Seasonal & Indoor Plants - May 2008
Please Note: All recommendations are for central Maryland. Time frames shift two weeks earlier in Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore and two weeks later for Western Maryland. Check publications for further information.
To jump to a section click on one of the topics below.
Culture
This is a good time to take and root stem and leaf cuttings and to re-pot plants that are out-growing their containers. Be careful not to over-water houseplants. Growing media should be allowed to dry out between watering. Begin fertilizing houseplants again once you notice them putting on new growth.
This is a good time to re-pot plants that are out-growing their containers. Avoid overly large containers. Plants roots often drown because of the large amount of water held by the greater volume of growing medium. High quality artificial mixes contain peat moss, vermiculite and perlite and should be used for re-potting. Avoid buying and using any products described as “potting soil”. Re-pot into clean containers and be sure to wash out any fertilizer salt residues.
Low light is a common cause of houseplant failure. Some recommended plants for low-light conditions include Chinese evergreen, peace lily, snake plant and dracaena.
Houseplants can be moved outside to a shady location to help acclimatize them to outdoor conditions. Combine houseplants with flowering annuals in container plantings.
Most houseplants should be watered only when the top of the growing medium begins to dry out.
Top of page
Insects
Fungus gnats are small, black insects that hover around plants. They breed in and feed on moist media and can be controlled by allowing the growing media to dry out between waterings. Monitor houseplants for mealy bug, spider mites, aphids, whitefly and thrips. If spider mites are a problem consider spraying with a labeled horticultural oil or soap and pyrethrum mix. If the plants are large do your spraying outdoors.
Disease
Badly diseased or infested plants should simply be cut back and the damaged portions thrown out.
Top of page |
