Indoor Gardening Basics

For many parts of the country, indoor gardening is about all we can do for the next several months. Indoor gardening can be fun and keeps your hands in the dirt.

Most of us think of the common houseplants such as Spiders, Pothos, and Philodendron. There are many, many types of beautiful and colorful plants for indoor gardens. For example, herbs can be grown indoors in the off season providing you have a sunny window to grow them in. Bromeliads also make great houseplants. Many Bromeliads are colorful, low maintenance and when they bloom, they bloom for a long period of time.

Ferns are a little more difficult to keep going indoors when the heat is on. Unless you have a good humidifier or mist them often, Ferns tend to dry and brown easily. A good spot in the house for a Fern is the bathroom. They love the extra moisture.

Whatever houseplants you do have in your home, they all need attention. A good water soluble organic fertilizer monthly will help to keep your indoor plants healthy and looking their best.

All plants have different watering needs. Plants can just as eaily be killed by over watering as under watering. Keeping a regular watering schedule is usually not a good idea. The best way to determine whether your plant needs watering is by checking the soil. If the first top 2 inches of soil is dry it needs to be watered. There are two basic ways to water your plants. If you water from the top, water until it drains out the bottom of the pot. You can also water from the bottom. Fill the saucer with water and allow the plant to absorb the water. The plant will have enough water when the surface of the soil is moist. Either way do not allow your plants to stand in a pot of water continuously. Don't wait for your plants to wilt between watering. This will put and keep the plant in a stressed condition and they will not perform well, not to mention look terrible.

A great way to keep your plants watered properly is to use plant minders. They are decorative or utilitarian stakes that push down into the soil that have a reservoir for water. This will release the water as the plant needs it. These plant minders are also great for when you are away from home for extended periods of time.

Pruning your houseplants from time to time may also be necessary. Any dead or dry, brown leaves should be removed. This will help to keep the plant healthy.

If you have an insect infestation on your plants, There are a few things you can do. Try a solution of soapy water sprayed on the foliage. This will control many pests. You may have to repeat if necessary. There are also chemical insect controls specifically for houseplants to eradicate those tough pests. There are sprays (I recommend you use them outside) and there are systemic granules you sprinkle on the soil and water in. The chemical is released into the soil and taken up by the roots. If your houseplants have been outside in the summer it is always good practice to treat them before you bring them in to their winter home.

Whatever type of houseplants you have, proper care is essential. If you are not sure how to care for a specific plant, the plant tag that came with the plant is a good place to start. For more detailed information or if you are not sure what type of plant you have, a good book or a search on the internet will give you all the information you need to be a successful Indoor Gardener.