Houseplant care from novice to expert
Houseplants are a welcome addition to your indoor landscape, especially during the winter. Houseplants are available in all shapes and sizes, from common to exotic and low to high maintenance requirements. This winter may be an opportunity to both expand your collection of houseplants and learn about caring for a variety of houseplants.
Historically, the practice of bringing potted plants indoors can be traced to the Chinese, Egyptians and Greeks. Over time, cultures developed preferences for particular indoor plants, ascribing meaning to these indoor companions. For example, the ancient Chinese viewed indoor plants as a sign of wealth. Early explorers brought exotic plants to their native countries, requiring the need to build greenhouses that replicated tropical temperatures and environments.
Today, indoor houseplants are grown and acclimatized to the geographic areas where they will be purchased. In the winter months, look for easy to grow houseplants in garden centers, floral shops and grocery stores. With adequate light, water and ventilation, house plants require little maintenance in the winter months.
When purchasing a houseplant, decide in advance where the plant will be grown. Check the light source (bright, low); level of humidity (high, low), space (tabletop or floor) and size (six inch diameter pot or larger) of your indoor growing area. Shop for a plant that meets the requirements of your indoor environment. Look for plants that are healthy, with new leaves unfolding and bright, clean foliage. Blooming plants should be producing new blooms. Check for pests by gently shaking the plant and inspecting the leaves. Measure soil moisture by gently feeling the soil, which should feel wet but not saturated or very dry. Read the plant label to make sure the plant will grow in your preselected home location. Plants that meet these requirements, as well as your price point, are suitable for purchase. After purchasing the plant, assure it is wrapped to prevent cold shock while transporting to your car and home.
Once home, remove any foil or container from the plant pot. Place the plant on a tray to promote soil drainage, and move the plant to your preselected location. Observe the plant for a day or two, and water when needed. Allow the soil to remain moist but not saturated, and remove any standing water from the tray. During the winter, houseplants typically do not need to be fertilized, but an occasional dusting of their leaves and a turn of the plant keeps them in good health.
Indoor gardening with houseplants is a pleasing pastime during the winter. Whether you are a novice or advanced house plant collector, Penn State Extension Master Gardeners are offering the Houseplant Master Class Series that addresses many of your indoor plant questions. Each session includes a Houseplant House Call video in which a Master Gardener will diagnose and provide solutions for a houseplant problem. This Master Class series begins January 19 from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. The cost is $5 for each seminar. You can register online for any or all of the series webinars.
Houseplant Basics is offered January 19, which covers the fundamentals of growing houseplants https://extension.psu.edu/houseplant-master-class-houseplant-basics. January 26 teaches how to select houseplants with a focus on foliage https://extension.psu.edu/houseplant-master-class-houseplant-selection-with-focus-on-foliage. February 2 covers specialty plants with a focus on flowers https://extension.psu.edu/houseplant-master-class-specialty-plants-with-focus-on-flowers. February 9 discusses plant propagation https://extension.psu.edu/houseplant-master-class-propagation. Troubleshooting plant problems is taught on February 16, https://extension.psu.edu/houseplant-master-class-troubleshooting-problems, and growing orchids is offered on February 23. https://extension.psu.edu/houseplant-master-class-understanding-orchids-and-how-to-grow-them-at-home. The series concludes on March 2 with a discussion about hobby greenhouses. https://extension.psu.edu/houseplant-master-class-what-is-a-hobby-greenhouse.
If you have questions about houseplants or the upcoming seminars, call the Master Gardener Garden Hotline at 724-287-4761, Ext. 7 or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu.
Lisa Marie Bernardo is a Penn State Extension Butler County Master Gardener.
