The Goderich Signal-Star, 1986-04-23, Page 65. a
PAGE 34
A houseplant should complement the space it fills
There's more to selecting houseplants
than picking out one you like, paying for it
and taking it home. A plant should comple-
ment the space it fills.
Before shopping for houseplants, study
the total room environment, expecially
natural light conditions, and measure the
spaces where the plants will be positioned.
The amount of sunlight a plant receives
will determine its success or failure in your
home. That's why it's important to evaluate
the available light.
If the sun shines directly through a south -
facing window for at least four hours a day,
you have bright light. Cactuses, scheffleras,
and most flowering plants need bright light.
Medium light is the indirect sun that
filters through windows that face east or
west. Plants suitable for medium .light in-
clude rubber trees, weeping figs and
Swedish ivy.
Low light comes from a north window and
is just bright enough to cast a shadow.
Parlor - palms, Chinese evergreens and
many species of ferns thrive in low light.
Other factors to consider in plant selection
are the size of the plant''at maturity, its
shape, foliage texture and color.
A six-foot Kentia palm would overwhelm
a small room, while a shorter lacy -leaved
false aralia would be perfect.
HIHISEPLANTS SHOULD COMPLEMENT the spaces they fill. A six-foot Kentia palm (1.)
would overwhelm a tight corner or small room. A shorter, lacy -leafed false aralia-(r.) won .d
be more appropriate.
Once you've measured your space and
determined the light intensity,you've also
narrowed your houseplant choices. The next
step is to select those that are suitable for
your room.
Inspect each plant carefully for pests and
diseases. Don't hesitate to question the plant
dealer about anything that looks suspicious.
Never purchase a plant that has limp, of f -
color leaves; it will be a censtant problem.
Look for firm foliage and new growth.
Flowering plants should have plenty of
buds. Don't buy a plant in full flower. It's at
its peak and won't blossom much longer.
When you get your new plants home,
water them thoroughly to flush out any salts
in the soil.
Isolate the newcomers from other
houseplants for two weeks and continue
checking for tell-tale signs of pests and
diseases. If the plants look clean after two
weeks, move them to their new locations.
Fertilizing too soon can cause root burn.
Wait until the plants have acclimated
themselves to their new environment, usual-
ly in about two months.
All houseplants need nitrogen for vigorous
green growth. A convenient source of this
vital nutrient is as near as the pantry shelf:
Knox Unflavored Gelatine. University
research has concluded that unflavored
gelatine, commonly used in recipes, helps
promote fuller, greener plants.
To apply, dissolve an envelope of gelatine
with one cup of hot tap water in a pitcher or
large mixing bowl; then add three cups of
cold water to make a quart. Water the
plants with this mixture once a month.
When you repot actively growing plants
into larger containers, fresh potting soil will
provide phosphorous and potassium.
One last tip; new houseplants can lose up
to one third of their lower leaves. Don't be
alarmed; it indicates that the plant is mak-
ing a normal adjustment.
�
Dmitri WMAlliNf
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