Caring for Common House Plants

Helping your indoor garden remain healthy for years of enjoyment can take a little effort. Properly treat or avoid certain problems with your house plants by following a few easy tips for common varieties.

Neglected Christmas Cactus

Leaving a Christmas cactus exposed to cold temperatures or too-dry soil can wither and kill the vegetation. Cacti need a dry, warm environment with occasional light moisture. If yours is too dry (or over watered), the best treatment is to change the soil. A slightly moist soil will help a dry plant recover; or switch a soaked cactus to a dry but quality potting soil. For moisture, lightly mist the plant close to the base. Move to a warm location with plenty of light.

Blossomless Poinsettia

Poinsettias produce lush, green leaves all year round, but many people are disappointed by the lack of blossoms after its first season, even with inducements like fertilizers or pruning. To induce it to bloom, it needs total darkness in a warm location fourteen hours a day, usually starting in September. A dark closet is an excellent location, or a basement or attic room, so long as the location is warm; the plant should be ready to bloom by December.

Withered Airplane Plant

Airplane or spider plants are hardy indoor varieties, but develop dry, brown leaves over time, including clusters along the edges or center of the plant. Typically, the problem is an overgrown plant which needs space and fresh soil. Dividing these plants is often a good solution, promoting the health of the strongest part of the plant and giving new vegetation a chance to stretch out.

Keeping house plants in healthy and productive condition is worth time and a little research to give them the best care possible. With the right answers, many varieties can live and produce beautiful foliage and blossoms for years to come.