Dr. Sharon M. Douglas Department of Plant Pathology and Ecology The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station 123 Huntington Street, P. O. Box 1106 New Haven, CT 06504 Phone: (203) 974-8601 Fax: (203) 974-8502 Founded in 1875 Email:
[email protected] Putting science to work for society Website: www.ct.gov/caes GENERAL HOUSEPLANT CARE Caring for houseplants can be a mysterious since it does not supply a constant and and slightly confusing project for both the uniform amount of moisture in the air. To beginning and the experienced indoor raise humidity, potted plants can be set in gardener. This is further complicated by the glass or plexi-glass enclosures, which diversity of plants which are available, all of simulate a greenhouse. There should be which appear to have specific requirements openings so that the pots can be removed for for growth. General plant care is more watering and other care and to allow for straightforward when one considers the good air circulation. Another solution is to basic needs of every plant- water, soil, set the pots on moist gravel in plastic trays. fertilizer, and light. The gravel should be deep enough so that water will saturate the stones on the bottom Most plants will do well in bright indirect and leave the upper levels dry. In this way, light or curtain-filtered sunlight. Very hot the pot will never come in direct contact afternoon sun in summer can scald leaves. with the water. Bowls of water can also be Plants should be kept away from cold set in and among the potted plants to help windowpanes or direct sources of heat such increase the humidity in the air circulating as radiators, wood stoves, television sets, or directly around the plants.