Gardening > House PlantsDecember 31, 2004

Five Tips for Healthier Houseplants

By Monica Resinger
If your houseplants are looking like they need a lift, here's five tips that'll get them looking and feeling better in no time:
  1. If your plants have dusty leaves, give them a shower. I'm lucky enough to have a sprayer on my kitchen sink to do this with ease. If you don't have a sprayer, give them a shower in your shower or tub. Doing this will automatically improve the health of the plant and make it look a lot better.

  2. Cut off any dead or diseased foliage. This will help the plant put its' energy into its' health rather than repairing itself. You will be amazed at the difference this makes.

  3. If you see roots growing through the holes in the bottom of the container, it's time to re-pot it. Simply pot the plant in the next size up container filling in the gaps with a good potting soil.

  4. One of the best tips I have ever learned about houseplants is about watering. It is very simple and following it makes sure you don't over- or under- water. To check if your plant needs watering, simply poke your finger into the top inch or so of potting soil. If you feel moisture, don't water. If you don't feel any moisture, water.

  5. Fertilize with a diluted fertilizer at each watering rather than what's recommended on the package. Use about 1/4 the amount of fertilizer that the directions call for. This will ensure that you are fertilizing enough.

Follow these five tips and you'll be amazed at how healthy and vibrant your plants will look.

By Monica Resinger
http://homemakersjournal.com/

About The Author: Monica Resinger is the creator of 'Homemaker's Journal E-Publications' where you will find many fun and informative home and garden related e-books, tip sheets and how to sign up for her FREE home and garden newsletter! Click here to visit: http://homemakersjournal.com/

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Read feedback for this post below.

By
04/29/2005

So it's like the tooth-pick in Brownies/Cake thing huh? ;)

By GN (Guest Post) 01/13/2005

To check plants for watering - Stick a sharpened pencil into the soil about 2 inches, if particles of the soil cling to the pencil - do not water.
If the plant needs watering, the pencil will come out clean. I got this from my second grader (his teacher told him during a gardening lesson).

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