TROPICAL HOUSE PLANT CARE

 Tropical house plants care

Have you ever wondered how effectively you can execute tropical house plant care? In truth, most house plants are hybrid species that may be growing as wild plants. Understanding the original environment of the plant’s species is vital, as it would be of much help in ensuring you maintain the overall conditions. Every action you take is vital in ensuring the health of your plant.

The basic elements that are required for indoor plant species are air, water, light, fertilization and temperature. Understanding the inactive and active cycles of each plant is a necessity if you aim to maintain a high standard of tropical house plant care.

More often than not, most house plants should be moist in the event that the hosting soils dry up, especially during their active session; there is no text book rule on watering sessions of any plant. The basic necessity of any plant would be the major issue that comes in to play. Different plants do well in diverse temperature conditions, humidity levels and air conditions; therefore it would be wise to ensure you understand the particular species of plant. Most cities should have their water chlorinated; this is very detrimental for most plants. It would be sensible to leave the water in a jar for about a day before watering the plant. This would allow adequate time for the chemicals to dissolve and subsequently evaporate from the water jar and also ensure the water is at room temperature. Another chemical that may come into play in your tropical house plant care is fluorine, common in tap water.

Usually the level and intensity of light received by the plant will determine the plants overall life cycle. Replicating the plant’s original environment is therefore the key to tropical house plant care. General lack of light would be indicated by factors such as lanky plant growth, yellowing of plant leaves and lack of plant luster. Correction measures would involve moving the plant to an area with sufficient light. You could move it closer to a light source or another room with better lighting conditions.

Most tropical plants are bound to tell the short lengths of day light periods. This makes them go dormant, just as the plant would in its natural habitat. They replicate with an undivided precision. At the dormancy stage, you have to ensure you downscale your watering regularity. In the bloom however the plant would need ample supply of water levels. Understanding the tropical species would be a boost in your quest to ensure your tropical house plants care is achieved.

Types of Indoor Plants that Cleans the Air

 Indoor Plants that Cleans the Air
It may come as a surprise to some but there are many indoor plants that cleans the air. Therefore, instead of purchasing synthetic air cleaners why not choose some indoor plants that cleans the air.

Areca Palm
This is one of the popular indoor plants that cleans the air. It is a shrub like plant that has fronds that are shaped like long feathers. It is consistently rated as the best indoor plants that cleans the airbecause it releases substantial moisture into the air. However, you need to place it in well-lighted corner of the house to retain its healthy fronds.

African Daisies
These beautiful flowering plants are another perfect indoor plants that cleans the air.You don’t need to worry much about taking care of these flowering plants because it is easy to grow and very though. Nevertheless, you should give it enough space and soil for this indoor plant that cleans the air to grow healthy.

Rubber Plant
This is one of the most effective air pollutant remover. It is preeminent to consider this indoor plant that cleans the air because it is designed to grow best in dimly lighted places. You can even place this inside your bedroom to keep the air fresh and clean.

Boston Fern
This is another common indoor plants that cleans the air. It is the best formaldehyde pollutant remover. You can hang it near your window and it will add elegance to your home. However, you may also wish to reconsider growing this plant if you have pets because it may cause certain allergic reactions with them

Lady Palm
This indoor plant that cleans the air originated in China. It is seen in most hotels and even restaurants because of its richly pattered leaves. It is a very versatile plant and demands very little care. It is one of the easiest types of palms anyone can grow, which can help improve the quality of the air inside your house.

Peace Lily
These types of indoor plants that cleans the air it loves water. You will benefit more from it if you have knowledge of hydroculture. In any case, you will appreciate how it will help remove acetone, alcohols, benzene, tricholorethylene, and formaldehyde in the air that your breathe.

Weeping Figs
You can easily buy this indoor plant that cleans the air as potted trees or bushes. You can afford to let it grow tall inside your house, as long as you prune it to a suitable height. It has attractive foliage and impressive leaves that are shiny, green, and oval in appearance. The only problem you may encounter with these indoor plants that cleans the air is that the shed leafs often.

Commonly asked tree and shrub questions

This article will help answer some of the most common tree and shrub questions that many people asked daily.

Commonly asked tree and shrub questions 

Question 1: What is an “evergreen”?

Answer:  An evergreen is any tree or shrub that keeps its leaves or needles all year round which provide color and contrast in the land scape. Evergreen is the opposite to a deciduous tree or shrub which loses its leaves every fall and produces new leaves each spring.

Question 2: Which trees and shrubs are good for container gardening?

Answer: When considering using trees and shrubs in in container gardening you will want to choose the ones that grow slowly. Evergreens are a great choice because the don not shed. Alberta spruce, Emerald Green Arborvitaes, Mugo Pine, Bird’s Nest Spruce, Boxwood and topiaries are great selections.  Japanese maples even though they are not evergreen but an excellent container garden choice because they have compacted roots that allow them to thrive in containers.

Question 3: When do I cut back my ornamental grass?

Answer: Ornamental grasses can be cut back two times per year. Grasses can be cut back to 4 to 6 inches above the ground in the fall and when they start to go dormant. Or if you want to enjoy the plumes as winter you can cut your grass back to 4 to 6 inches in early spring before it starts to grow.

Question 4: How do I get my fruit tree to bear fruit?

Answer: Most fruit trees require cross pollination to bear fruit .For example you will need two different types of apple trees to bear fruit such as red delicious and gala.  Fruit develops on three year or older branches. Keep this in mind while pruning to not remove the branches that will bear fruit.

Question 5: When do I prune my flowering trees and shrubs?

Answer: As a rule of thumb you want to prune all of your flowering trees and shrubs immediately after they are done flowering. This ensures you do not remove next season’s flower buds.

Question 6: Which is the best tree or shrub for my location or where I live?

Answer:  When choosing a tree or shrub for a new spot you will need to do a little research first. Take note of th amount of sunlight the area gets, how much moisture the soil holds and how large the plant gets. Each tree and shrub has different light and water requirements along with different mature heights.  Proper placement leads to greater success.

Question 7: How do I plant my tree or shrub?

Answer: To plant any tree or shrub you first should dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root system. For container plants loosen the roots so plants can establish themselves. For balled and bur-lapped plants remove any wire basket and twine along with any burlap from the top of the root ball. Next place the plant in the hole and make sure the top of the root ball is even with or slightly above the ground level.  Back fill with soil and any amendments needed. Compress the soil around the root ball.  Water the new planting and repeat as necessary. Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch to hold in soil moisture and control weeds.

Other questions about gardening and plant care can be asked in the comments section below and I will respond to them promptly.

Which House PlantsAre Safe For Cats?

House Plants That Are Safe For Cats

When it comes to house plants that are safe for cats, one must strike a delicate balance between his or her endearment to the pet and the appreciation for plants. This may lead one to a catch 22 that may require them to make sacrifices, however thanks to house plants that are safe for cats; one can literally eat his cake and have it!

Some of the house plants that are safe for cats are discussed below, however, this list is based on cat experiences and is not conclusive, and as such one should always put the cat’s health interests first when considering which plants to put in the house.

The first plant is the African violet, also known as Saintpaulia, which are beautiful house plants that are safe for cats and have aesthetical appeal, with a characteristic purple, white, and red complementing ambiance of the house. Another desirable feature of the saintpaulia is that they keep blooming all year round.

Another plant that is suitable for the house and non-toxic to cats is the Aluminum plant. This plant, which gets its name from the silvery markings on their leaves is fast growing and has watery stems, this plant is a common houseplant and a must keep for cat owners who appreciate gardening.

A common house plant that is safe for cats is the peperomia, a tropical plant that is grown for ornamental foliage. They vary considerably in color and suitable for playful kittens as they do not exceed a height of twelve inches. The peperomia is smooth and fleshy with oval leaves and a distinctively fragranced flower.

Another plant that is non toxic to cats is the Prayer plant, also known as Maranta, these plants are particularly amusing in the sense that their leaves fold slowly from dawn until they are fully closed in the evening, a behavior that keeps recurring. This plant is beautiful and should be considered by cat owners who want to grow houseplants.

The list of houseplants that are safe for cats cannot be complete without the mention of the spider plant, an easy to grow plant. Characterized by their all hanging features, this exceptionally hardy plants grow in all conditions and require minimum care, something that makes it a must have for anyone who is interested in convenient, non involving gardening.

If you are both a lover of cats and a nature enthusiast, you just might want to consider growing the Swedish ivy. This plant, which has fuzzy green foliage typically grown in hanging baskets, tops my list of plants that are safe for cats. They grow in moderately fertile well drained soil.

Other house plants that are safe for cats are given by the list below;

· Any of the true ferns, (Boston fern, maidenhair, etc.)

· Cacti (but make sure they are real cacti, not just a succulent)

· Catnip

· Common geranium (Pelargonium)

· Gloxinia (Sinningia)

· Goldfish plant (Hypoestes)

· Grape ivy (Cissus)

· Hanging African violet (Episcia)

· Lipstick vine (Aeschynanthus)

· Miniature roses

· Shrimp plant (Beleperone guttata)

· Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea)

· Variegated philodendron leaf peperomia

· Wandering Jew (Zebrina)

This goes to show safe cat keeping can be achieved by growing these house plants that are safe for cats. Thus one can blend the passion for house plants with the love for cats.

Unraveling the beauty of House Plants That Grow in Water

House Plants That Grow in Water

To avoid the danger of over or under watering house plants, many people are now resorting to house plants that grow in water. These plants have displayed a steady and stable growth in water as opposed to the traditional soil. Apart from the characteristic dirt that comes with using soil, it has also been proven that soil exposes plants to bacteria and other agents that may affect the growth of plants. 

There are several advantages that accrue from opting for house plants that grow in water.  First one avoids the obvious messiness associated with soil; one doesn’t have to worry about getting soiled when attending to the plants. Another advantage that makes them even better is the fact that with water as the growth agent, you don’t have to worry about how much water to give the plants as they are adopted to survive in water.

What this means is that resorting to house plants that grow in water eliminates the need to re-pot the plants, a major handicap that is associated with soil containers. Also one does not have to deal with the hassles of determining just how much water they need to give the plants in order to avoid over or under watering them.

However maintaining and keeping these plants in shape is no mean task. One is required to stick to some few ground rules, for optimal growth and perfect health of the plants. First you should stick to using glass containers at all times. This is due to the simple reason that plastic, ceramic and other containers have a tendency to let in harmful chemicals into the water; these chemicals could pose potential damage to the plants.

In order to avoid the harmful effects of algae which have a tendency of growing in clear containers due to the exposure to light, one should use dark glass or place the glass in an opaque vessel such as a basket, a bowl or a pot. Commonly house plants that grow in water are grown from unrooted cuttings; you should make sure that all the leaves are removed from the parts of the stem that will be under water.

The ideal length for the cuttings is a minimum of 6 inches. You should place them in a container and subsequently pour into it about three inches of washed gravel, mixed with either glass marbles or washed charcoal to provide anchorage for the stem. One common mistake is to use de-mineralized water and to add plant food, this should be avoided.

Plant food should only be added to house plants that grow in water when and only when, they develop a stable root system. Always remember that plants growing in water should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Try as much as possible to expose them to bright indirect light.

If the above tips are implemented properly, you will get to unravel the inner beauty that is associated with house plants that grow in water.

Types of Houseplan Fungus

 Houseplants fungus

There are many types of houseplant fungus that can ruin the health and beauty of your adorable plants. You should be aware of these so it will not spread and cause harm to your plants. Know the different types of houseplant fungus and enjoy clean air together with these indoor plants.

House Plant Fungus -Yellow Fungus

This type of houseplant fungus is also referred to as Saprophytic. It is not very damaging to the houseplant but it can cause your plants to look unattractive. The seeds of these fungi decay on the soil thus forming a yellow substance on its surface. You do not need to worry because these types of houseplant fungus will not spread to the tissues of live plants, but the soil may be overly infected with it. The remedy for get rid of this type of houseplant fungus is to dry out the soil and repot the plant so the infected soil will not spread to healthy soil.

House Plant Fungus - Gray Mold

This particular type of houseplant fungus is threatening to your plant. Its earlier stage is characterized by dark water soaked spots that will eventually grow into fuzzy, gray, and thick mold. Houseplants are highly susceptible to this type of houseplant fungus include ferns, african violets, and ivies. It is often seen in areas with high-moisture conditions, so it is very important to keep the leaves of your plants dry. This is the best preventive measure you can do to avoid grey mold or any other houseplant fungus infestation.

House Plant Fungus - Powdery Mildew

This houseplant fungus also thrives in moist areas that have poor air circulation. It is distinguished by its gray and white color that is formed on the flowers, foliage, or stems of your plants. The best way to free your plant from this houseplant fungus is to remove the infected parts of the plant and transferring it to location with adequate air circulation. You should also expose it to more sunlight to counterattack any possible growth of this powdery mildew.

House Plant Fungus - Anthracnose Fungus

This particular houseplant fungus leaves brown or tan spots on the leaves and foliage of your houseplants. Unfortunately, the damage it does will not end there. The moment it matures, it will leave spores that will produce pink ooze on the leaves of your plants. The best way to treat a plant of this houseplant fungus is the removal of all the damaged foliage and use of the fungicide to eliminate its spread in other parts of the plant.

Cleanliness, proper maintenance, and adequate water supply are the key ingredients that will guarantee freedom from unwanted fungus on your houseplants. You should be vigilant with the possible growth of these unwanted living things because it will cause the death of your plants. As an advice, it is highly recommended that houseplant be brought outdoors from time to time to receive abundant sunlight. Sunlight will kill unwanted microorganism hiding in the soil or on leaves. In this manner, you can safeguard plants from possible houseplant fungus.

How to care for indoor plants?

Caring for indoor plants

Many homeowners are currently learning how to care for indoor plants because they have learned the many benefits it provides. They have learned that it not only adds beauty to their homes, but it also provides many health benefits including the reduction of cough, fatigue, cold related illnesses and sore throats. The risk from these illnesses is reduced because indoor plants help clean the air. We have learned to appreciate these and are now trying our best to learn how to care for indoor plants on our own.

How to care for indoor plants - Plant Selection

The first thing you should know in learning how to care for indoor plants is the type of plants you need to cultivate. These are plants that should not require direct sunlight. Remember that you will place these plants inside your homes and the possibility of it being exposed to sunlight will be minimal. Therefore, it is best to ask a gardener or indoor plant specialist for the best type of plant to cultivate.

How to care for indoor plants - Positioning of Plants

When caring for indoor plants homeowner should know the types of plants that need more sunlight than the rest, they should place these plants near a window where it can absorb light.

Note: When caring for indoor plants you should remember not to expose indoors plant to extreme cold or extreme heat because as we know some plants are easily perishable.

How to care for indoor plants - Watering and Draining

Sunlight is not the only necessity of plants. When caring for indoor plants you should also know the amount of water it needs. Some plants would love water while others won’t. If you bought a cactus then it is safe not to water it everyday because it is designed to injure the draught in the dessert. However, if you are caring for common flowering plants, then you may consider regularly watering, for it to bloom in season. However, be sure to make the soil damp and not soaked.

How to care for indoor plants - Pot Selection

It is always best to choose pots that have holes, which will allow the excess water to flow out. This is one of the basics in how to care for indoor plants. Pots with holes should be placed in a tray or a pan to collect the excess water flowing from it. You do want your plants to remain alive, but you also don’t want your house to be a mess.

How to care for indoor plants - Use of Fertilizer

It is important to use fertilizer for indoor plants, but do not perform this routine frequently. You may schedule it quarterly because too much fertilizer can also harm the plant. If you do not know how to care for indoor plants using fertilizer, then consider learning it from expert gardeners or by purchasing a guide online.