Read More: House Plants

– New Mexico’s Premier Landscaping Company since 1981 !

 

 

House Plants (the inside, not the outside)

We do get questions from time to time about plants inside your home so let’s take a moment and talk about the plants inside, not outside, your home.  Here are 3 common questions and their answers:

  1. How often and how much to water house plants? Keep watering simple: place your finger into the top layer of soil.  If moist, no need to water.  If dry, add water.  Keep in mind that as season’s change, so will watering needs.  When you turn on your AC or heating, humidity will change and your plants will have different water uses/needs.  Water until you see water coming out the drain holes and allow time for the plant to absorb the water.  Then empty the drip tray.
  2. When should I re-pot a plant? Here’s a general rule: if you see roots growing out of the drainage holes in the bottom of your pot, it is time for a larger pot.  Do not increase the size of the new pot by more than 2 inches.  If you have had your plant for more than 2 years, it’s time for fresh soil.
  3. Best and easiest house plants to keep alive– Here are a few: (a) Pothos (also called devil’s ivy)- this plant does well in bright, medium or low light and doesn’t mind drying out now and again.  It’s a vine so it can grow up a pole or trellis, or it can trail from a basket horizontally along a mantle.  (b) Spider plant- this plant likes a bright spot best, but does fine in low and medium light too, and natural or artificial light is just fine.  You’ll need to snip dead leaves and because it has thick, tuberous roots that store moisture, it’s not too fussy about how often you water.  (c) Chinese evergreen- this plant is a good choice if you don’t have a lot of natural light coming into your space.  It is also pretty forgiving when it comes to watering and can go 7-10 days without moisture, though it grows best when you add water.