Houseplant Care
Taking care of indoor plants involves watering, pruning, and pinching, plus watching for diseases and insects. The heated air inside our homes is dry. Plants need moisture to maintain healthy cells but too much water can lead to problems. Check your container-plants’ moisture level before watering. Press a finger an inch into the soil and if it is dry at root level, water it. Allow the excess water to drain off, then empty the saucer. Recently repotted plants need less water because the soil keeps roots moist. Slip plants out of their pots to see if roots fill the space. If so, this is a good time to give them a bigger home or divide them. Pruning and pinching makes plants more attractive and strengthens them. Bare stem sections between leaves or between the container and the end of the stem is an indication that the stem should be pruned. Stem cuttings can be used in vases and to start new plants. Pinching back the top-most leaf buds will reduce plant stretching and mak...