Posted by: Dennis Hinkamp on Dec 6, 2007
Help for Houseplants
Ask a Specialist: DO YOU HAVE HELP FOR MY HOUSEPLANTS?
Answer by: JayDee Gunnell, Utah State University Extension Horticulture Agent
Over watering is likely the number one killer of house plants. Unfortunately, there is no general watering schedule that can be recommended for all indoor plants. Light, temperature, humidity and size of container all play a role in how fast the potting media dries out. Varying potting media mixes also play a role. Consider these watering tips.
* A good rule of thumb is to gauge the soil moisture by color and feel. If the media is light colored, cracked and pulled away from the pot, the soil is too dry and roots may be damaged. If the media is dark and slimy, it is too wet, and root-rotting organisms may become a problem. The presence of fungus gnats can also indicate that house plants are being over watered.
* The best technique to use for monitoring when to water is to probe a few inches into the potting media with your index finger. When watering, soak the entire profile of the pot, or until water comes out the container’s drainage hole. After an hour or so, remove and discard the collected water from the catch basin. Flowering plants will generally need more water than foliage plants. Plants that are exposed to sunlight or placed closer to heater vents also tend to dry out more quickly.
* Tap or well water is usually satisfactory for watering house plants. The levels of chlorine and fluorine added to culinary water will typically not harm plants. Water that is run through a water softener is not recommended for watering house plants. Soluble salts may build up in the potting media, contributing to poor growth and possible toxicity. A white-crusted appearance on the surface may indicate high salt levels. To remedy this, an occasional deep rinsing with non-softened water will help flush the salts out of the potting media profile.
*****
Direct column topics to Julene Reese, Utah State University Extension writer, Logan, Utah, 84322-4900, 435-797-0810; julener@ext.usu.edu.
Comments