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Home My WebLink AboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1983-12-07, Page 61Poise 3 dt Make your plant gif 1 a livin remein ranee More and more people are turning to "liv- ing gifts" — houseplants that are a constant reminder of the donor and a joy to the home. But although most plants are easy to look after if you follow a few simple rules, it's Poinsettias always make a welcome Christmas gift. There are a variety of other plants and flowers available from local florists to gives as long lasting gifts. certain that within a few weeks of ieceiving the gift many people will be asking "why is my plant dying?" Well neighbors, the reasons are many and varied, yet one thought you should keep in your mind is that the plant's environment has changed, and it will take time to become accustomed to its new surroundings. Don't forget the plant went to the florist directly from a greenhouse where it had ideal grow- ing conditions. Most Canadian homes are too dry in the winter. Plants that tolerate low humidity do well in the 40 to 50 percent relative humidity usually found in heated or air-conditioned homes or apartments. But this is just too dry for many plants that have been grown under ideal conditions. Here are a few. methods you could use to raise the humidity for those plants needing medium humidity: Keep plants where the humidity is highest. The kitchen, particularly above the sink on a window sill, normally is more humid than the rest of the home. Group plants together. Air surrounding grouped plants usually is more humid than air around a single plant. Set plants above a tray of gravel, sand, or peat moss that is kept wet. Install supplemental humidifiers and humidistats in your heating or air- conditioning system, and incidentally, in these days of energy conservation it saves fuel. Avoid Drafts Plants indoors, cannot stand sudden drafts, especially African Violets, Glox- inias, forced bulbs and Poinsettias. When airing the room, be sure to move plants away from doors and -windows. Even the hardiest of house plants,like the Aspidistras and Sansevierias (Snake -Plant) can be harmed by constant exposure to cold air currents, although this may not show im- mediately. If your plants are placed in a window set- ting, watch the temperature, especially at night or in very cold weather. A good protec- tion is afforded by pulling down the shades, or by placing a few sheets of newspaper or cardboard between the plants and the win- dow. Keeping plants clean is also very impor- tant. Use a soft camel's hair brush on the leaves at least once a week, or if the plant does not resent water, spray a little over the foliage and wipe clean with a soft cloth. Most people don't favour cold showers. Neither do plants. Cold water shocks them,and is a source of "set -back". Don't use cold water right from the tap, it's best to let the water stand over night before using it so that it's at room temperature. Most plants can be more easily killed by over - watering than by under -watering, so don't water too often but when you do water, don't just dampen the top soil. Soak the soil thoroughly and the DON'T water again until the earth is quite dry. And don't forget your indoor plants need food just as much as those in your summer garden. Add sqme fertilizers like Instant Vigoro to the water about every four weeks. And now for some details on some plants that you may receive over the holiday season.. 1 AZALEA ( Azalea indica) is a shrublly evergreen that produces white, pink, lavender or red blooms. The plant when bought from a florist is usually in bud and blossom. Place in an east window at a temperature of 55 degrees to 60 degrees for best blooming results. It's a plant that can- not be overwatered and should be watered daily. Then, once a week, stand the plant in water for about half an hour. Azaleas like a little plant food like Instant Vigoro while ac- tively growing. After blooming, the plant may be carried over to the next year by repotting m an acid soil — easily done by using peat and a little soil but NO SAND. The plant should be prun- ed for shape before June, then plunged in the soil outdoors. The new "Keepsake" variety is long lasting. BEGONIAS in many varieties are being offered by florists this year. The old stand by Christmas Cheer is still a most sought after pot plant and can be grown in a room with cool temperatures with lots of light. CALCEOLARIA the slipper plant is another cool room plant and has balloon - like, slipper shaped flowers. DON'T over - water this plant and DON'T overfeed or the foliage will turn yellow. A plant bought when in flower from the florist will usually last four to six weeks. CHRYSANTHEMUM. The newer varieties available from most good florists will last for weeks after the Christmas season. 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