San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
Winter tips to keep houseplants healthy
Taking care of your potted beauties doesn’t take much work if you understand their needs
With so many people spending more time at home these days, it’s no surprise that the sale of houseplants has skyrocketed. Houseplants — from delicate African violets to hear ty spider plants — bring nature, color, and life to any space, making it more inviting to spend hours each day working, learning or just living at home. You probably know how vital water and sunlight are to a plant’s existence, but what about debris-free leaves, artificial light, and a humidifier? All play key roles in keeping your plants healthy. Here are a few things worth knowing:
1. Plant leaves get dirty
Just as you clean furniture, you should regularly clean your plants’ leaves to remove dust and pests. Use a clean, damp cloth to gently rub the leaves, including the undersides. When they’re clean, plants can absorb moisture (water) and air better.
2. A radiator could kill a plant
Where you position a plant could impact its life. “Plants generally prefer high humidity and warm but not hot conditions, so placing them near a heat source will usually not be their best location,” said Jeana Myers, a North Carolina State horticulture extension agent. Instead, she said, “keep your plants at least several feet from the direct heat of a fireplace or radiator.”
3. Indoor plants are generally happiest living in 70-80 degrees F
Avoid higher temps. During the night, the air can get a little chillier at 65-70 degrees F., which is what most homes tend to be. “Plants can tolerate cooler temperatures,” Myers said, “but remember they will respire more slowly in cooler temperatures, so you would expect less growth.”
4. A humidifier may help keep your plants healthy
If you want your plants to stay moist, place them on a layer of pebbles in a pan with a small amount of water in the bottom; make sure the plants are not sitting in water. As an alternative, you could spritz them. But Myers said, spritzed plants dr y out pretty quickly, so if you are growing high moisture-loving plants — such as philodendron, snake plants — a humidifier during the dr y winter months might be helpful.
5. Artificial lighting is a natural solution
Even in a sunny window, indoor plants receive a fraction of the light that outdoor plants receive, Myers said, so it’s a good idea to supplement with ar tificial light, such as fluorescent or LED. She said that since they emit a cool temperature, these types of lights can be safely placed near the plants without the risk of burning them.