Spider Plant
Description: Spider plants have long blade like leaves that form from the center of the plant and have pointed tips. The leaves or blades can get up to 3 foot long and resemble blades of grass. The plant can be found in solid green or green with white edges and white with green edges. Narrow stems grow from the plant and can reach up to 5 feet in length. The stems will produce small, dainty white flowers and baby plants that can be propagated. While mostly used in containers or hanging baskets, they can be planted directly in the ground. When planting in the garden or flower bed, they need to be sheltered from direct sunlight. Lighting: Spider plants can grow in a variety of lighting conditions, except direct sunlight. They do best when kept in indirect lighting and even grow well in artificial lighting. A Spider plant that receives at least 12 hours of bright, indirect light per day will produce more babies. Watering: Throughout the summer Spider’s should be watered regularly and soil kept evenly moist. But, during the winter months the soil should be allowed to dry out briefly between waterings. Water the plant on the soil surface and not on the leaves, water will just run off the leaves and not soak into the soil. Spider plants also like slightly warm or room temperature water, cold water could damage the roots. The plants long, tuber like roots store water, but are also the main problem with watering this plant. The roots quickly take up space in the pot and prevent water from soaking through to the center of the roots. To make sure that the plant receives enough water, you can sit the plant in a sink and allow the water to soak into the plant from the bottom up. Then let the plant drain before rehanging it. Most homes humidity is too low during the winter months for these plants. Frequent misting them will help keep an infestation of spider mites from attacking the plant. Soil: The perfect soil will drain well, but also retain moisture. A good high quality potting soil or soil formulated for African Violets is a good choice. Fertilization: Spider plants don’t need a lot of fertilizing. It’s best to only feed them several times a month and dilute the feeding solution to half of the recommended strength. During winter months the feeding times can be reduced to once per month. Propagation: When the Spider plant babies form roots they can be cut off of the mother plant and planted in pots. They can also be rooted in water if you suspend the plant and just let the roots of the baby sit in the water. Small pots filled with soil can also be set beside the parent plant and the baby secured into the dirt. Once the baby has rooted itself into the soil, cut it away from the parent. Tips: Spider plants like to be root bound and will grow much better if there’s just a little extra room around the roots. Potting a small plant into a large pot can actually kill the plant! The soil moisture can let you know when the plant needs re-potting. If the soil is dry down to 1/2 inch within several days after watering, it’s probably time to re-pot. If the plants leaves begin to feel sticky it could be a sign that the plant is infested with either scale or aphids. Both of these plant pests secrete a sticky substance. Some varieties of Spider plants can be very sensitive to the chlorine found in tap water. And, sodium can also damage the plant. If you’d prefer you can water your plant with distilled water, filtered water or allow tap water to sit over night before using it. Common Name: Spider Plant, Airplane Plant, Ribbon Plant Genus: Chlorophytum Family: Agavaceae Plant Type: Perennial Origin: South Africa Humidity: Average Temperature: 65-75 °F Day 50-55 °F Night Height: 3 foot Color: Green, green and white Insects and Diseases: Spider mites, scales, aphids and whiteflies Written by Connie Corder for HouseplantsForYou.com, Copyright 2008 All Rights...
Heartleaf Philodendron
Description: The Heartleaf Philodendron is a vigorously growing vine that is covered with glossy, heart shaped leaves. There are several varieties, some that have a yellowish or off white variegation and the original dark green variety. The vines can reach an almost unlimited length is well cared for. The heart shaped leaves are normally anywhere from 2-6 inches in width, but can reach as much as 12 inches on large mature plants. When kept in a hanging pot the vines will gracefully hang, but it will cling and climb if given a vertical support. Lighting: Philodendron’s can survive a wide variety of lighting conditions. They prefer indirect sunlight, but will often even thrive in low light areas of your home. Watering: Philodendron’s like moist environments and soil should be kept moist at all times, but not soaked. They need good drainage, soggy soil will cause the roots to quickly rot. The plant should be watered sparingly during the winter months, with the top 1/2 inch being allowed to dry before re-watering. But, during the growing season water as often as needed to retain soil moisture. Frequently mist the leaves and wipe with a damp cloth to remove any dust. Soil: A good quality, well draining potting soil will work fine with Philodendron’s. If you’d like to mix your own soil use equal parts of sterilized garden loam, coarse sand or Perlite mixed with 1/2 the amount of peat moss. Fertilization: A standard, high quality houseplant food is sufficient and can be used regularly. They should not be fed during the fall and winter months when plant growth is slower. Propagation: The Sweetheart plant is one of the easiest to propagate. Just snip the vines off below one of the leaf nodules, remove several leaves and place the stem in water. Roots are usually quick to appear and the plant can then be placed in soil. New plants can also be started by carefully dividing the root clump. Make sure that each new section has some well established roots for the best results. Toxicity/Poisonous: The leaves and juices of the Philodendron contain calcium oxalate and asparagine. The poison is in both the leaves and stems and general symptoms include inflammation and reddening of the skin and itchiness. More serious symptoms are slurred speech, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. There may also be swelling of the mouth and tongue and burning in the mouth, throat and eyes. In rare cases the throat may swell blocking airways. Home Care: Use a cold, wet rag to wipe out the mouth and wash any of the plant sap off of the skin. If the plant was ingested seek medical help immediately. Tips: The Philodendron will let you know if you’re watering it correctly. If the leaves start to turn yellow, you’re giving the plant too much water. If the leaves turn brown, it’s not receiving enough water! If the plant is kept in very low light conditions, the leaves will be spread out farther apart on the vines. And, the leaf colors won’t be as deep and glossy. Common Name: Heartleaf Philodendron, Sweetheart Plant Genus: Philodendron Family: Araceae Plant Type: Perennial Origin: Tropical America Blooming Time: Rarely blooms in captivity Humidity: Moderate Temperature: 60-85°F Height: Almost unlimited Color: Dark green, variegated Insects and Diseases: Generally pest free when grown indoors Written by Connie Corder for HouseplantsForYou.com, Copyright 2008 All Rights...
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