Orchids

 


C34-3579sm.jpg

Phalenopsis (fal-en-opp-sis)-These plants are commonly referred to as “Moth Orchids” and are considered among the easiest of the orchid family to care for as well as the most recognizable.  The long-lasting flowers bloom perfectly for up to three months, providing you ample return on your investment.  The flowering intervals vary with each plant and you may be treated to a bloom as often as twice a year.  Phalenopsis have become one of the most popular variety of orchids because of their low maintenance and delicate balance of poise and elegance.

How to care for Phalenopsis Orchids:

Temperature:  Phalenopsis enjoy much the same temperature range as we do.  The minimum temperature at might is 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average daytime temperature should be around 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.  Occasionally deviations will not harm your plant, except when it is in bud-chilly temperatures may cause the plant to stop budding.
Light:  Phalenopsis will flourish indoors under normal lighting conditions, with indirect sunlight being the most advantageous.   Caution should be used when placing a Phalenopsis in direct sunlight due to the fact that its leaves burn easily from too much exposure to the sun.

Water:  Water often enough to keep continuous moisture just below the surface of medium, but be cautious of over-watering.  Watering once a week is normally sufficient keep your plant healthy and happy.

Humidity:  Phalenopsis enjoy moist air, with a humidity level of 55-75% being ideal.  Placing your plant over a tray or dish of water can increase moisture.  Separate the pot and tray with pebbles or small stones to raise the height of your plant and ensure that it does not sit directly in the water.
Feeding:  Good results may be obtained by using a high-nitrogen fertilizer year-round at 1 teaspoon per gallon of water.  Feed your plant once a month. In this instance, less is more, so be sure not to over- do -it.
Repotting:  Plants should be repotted every other year and, because they grow upwards without spreading can go back into the same size pot. A medium-grade wood bark works well with the base of the bottom leaf at the surface of the medium.  Water sparingly until new roots are well established.
Notes:  When the last flower drops, cut your flower spike halfway down to the stem.  Continue caring for it and wait for a possible re-bloom.
Always keep Orchid away from direct heat source such as: On top of Televisions, Radios, Computers, and Stoves.
Recommended books:  Taylo’s Guide for Orchids by J. White; The Gardener’s Guide to Growing Orchids by Wilma & Brian Rittersahusen.

 

Green Plant Care



Chinese_Evergreen.jpg

Chinese Evergreen
Durable plant with striking foliage.
How to care for Chinese Evergreen:

Moderately low light is preferred. Prefers partially shaded conditions.
Uniformly moist soil is preferred.   Water thoroughly as soon as oil feels dry to the touch.  Drain excess water in saucer at base of pot to prevent root rot and protect furniture.
Moderate temperatures are ideal:  65-70 degrees Fahrenheit daytimes and 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit nights.  Avoid excessively hot or cold areas.
Fertilize periodically, following manufacturer’s directions.
Remove dead or dying foliage.
Keep away from direct heat source such as:  Television, Radio, Computer and Stove.
Key tip for success:  An excellent choice for poorly lighted areas.

 

Dieffenbachia.jpg

Dieffenbachia 
A sturdy plant with thick stems and large, often variegated leaves.
How to care for dieffenbachia:

Keep soil fairly dry; water thoroughly when soil is dry to touch, draining excess water.
Prefers bright diffused sunlight, do not expose to direct sun.
Place in Moderate temperature location.
Set Plant on a saucer or dish to protect furniture from water.
Keep away from direct heat source such as:  Television, Radio, Computer and Stove.
Remove dead or dying foliage.

 

10DG39sm.jpg

Dish Garden
How to care for Dish Garden:

Keep soil moist, water thoroughly when soil is dry to touch; do not allow plants to stand in water.
Prefers bright diffused sunlight.
Place in a warm location.
Set planter on a saucer or dish to protect furniture from water.
Always keep Dish Garden away from direct heat source such as:  on top of Television, Radio, Computer and Stove.
As plant grows, plants can carefully be separated and transferred into individual pots.

 

euro89sm.jpg

European Garden
European Dish Gardens consist of flowering and foliage plants arranged in shallow containers.  They are planted in their own pots and set inside a larger container.

How to care for Euro Garden:

Plants in this garden are in individual pots so water with extra care.  Keep soil moist, water thoroughly when soil is dry to touch and light in weight.  Pull back moss from top of plant to water and feel soil for moistness. 
Prefers bright diffused sunlight.
Place in a moderate temperature location.
Set garden on a saucer for dish to protect furniture from water.
Always keep European Garden away from direct heat source such as:  Television, Radio, Computer and Stove.
Remove dead or dying foliage and dead or dying blooms from plants.
As plants grow larger, they can be taken out of their individual containers and carefully transplanted into larger pots.
We keep small blooming and green plants in stock if you would like to purchase one.

 

Ferns (Boston & Fluffy Ruffles: Nephrolepis)
How to care for:

Moderately bright light (diffused sunlight) is preferred-near a sunny window but not exposed to direct sun.
Uniformly moist soil is preferred.  Water thoroughly when soil surface is dry to the touch.  Ferns need a humid atmosphere.  Drain excess water in saucer at base of pot to prevent root rot and protect furniture.
Moderate temperatures are ideal:  65-70 degrees Fahrenheit daytimes and 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit nights.  Avoid excessively hot or cold areas.
Fertilize periodically, following manufacturer’s directions.
Key tip for success:  maintain good light, a humid atmosphere and consistent soil moisture.
Always keep Fern away from direct heat source such as:  on top of Television, Radios, Computer and Stoves.
George's Tip:  Rotate to keep good, full, all around growth.

 

Pothos.jpg

Pothos
Attractive large leaves on this vining plant make it excellent for hanging baskets or growing on a small trellis.
How to care for Pothos:

Keep soil moist; water thoroughly when soil is dry to touch.
Prefers bright diffused sunlight, do not expose to direct sun.
Place in a moderate temperature location.
Set plant on a saucer or dish to protect furniture from water.
Keep away from direct heat source such as:  Television, Radio, Computer and Stove.
Remove dead or dying foliage.

 

Schefflera.jpg

Schefflera or Umbrella Tree 
Durable plant with "umbrella" shaped leaves.
How to care for Schefflera:

Bright light near a sunny window is preferred. However, moderate to low light conditions will be tolerated.
Moderately dry soil is preferred.  Water thoroughly only after soil is dry to the touch.
Moderate temperatures are ideal:  65-70 degrees Fahrenheit daytimes and 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit nights.  Avoid excessively hot or cold areas.
Fertilize periodically, following manufacturer’s directions.
Remove dead or dying foliage.
Keep away from direct heat source such as:  Television, Radio, Computer and Stove.
Key tips for success:  Provide good light and avoid overwatering.

 

Spathiphyllum.jpg

Spathiphyllum common name Peace Lily
This fabulous plant has long lasting blooms, and is easy to care for.
How to care for Spathiphyllum:

Keep soil very moist; water thoroughly and frequently, draining excess water, so soil does not become soggy.  Soil should not dry out or foliage will wilt and droop.
Prefers low light location, do not expose to direct sun.
Place in a warm location, avoiding excessively hot and cold areas.
Set plant on a saucer to dish to protect furniture from water.
Keep away from direct heat source such as:  Television, Radio, Computer and Stove.
Remove dead or dying foliage.


Blooming Plants


 

African_Violet.jpg

African Violet 
Popular flowering plant with wide range of colors.
How to care for African Violet SaintPaulia Hybrid:

Indirect light.
Moderately moist soil.  Always hold leaves up and water under them, careful not to break leaves.
Warm home temperature 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove dead or dying foliage or blooms.
Keep away from direct heat source such as:  Television, Radio, Computer and Stove.

 

Amaryllis.jpg

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum Hybrid)
How to care for:

Moderately bright light (diffused sunlight) is preferred.  Near a well – lit location out of direct sun is ideal.
Moderately moist soil is preferred.  Water thoroughly when the soil surface feels dry to the touch.  Drain excess water in saucer at base of pot t prevent root rot and protect furniture.
Cool Moderate temperatures are ideal:  60-70 degrees Fahrenheit daytimes and 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit nights.
Key tips for success:  Watch temperatures and handle amaryllis carefully, as the blooms bruise easily.  Bright light promotes best growth.
Always keep Amaryllis away from direct heat source such as:  on top of Television, Radios, Computer and Stoves.
George’s tip:  When all blooms on the top of main stem are spent, remove the blooms. Cut main stem off 2 inches above the bulb. This will allow the amaryllis to rest after blooming.  Put the plant back into normal light, water as necessary.  As summer ends, for the bulb to flower again, we you must simulate it’s life cycle, and force it to go dormant.  Put potted Amaryllis in a cool 55 degrees Fahrenheit, dimly-lit place such as a cellar for 6-8 weeks.  You should not water the bulb during this time. As leaves wither, cut them off at top of the bulb’s neck.  End the dormant period when you are ready to start the blooming period once again. Water the potted bulb ONCE thoroughly, and place the pot in a normal indoor temperature.

 

Azalea.jpg

Azalea  (Rhododendron Hybrids)
How to care for:

Moderately bright light (diffused sunlight) is preferred, near a sunny window but not exposed to direct sun.
Uniformly moist soil is preferred.  Water thoroughly when soil surface is just dry to the touch.  Do not allow plant to become excessively dry.  Drain excess water in saucer at base of pot to prevent root rot and protect furniture.
Cool temperatures are ideal 60-65 Fahrenheit degrees daytimes.  Avoid excessively hot or cold areas.
Key tips for success:  Placement in a cool environment at night 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit will help to extend the flowering period.  Cool rooms will greatly extend blooming period.
Always keep Azalea away from direct heat source such as:  on top of Television, Radios, Computers and Stoves.
George’s Tip:  Plant outside in protected area in spring, summer or fall.  Hold during winter until spring.

 

Begonia:

How to care for:

In summer select location with moderately bright light (diffused sunlight), near a sunny window but exposed to full sun.  In winter place in full sunlight.

Moderately moist soil is preferred.  Water thoroughly when soil surface feels dry to the touch.  Drain excess water in saucer at base of pot to prevent root rot and protect furniture.

Warm temperatures are ideal 70-72 degrees Fahrenheit daytimes and 65-70 nights.

Fertilize periodically, following manufacturer’s directions.

Key tip for success:  Remove growing tips (1/2”) periodically to maintain rounded profile and to stimulate new growth.

Always keep Begonia away from direct heat source such as:  on top of Television, Radios, Computers and Stoves.

George’s Tip:  Remove spent dead blooms.

 

Bromeliad.jpg

Bromeliad
How to care for:

Keep soil fairly dry; water thoroughly when soil is dry to touch, draining excess water.  Keep water in middle of plant called the foliage cup and at least once a week water soil under foliage.
Prefers bright sunlight, do not expose to direct sun.  Will tolerate limited lower light.
Place in a moderate to warm temperature location.
Set plant on a saucer or dish to protect furniture from water.
Always keep Bromeliad away from direct heat source such as:  on top of Television, Radios, Computer and Stoves.

 

Bulb Plant
How to care for:

Keep soil moist; water thoroughly when soil is dry to touch, draining excess water.
Prefers moderate light.  Will normally flower under a variety of light conditions.
Place in cool location, avoiding excessively hot and cold areas.
Set plant on a saucer or dish to protect furniture from water.
Always keep Bulb Plant away from direct heat source such as:  on top of Television, Radios, Computer and Stoves.

 

Christmas_Cactus.jpg

Christmas Cactus (Schlumberger cv.)
Showy blooms are a great source of flowers indoors.  To promote flowering, keep cool and soil dry for three months starting in August.  Blooms late fall to early winter.       
How to care for:

Prefers bright, indirect light.
Moderately moist soil
Cool to moderate home temperature 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit, generally hardy to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Always keep Christmas Cactus away from direct heat source such as:  on top of Television, Radios, Computers and Stoves.

 

Chrysanthemum.jpg

Chrysanthemum (commonly known as simply Mum plant)
How to care for:

Keep soil moist; water thoroughly when soil is dry to touch.
Plants with buds prefer bright diffused sunlight, do not expose to direct sun.  Plants with open flowers do well in a variety of light conditions.
Place in a moderate temperature location.
Set plant on a saucer or dish to protect furniture from water.  Do not allow plant to sit in water.
Always keep Mum plant away from direct heat source, such as:  on top of Television, Radios, Computers and Stoves.
George’s Tip:  Cool room will greatly extend blooming period.  Plant outside in spring, summer or fall in a sunny area.  Mums generally re-bloom in fall.

 

Croton.jpg

Croton (Codiaeum Variegatum)
How to care for:

Bright light location is preferred. However, can be maintained for many weeks in lower light.
Moderately moist soil is preferred. Water thoroughly when just the soil surface is dry to the touch.  Drain excess water in saucer at base of pot to prevent root rot and protect furniture.
Warm temperatures are ideal 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit daytimes and 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit nights.
Fertilize periodically, following manufacturer’s direction.
Key tips for success bright light enhances leaf color.  Prune to promote bushy growth.
Always keep Croton away from direct heat source such as:  on top of Televisions, Radios, Computers and Stoves.
George’s Tip:  Does well on porch or patio during summer months.  Watch for spider mites especially if plant is on porch or patio, it’s a good idea to mist daily.

 

Cyclamen.jpg

Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
How to care for:

Moderately bright light (diffused sunlight) is preferred.  Near a sunny window is ideal.
Moderately moist soil is preferred.  Water thoroughly when soil surface feels dry to the touch.  Drain excess water in saucer at base of pot to prevent root to and protect furniture.
Moderate temperatures are ideal 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit daytimes.  Avoid excessively hot or cold areas.
Fertilize periodically, following manufacturer’s directions.
Key tips for success bright light will allow buds to develop and open.  Place in a cool environment at night 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit to help extend the flowering period.
Always keep Cyclamen away from direct heat source such as:  on top of Television, Radios, Computer and Stoves.
George’s Tip:  For best results, it’s most important to keep Cyclamen in a COOL room.

 

Geranium.jpg

Geranium (Pelargonium)
How to care for:

A bright light location is preferred.  Bedding or Zonal geraniums need full sunlight for best flowering.
Moderately dry soil is preferred.  Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch.  Disease can be a problem if plants are overwatered.  Drain excess water in saucer at base of pot to prevent root rot and protect furniture.
Cool/Moderate temperatures are ideal 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit daytimes and 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit nights.  Martha Washington geraniums prefer temperatures no higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit daytimes and 60 degrees Fahrenheit nights.
Key tip for success:  Martha Washington geraniums prefer the cooler days of early summer for flowering but have attractive foliage even when not it flower.
Always keep Geranium away from direct heat source such as:  on top of Television, Radio, Computer or Stove.
George’s Tip:  Best outside during spring, summer and fall, in a sunny area.

 

Hibiscus
How to care for:

Bright light is preferred. At last 4 hours of sun each day is best.
Moderately moist soil preferred.  Water thoroughly when soil surface feels dry to the touch.  Drain excess water in saucer at base of pot to prevent root rot and protect furniture.
Average room temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit days and 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit nights.  Avoid excessively hot or cold areas.
Key tips for success:  Pinching back new growth will promote bushiness.  Fewer flowers are produced during fall and winter.
Always keep Hibiscus away from direct heat source such as:  on top of Television, Radios, Computer and Stoves.
George’s tip:  Best to keep outside on porch or patio, during warm weather 60 degrees Fahrenheit and up.  Also, remove spent dead blooms daily.

 

Hydrangea.jpg

Hydrangea
How to care for:

Keep soil moist; water thoroughly when soil is dry to touch.  Hydrangea requires lots of water, so check often. 
Prefers bright diffused sunlight, do not expose to direct sun.
Place in a moderate temperature location, avoiding excessively hot and cold areas.
Set plant in saucer or dish to protect furniture from water.
Always keep Hydrangea away from direct heat source such as:  on top of Television, Radios, Computers and Stoves.

 

Kalanchoe.jpg

Kalanchoe
How to care for:

Keep soil on the dry side; water thoroughly when soil is dry to touch.
Prefers bright diffused sunlight, do not expose to direct sun.  Will tolerate a variety of light conditions.
Place in a moderate temperature location.
Set plant on a saucer or dish to protect furniture from water.
Always keep Kalanchoe away from direct heat source such as:  on top of Television, Radios, Computer and Stoves.

 

Poinsettia.jpg

Poinsettia
How to care for:

Keep soil moist; water thoroughly when soil is dry to touch.
Prefers bright diffused sunlight, do not expose to direct sun.
Place in a moderate temperature location.  Do not expose plants to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  Poinsettias are sensitive to cold.  Do not set outside during the winter.
Bright light and cool nights will help maintain brightly colored bracts.
Set plant on a saucer or dish to protect furniture from water.
Remove dead blooms
Always keep Poinsettia away from direct heat source such as:  on top of Television, Radios, Computers and Stoves.

 

Potted_Rose_Plant.jpg

Potted Rose Plant
How to care for:

A bright light location is preferred.  Roses need full sunlight for best flowering.
Moderately moist soil is preferred.  Water thoroughly when soil surface feels dry.  Drain excess water in saucer to prevent root rot and protect furniture.
Warm temperatures are ideal 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit daytimes 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit nights.  Higher humidity is preferred.
Fertilize periodically, following manufacturer’s directions.
Key tip for success roses are excellent summer pot plants for outdoors as well as indoors.
Always keep Potted Rose away from direct heat source such as:  on top of Television, Radios, Computer and Stoves.
George’s tip:  keep outside on porch or patio during warm weather.  Remove spend dead blooms.