There is no doubt about it; houseplants transform a house to a home
bringing both color and life to your living area. Lush green foliage -
particularly in the midst of winter - uplifts the spirit and invigorates
the soul. Choosing the right houseplants for your home and your
lifestyle makes the difference between a tropical paradise and barren
desert filled with dead and dying plants. I should know. I've
experienced both.
Lighting Before you step
foot in that greenhouse brimming with fresh new growth, you need to know
what you are looking for. That means understanding the amount of light
in your home - as each plant's light requirements are different.
Bringing home that tropical plant that thrives in the midst of the rain
forest and placing it in direct sunlight is a recipe for disaster.
Knowing the lighting in your home or office allows you to choose plants
that will thrive in those conditions. Browse for plants that match the
lighting you have to offer and resist the urge to choose that gorgeous
sun-loving plant if all you have to offer is filtered light.
Foliage
Examine the foliage of your new plant before you make a purchase.
Leaves should be healthy and green - or the proper shade for that
particular plant, well formed and full-size. Stunted or discolored
leaves are a sign of poor care and may signal disease. Yellowed lower
leaves are a no-no, too.
Shape The overall
plant should be dense and compact with ample foliage. Vining plants
should not have large spaces between leaves and all but the leaves on
the growing tip should be full size. Small stunted leaves along the vine
indicate poor health. Tall leggy plants suffer from a lack of light or
overcrowded growing conditions.
Soil
Check the
soil for any signs of mold or mildew. This may appear fuzzy green, white
or black. Check for unpleasant odors - such as a sour or moldy smell.
Healthy soil smells fresh, is free of plant debris, and is moist - but
not soggy.
Roots Inspect the bottom of the pot for
roots that have grown through the drainage holes. This indicates the
plant is pot bound and in need of repotting. Remaining in a pot that is
too small may have stressed the plant, making it susceptible to disease.
Likewise, roots that protrude above the surface of the soil or are
tightly wound inside the pot are signals the plant has outgrown its
container.
Insects Check the undersides of leaves
for any signs of insects. Look for tiny white webs or chew marks on the
leaves. These may appear as jagged edges or leaves may have a buckshot
appearance. Even if there are no insects present, chew marks open your
plants to fungus and other diseases.
Bringing Your Plant Home
Isolate your new houseplant from other plants for at least a week once
you bring it home. Insects or disease can easily be transferred to your
existing plants risking their health. Some prefer to wash new plants in
sudsy water made from a drop or two of dish detergent and warm water. If
you suspect an insect infestation, washing the plants is a good
practice.
Choosing new houseplants wisely ensures healthy
plants that can add life to your home. With proper care most plants
thrive in the average home - even in the midst of winter. So go ahead,
indulge in new plants to lift the spirits, but don't forget to check
their health before you bring them home.
