Bring nature indoors!
Flowering plants bring a pop of color, as well as a healthy atmosphere to your indoor, home environment. A colorful cyclamen (pictured), long blooming orchid or easy-care anthurium are sure to make you smile every time you catch a glimpse of these beauties.
It’s Easier than You Think
• Take a bit of time to wander through the indoor plant collection at Pasquesi. You’ll feel your blood pressure drop, mood improve and if you’re like me, find plenty of beautiful plants to try.
• Select a plant that will complement your indoor décor.
• Now review the care tag. Make sure the plant will thrive in your indoor growing environment and with the care you are able to provide.
Here are a Few Ways to Include Them in Your Home
• Set your plant in a decorative container or basket. Place a saucer filled with pebbles inside to capture the excess water. As the water evaporates, it increases humidity around the plant. And the pebbles elevate the plant above the excess water to prevent root rot.
• Create a dish garden by combining your flowering plant with one or more green plants. Select plants that look good together and require the same growing conditions.
• Place it in a decorative glass container (terrarium) alone or mixed with green plants.
• Add your flowering plant to an existing planter. Sink the pot in the potting mix or set it on the soil surface. I like to sink an empty pot in the soil and then set the flowering pot inside. That way you can easily change your flowering plant display throughout the year. Or hide the pot amongst the green plant’s foliage, mask with sphagnum moss or another decorative feature.
• Use as a centerpiece or party favors at your next gathering. Your guests will enjoy the flowering plants and you’ll enjoy their smiles.
Tips for Keeping Your Plants Healthy and Blooming Longer
• Check the plant tag and provide recommended growing conditions and care.
• Most flowering plants prefer moist but not soggy soil. But always follow recommendations on the tag.
• Keep plants away from drafts of hot and cold air.
• Remove excess water that collects in the saucer or make your job easier and improve plant growth with a humidity tray.
o Place a layer of pebbles in the bottom of the saucer. Set the pot on the pebbles above any excess water that collects in the saucer. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity around the plant.
Try One or More of These Indoor Beauties
- Anthuriums bring the feel of the tropics into your home. o Water thoroughly and often enough to keep the roots from drying but do not overwater. Soggy soil leads to root rot. o Grow in a brightly lit location. Too much sun is usually not an issue in our winters. o Wait to fertilize. Use a dilute solution of a houseplant fertilizer if the plants need a nutrient boost.
- Bromeliads’ unique blooms are long lasting and this indoor beauty is adaptable to most indoor growing conditions. Check tag for specifics. o Moisture requirements vary with species but most prefer moist but not wet soil. o The same applies to light – most grow well in bright indirect light but some tolerate low light while others prefer direct sunlight. o Avoid drafts and temperature extremes.
- Orchids are easier to grow than you think. And with very little effort you will be rewarded with weeks of bloom. o Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again. Do not over water or allow your plant to sit in water. o Most orchids prefer 6 hours of light a day though some tolerate less and others prefer more. o Regular fertilization with a dilute solution of houseplant fertilizer will help keep your plants healthy and blooming. o Group orchids with other plants or place on a gravel tray (saucer filled with water and pebbles) to increase the humidity around the plant.
- Gardenias are a bit more particular in the care and handling they receive. But the beautiful and fragrant flowers make it worth the effort. o Grow in a sunny location. o Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
o Regularly fertilize with a dilute solution of acid loving plant fertilizer.
o Increase the humidity around your gardenia by grouping it with other plants. Or place on pebbles in a saucer filled with water.
o Avoid drafts and other drastic changes in the environment that can lead to flower and bud drop.
Written by gardening expert, Melinda Myers. Melinda Myers is a nationally recognized gardening expert with more than 30 years of horticulture experience. She is a wealth of knowledge and we are pleased to share Melinda’s Gardening How-To with you!
