Hints & Tips

EARLY SPRING TIPS FOR HOUSE PLANTS
During the winter months the majority of houseplants do not grow much at all. The days are short and the overall light levels are poor. Temperatures are low and the central heating and open fires dry out the air and reduces the humidity. Basically in the majority of cases the plants are in a shut down mode, having a rest before the spring arrives! For this reason you should carefully follow the following guidelines:
1. Do not over water the plants, as it will take them some time to use up the water and they could be sitting in wet soggy compost too long. This will lead to problems with root rots. Water sparingly and let the compost dry out in between waterings. Drain off surplus water that appears in the saucer. In most cases it is advisable to refrain from feeding as well until early March.
2. Avoid locations close to central heating radiators...etc as the dry air could cause problems with many foliage houseplants.
3. Let your plants receive as much light as possible at this time of year, but avoid shuffling back and forth all the time. Choose a well-lit area and leave them there until strengthening spring sun will become too strong and they will have to retreat a little further back into the room. Avoid windowsills for a while as the nights can still get cold and the poor plant will be forgotten about, behind the curtains.
4. Avoid too low a temperature and cold drafts. Leaf drop or death to the plant can result from cold temperatures. Remember a lot of the foliage houseplants originate in tropical climates, they are not used to January wind blowing inside when ever the outside door is opened. Some plants are more sensitive than others. Generally average room temperatures will keep the plants alive. Avoid doorways and windowsills.
5. Keep an eye out for bugs. Red spider will appreciate the dry conditions and greenfly can suddenly appear when the temperatures start to rise. When March arrives, the plants will begin to wake up a bit and growth will recommence. In April it will be time to repot these plants and tidy them all up. So, until then keep them going as best you can!

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