Indoor Plants
 

TAKING CARE OF INDOOR BLOOMS

Part of the enjoyment of growing indoor plants is the anticipation a tiny bud of color brings. Within weeks lush foliage turns into beautiful blooms that can fill an area with gorgeous color and wonderful fragrance. With a little attention, the life of an indoor bloom can be extended and, in many instances, proper care can encourage the plant to bloom again.

Spring and summer are popular seasons when potted blooming plants are given as gifts for birthdays, holidays and special events such as Mother's Day. With care, blooming plants such as Easter lilies, potted azaleas, gardenias, cineraria, cyclamen and kalanchoe can be enjoyed for many days, possibly weeks.

Conditions Favored By Blooms

Most potted blooming plants benefit from being placed in a room with cool temperatures and an adequate light source. Indoor plants usually grow best if they are kept out of direct sun while they are in bloom. The cooler temperatures and indirect light help extend the life of flowers.

Watering is an important factor, also. Plants whose pots come gift-wrapped in decorative foil may drown if watered too heavily. Gardeners should remove the foil or wrapping, or punch holes in the base to allow excess water to drain away. If the pot is sitting on a saucer, be sure to empty the saucer of excess water too.

Keeping the growing medium moist will create the best growing conditions for most blooming potted plants. Try to avoid cycles of wet and dry as which will place undue stress on plants and may cause them to drop their flowers and buds.

Remember to provide adequate humidity, as low humidity may cause plants to drop flower buds, also. Humidifiers, and frequent misting with a very fine spray, are recommended. Most potted blooming plants are raised in greenhouses in high humidity, so maintaining a similar setting in the home environment is quite important. A dramatic change into a dry, less humid home may inflict stress on the plant.

Keeping the plant away from drafts will help it to thrive.

What To Do When A Bloom Wilts

Once a flower has passed its prime, deadhead (remove) the bloom. Removing the dead flower prevents the plant from seeding and encourages the plant to continue blooming.

Some indoor blooming plants will last longer if given different day and night temperatures, while others need only a cool room to extend their longevity.

This Table Gives Some Details On Caring For Specific Varieties:

Flower Night Temp. Day Temp. Reblooming Comments
Easter Lily - Cool room Plant outdooors  
Azalea - 60-65°F Difficult Prefers acidic soil
Gardenia 60°F 70-75°F Difficult Prefers acidic soil
Cineraria 45-50°F 55-65°F Not recommended Try not to allow the plant to wilt - this can cause damage to the bloom
Cyclamen 50-60°F Not more ethan 70°F Very easy Keep water from center of bulb
Kalanchoe 60-65°F 70-75°F Needs dark treatment like poinsettias Easily damaged by over watering
Pasquesi Home & Gardens is Chicagoland's premier resource for gardeners wanting to create a perfect atmosphere. We have a vast selection of plants, many of them rare and unusual. Our qualified, professional staff are ever-willing to share their knowledge with customers needing advice.

Also, Pasquesi Home & Gardens is a complete resource for gardening, home and pet supplies. There are hundreds of beautiful accents for the home and out-of-doors, and Pasquesi Home & Gardens has an unrivaled collection of containers for indoors and outdoors in many different styles, materials and shapes. Both stores carry a wide range of quality garden tools and outdoor furniture.

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