the larger they grow. That gives you control how big you want then to grow.





http://www.bentleytropicals.com/tourlarg...





I have also seen the Majestic Palm called Majesty Palm.


http://www.broadfieldgardens.com/rental/...
Reply:I would never take the time to care for real plants any more. The fake silk are more beautiful than the real ones. I have some that people didn't believe were fake.
Reply:hello my freand.


do you like go to the http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load...


for just your answer.


adolf hitler...
Reply:orchid near a window


umbrella plants


ivy in the bathroom


House plants?

i bought a few house plants really don,t have a gren tumb so i bought them knew some of them said high light, others said medeum light,ect, so one night i had a floresent light like the ones , you put over a fish tank we,ll to make a stupid story shor i damaged them so my ? is can the be saved or are they garbge.

House plants?
If they are totally fried, absolutely NO green vine, then toss them. If there's a bit of green vine or leaves, they may have a chance.

roller blades

House plants?!?!?

I know house plants are supposed to clean up the air in your house... so what's a small plant that gives off a lot of oxygen?

House plants?!?!?
try the common spider plant, it's easy to grow and look after, and very easy to propogate.
Reply:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houseplant
Reply:A houseplant is a plant that is grown indoors in places such as residences and offices. Houseplants are commonly grown for decorative purposes and health reasons such as indoor air purification. Plants used in this fashion are most commonly, though not always, tropical or semi-tropical. [1]


A variegated cultivar of Sansevieria trifasciata (namely 'Laurentii'), a common houseplant


A variegated cultivar of Sansevieria trifasciata (namely 'Laurentii'), a common houseplant


Contents


[show]





* 1 Caring for a houseplant


o 1.1 Moisture


o 1.2 Light


o 1.3 Soil


o 1.4 Temperature


o 1.5 Humidity


o 1.6 Fertilizers


o 1.7 Pot types and sizes


* 2 Alternative growing methods


o 2.1 Hydroculture


o 2.2 Sub-irrigation


o 2.3 Indoor bonsai


* 3 List of common houseplants


o 3.1 Tropical and subtropical houseplants


o 3.2 Succulents


o 3.3 Forced bulbs


o 3.4 Temperate Houseplants


* 4 See also


* 5 References


* 6 External links





[edit] Caring for a houseplant





Major factors that should be considered when caring for houseplants are moisture, light, soil mixture, temperature, humidity, fertilizers, potting, and pest control. The following includes some general guidelines for houseplant care. For specific houseplant needs, the tags that sometimes come with plants are notoriously unhelpful and generic. Specific care information may be found widely online and in books.





[edit] Moisture





Both under-watering and over-watering can be detrimental to a houseplant. The best way to determine whether a plant needs water is to check the soil moisture. Feeling the soil is most reliable, since moisture meters are often inaccurate. Most potted plants must be allowed to reach an appropriate level of dryness in between waterings, though the amount of watering required varies greatly depending on the species. Proper soil moisture can range from still slightly moist on the soil surface to very dry to nearly the bottom of the pot. Watering a plant by the calendar is not recommended. If a plant does need to be watered, water should be slowly poured over the surface of the soil until it begins to drain out the bottom of the pot, ensuring complete saturation. However, sometimes the soil separates from the sides of the pot if it is allowed to dry out thoroughly, allowing the water to flow down the sides of the rootball and out the bottom too quickly to be absorbed and retained by the soil and roots. If this is the case, it may be necessary to set the plant in a shallow dish of water long enough for it to soak up enough water to moisten the rootball to its center. Repotting should eliminate this problem. Repotting should be done only when necessary, since the roots of a plant that is in an excessively large pot may rot.





[edit] Light





Through the process of photosynthesis, plants convert the energy in sunlight to chemical energy, which fuels plant growth. The two important factors for providing light to a house plant are intensity and duration.





Different plants require different light intensities. Intensity (or quality) of light is difficult to measure without a light meter. It is usually measured in units of lux. 100 lux or less is usually considered "low intensity" or "indirect" lighting. A bright office has about 400 lux of illumination. 1,000 lux or more is usually considered "high intensity" lighting. Direct outdoor sunlight is in the range 32,000-100,000 lux. Foot-candles are also occasionally used.





The duration of light exposure is as important as the intensity. Quality exposure of 8 to 16 hours is ideal for most plants. Photoperiodism must also be considered, since some plants such as Poinsettia and Schlumbergera are influenced by either decreasing or increasing daylight hours.





Windows are the most common sources of light for houseplants. In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing windows have the most sun exposure, while western, eastern, and north-facing windows have progressively less exposure. Natural sunlight through windows is affected by seasonal changes, cloud cover, and window treatments.





Artificial light sources can provide an alternative or supplement to window lighting. Fluorescent lighting provides excellent light quality whereas standard incandescent bulbs do little to promote plant growth. "Cool", or "blue", fluorescent lights provide the light needed for green foliage plants, while "warm", or "red", fluorescent lights provide the light needed for blooming flowers. Fluorescent bulbs that fit into standard screw-in light sockets are readily available.





[edit] Soil





Houseplants are generally grown in specialized soils called potting compost or potting soil, not in local natural soil. A good potting compost mixture includes soil conditioners to provide the plant with nutrients, support, adequate drainage, and proper aeration. Most potting composts contain a combination of peat and vermiculite or perlite. Concern over environmental damage to peat bogs, however, is leading to the replacement of peat by coir (coconut fibre), which is a sustainable resource. A nutrient rich compost can usually be bought wherever potted plants are sold.





If local natural soil is to be used, it should first be heat sterilized by placing the soil in an oven at 90 °C (200 °F) for at least 30 minutes. This will ensure that the soil does not contain any harmful bacteria. Most locals soils, especially those with a high proportion of clay, do not drain well enough to be a suitable growing medium for houseplants. Coir or peat is used to increase aeration and make heavy soils more absorbent. Vermiculite and perlite aid in drainage in a soil mixture. Perlite is recommended over vermiculite because it does not break down as easily. A coarse grade sand or grit can be used as a substitute for a drainage mechanism if needed. These three ingredients can be mixed in varying ratios to create different potting soil types. For a plant that requires fast drainage, such as a cactus, use plenty of coarse sand, grit or perlite. For a plant that requires plenty of moisture, use more coir. A good all purpose soil mixture is 2 parts coir and 1 part perlite or vermiculite. A so-called "heavy soil mix" will contain sterilised soil, milled sphagnum moss or coir, and perlite in equal proportions. It is also possible to make a soil mixture that actually contains no soil by mixing equal parts peat moss and perlite (or vermiculite). The soiless mixture will retain more moisture.





[edit] Temperature





Most houseplants are tropical species selected for their adaptation to growth in a climate which ranges from 15 °C to 25 °C (60 °F to 80 °F), similar to the temperature in most homes. Temperature control for other plants with differing requirements needs attention to heating and/or cooling.





[edit] Humidity





Humidity is slightly more difficult to control than temperature. The more commonly used houseplants have established that they can survive in low humidity environments as long as their roots are kept properly irrigated. Most plants thrive in 80% relative humidity while most homes are usually kept around 20% to 60% relative humidity. Besides buying a humidifier, there are a few things that can be done to increase humidity around houseplants. The most popular methods used to raise the ambient humidity are misting and pebble trays, which are shallow trays covered with pebbles and filled with water that evaporates to increase humidity. Other methods of raising humidity include grouping plants closely together and not placing plants in drafty areas. Misting is somewhat controversial among gardeners, with some that swear by it and others that say it does little to increase humidity around plants.





[edit] Fertilizers





In a potted environment, soil nutrients can eventually get depleted. Adding fertilizer can artificially provide these nutrients. However, adding unneeded fertilizer can be harmful to the plant. Because of this, careful consideration must be taken before fertilizing. If a plant has been in the same potting mix for a year or more and is growing vigorously, then it may be a candidate for nutrient replacement done by using a complete fertilizer at half the recommended label dilution rate.





Fertilizers are usually marked with a number such as 20–20–20. These numbers indicate the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium respectively, the three elements that are needed in the most quantity for plant growth. A 3–1–2 ratio of these elements is usually good for green foliage plants, while a 1–2–1 ratio is usually better for flowering plants. A complete fertilizer will also include the minor and trace elements, such as calcium, magnesium and iron.





While variation may occur between brands, a general rule is to mix 1 tablespoon to every gallon of water. In all cases, it is better to under-fertilize than over-fertilize. The diluted mixture is then used to water the plants. The growth of the plants should be monitored to determine if the fertilizer is helping or harming, and how often (if at all) it should be used. Schedules can range from every other week to every three months. For convenience, plant spikes and time released fertilizers such as Osmocote are also available.





[edit] Pot types and sizes





Proper pot size is an important factor to consider. A pot that is too large will cause root disease because of the excess moisture retained in the soil, while a pot that is too small will restrict a plant's growth. Generally, a plant can stay in the same pot for two or so years. Pots come in a variety of types as well, but usually can be broken down into two groups: porous and non-porous. Porous pots are usually clay and are highly recommended because


House Plants?

on Some of my house plants the tips of the leaves are turning brown .... I keep them watered with chlorine free water and i fertilize them, what is the problem. it is my Corn Stalk plant leaves and my peace liles. They all have plenty of light. I tried higher elevation and keeping them from electronics, but they still turn brown.... What am I doing wrong?

House Plants?
Elevation and proximity to a household electronics never had or will have any effect on a plant.





you say they get plenty of light, how much? Arethe ygetting burned from the sun?





How often do you water them? If you are overwatering them, the roots could be rotting, resulting in dieback. They should only be watered when the soil is dry an inch or tw odown, jsut because the surface is dry doesnt mean under is dry also, check with a tooth pick, skewer, or chopstick.





How often do you fertilize? Over fertilization (too frequently) will burn the roots leading to die back. House plants should be fed every 2-4 weeks.





I would make sure it is not directly in a window recieving more than 6 hrs of direct sunlight, as the lack of vcirculation indoors can lead to burning from the sun. I would also adjust watering as needed. Yopu may want to remove the plants from the pots and examine their roots. If brown or black (they should be white, especially at tips) trim them some as black is rotting. I would also cut back on feeding if feeding more than once every 2-4 weeks
Reply:you need to mist them or spray with aerosol leaf shine.





i recommend misting
Reply:You are watering them TOO much!! Let the soil get completely dry and then drench them, this is the best watering process I have found. It is kind of cruel because you are depriving them of water until the soil is bone dry but it keeps them perked up, starting new shoots, and from developing the brown edges.
Reply:Just because plants are dry on the surface does not necessarily mean they aren't possibly soggy a few inches down. Buy a moisture meter and then you will know for sure. They are cheap and really useful.





Do you use room temperature water? Could you be feeding too much?
Reply:you are watering them too much. Most house plants don't require very much water at all. Let the soil get dry and then water unless they start to look worse. I water my house plants about once a week and fertilize every 2 weeks. You can gently break the leaves that are brown off and the plant will grow better.
Reply:Agreed, you are quite possibly "killing them with kindness" ie: to much water/fertilizer. Try these: purchase both a moisture meter and a soil test kit. Consult the info tabs in the soil if you still have them, or a garden shop for the proper soil PH levels for your plants (I love corn plants, btw). Also, keep the plants pruned. When the foliage starts to die off, trim the dying leaves from the plant so that the water and nutrients are being pulled from the roots and into the live areas, otherwise the plant is wasting energy trying to feed a dying leaf.





And silly as this sounds, talk to your plants. No really, there's a science behind it. The air you exhale contains carbon dioxide which plants need to thrive. They take in the CO2 and in turn give off our much-needed Oxygen. That, and the vibrations from your voice tend to make them happy and keep their energy flowing properly.

Broken Teeth

Does Cayenne hurt house plants?

Hello everyone,





I just moved in with a new roommate. I am finding out that her cat loves to eat all my house plants. I haven't had this problem with my cat. Looking up info on trying to stop my roommates cat from eating plants and I see a remedy that calls for putting cayenne pepper on the plant to deter in worst case scenarios. I think I have reached this point, because the cat loves to play with the squirts from the squirt gun. But my question is will the cayenne hurt my plants.





Thanks for any answers,


-Chris

Does Cayenne hurt house plants?
Not that I know of. It might if you put it directly on the leaves though. Try it on a single leaf. It's also said that cat's don't like citrus so maybe spray your plants with some diluted orange oil.





Cats like to eat greens. If I don't give my cat a plant of her own to eat, she eats the others. Try growing some wheatgrass just for the cat to eat and I bet it will quit eating yours.
Reply:Red pepper doesn't work for one of my cats. I thought I'd try black pepper if he pesters a plant.





Be nice to your roommate's feline companion and get him a pot of catnip. If he prefers that, he may also leave your plants alone. If not, it's great entertainment.
Reply:You could always try it on just one leaf to see what happens if you are worried about destroying the whole plant.
Reply:You could actually plant some pepper plants in with your other plants.





I don't think the pepper will hurt, but im not a plant expert.
Reply:No it shouldn't hurt your plants. It never hurt mine. The catnip idea is a good one. Place the pot where the cat is most likely to get to it. And place your plants in different spots. he may be too lazy to go after your plants with the catnip so easy to get to. Also, most pets stores and vet offices sell a product called bitter apple spray. It is made from apple skins and is very sour and bitter to animals. If sprayed around the outside of the pot it may deter him after one taste. My neoghbor used it to stop her dogs from chewing up thecouch. One taste worked.


Why does miraglegrow mold in house plants???

i have several house plants and two of them have been growing mold in the soil. i have cleaned it out and it just comes back!!! Does anyone know why?? or how to prevent this???

Why does miraglegrow mold in house plants???
Hi,





How many plants did you use the MiracleGrow on?


You say only two got mold?


I had a similar problem when I was in AZ . There were only two plants and both got mold.





My guess is I was killing them with kindness and watering them too much. Don't think the MiracleGrow had anything to do with it.





I continued to use the MiracleGrow but cut down the watering to Once a week and then only a limited amount. No more mold problem.





I am interested what others say so I will be watching for other answers too.





Good luck,





!!!!!!!!!Ok this thing has my attention!!!!!!!!!!!!!





I could not stop thinking about the mold problem so I called Scotts Products (makers of MiracleGrow).





They said the MiracleGrow would not cause the mold but too much water would. They suggest you use a moisture senser and water the plant according to the type of plant. Also the soil in some plants may be more compact than the soil in other plants in your house and the water will remain in the more packed soils longer. This could cause mold.


Most indoor plants need a "drying out" period between waterings





I really like MiracleGrow, it makes plants grow like crazy, and am relieved to find out it did not cause the mold in my plants soil.





Guess my first instinct was right after all.





Hope this helps,





Bob
Reply:I lost my mind and bought a small box of Miracle Grow. Used it a couple times on 3 different house plants. Those 3 got soil mold. Only those 3. Threw the wretched stuff away after that. Have since got the problem resolved (replanted) and haven't had any trouble since.