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A Condition To Destroy Plants

Overwatering the soil does not compensate for lack of atmospheric humidity. When I advise people who bring me samples of house plants grown where the relative humidity of the air is too low, the common reply is: "But I water the plant every day." This is undoubtedly true but unfortunately has little bearing on the issue.

Watering container-grown foliage plants calls for judgment. No absolute rules can be laid down. All you can do is wait until you believe the plant to be in need of water and then to soak the soil thoroughly. Wait until there is a clear need for water again before repeating the process.

Some few plants such as the umbrella-plant grow well in a constantly saturated earth, yet others, such as the begonia. prefer a soil that is only fairly moist. In both cases it should never be allowed to become absolutely dry before water is given. A third group of plants, such as dracaena and schefflera, abhors soils that are always wet; with this group soil should be permitted to become noticeably dry - but not absolutely dry - between waterings.

Foliage plants stored in cool places during the winter should be given only enough water to keep the soil slightly moist. Avoid overwatering.

Fertilizing benefits all foliage plants that have filled their pots with healthy roots and that are in a season of active growth. Don't fertilize plants that are resting or are semi-dormant. Be more sparing in fertilizing plants that are located where they get less light than they really need than you would in fertilizing those that receive adequate illumination. A good example for this is house plants or indoor plants, you should buy houseplant fertilizer to make them healthy. Many a house plant has meet their demise from over fertilization, it is best to give them less than more.

Any of the manufactured complete fertilizers that are prepared especially for house plants are likely to give good results if they are applied from once a week to once a month according to the plant's needs.

Article Source: GardenGap.com

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