Daphne Richards AgriLife Extension Agent-Horticulture for Travis Co. [email protected] Master Gardener Help Desk 512.854.9600 centraltexashorticulture.blogspot.com http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis/master-gardeners

Common Low-Maintenance House Plants

Plant Name Water Light Image(s) Misc. Info. (Scientific, common) Needs Needs

Sansevieria trifasciata, Cactus/Succulent family; Mother-in-Law’s Very low Low Poisonous if ingested; Tongue, Toxic to cats/dogs* Snake Plant

Tropical/tender Zamioculcas zamiifolia, Medium- perennial; Very low ZZ Plant Bright Poisonous if ingested; Toxic to cats/dogs*

Poisonous if ingested; Low Epipremnum aureum, Can start a new plant (Don’t Any Pothos from clippings! overwater!) Toxic to cats/dogs*

Low Tropical/tender Beaucarnea recurvata, Medium- (Don’t perennial; Pony Tail Palm Bright overwater!) Non-toxic to cats/dogs*

Many different varieties Medium- to choose from; different Various Dracaenas Medium Bright shapes, sizes, colors, etc.; Toxic to cats/dogs*

*http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

How To Make a Terrarium

Supplies Choosing Your Container

• Clear container • Choose a container made from glass or another • Clay gravel clear material through which light can pass • Charcoal • Your container needs a large enough opening to

• Potting mix allow potting mix and plants to pass through (a

• Mini trowel funnel can be used for potting media)

• Plant(s) • Ability to close if using tropicals, keep open for

• Long-handled tweezers or succulents

a fork • Clean container thoroughly before use to prevent bacteria growing inside • Sheet moss

• Spray bottle

• Long-handled sponge Miniature object (optional) • • Brush Step-by-Step Instructions 1. Add a layer of gravel ~1 ¼ in. deep to the bottom of your terrarium. 2. Add a layer of charcoal ~ ½-3/4 in. deep on top of the gravel.

3. Fill your terrarium with ~2-2 ¼ in. of potting mix. Smooth out and make a hole for each plant using

a mini trowel. 4. Use tweezers or a fork to position plants in holes. Firm down plants to anchor them in potting mix Plant Selection and pat down exposed potting mix with the fork. Plants should: 5. Break off pieces of sheet moss to cover exposed • Have similar environmental needs potting mix. Gently firm down moss with fork. • Be small enough to fit through container 6. Use a spray bottle to water your terrarium. opening and leaves do not touch sides of Spraying helps increase humidity levels and is terrarium gentle on plants. • Do well in humid environments 7. Use a long-handled sponge to clean dirt/debris • Tolerate low/indirect light from sides of terrarium. Suggestions: 8. If you would like, now is when you can add your • Air plants miniature object to the terrarium. • Tropicals 9. Use a brush to remove any stray specks of potting • Succulents mix and ensure your terrarium is clean. Small • Moss paintbrushes work well. • African Violet 10. Enjoy!

Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. The Texas A&M University and the System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, County Commissioners Courts ofTexas Cooperating.