Houseplants

Plant: Croton

Term: Topiary

Croton

Genus: Codieaum Requires Bright Light Water: Keep soil moist at all times Humidity: High Temperature: 70-80 Problems/Pests: Over all a fussy plant Propagate by cuttings

Caring for houseplants

Water• Most plants are killed by

over-watering• Scratch the surface of the

pot, the soil should be moist ½” down

Watering

Yellow leaves - too much water

Methods of Watering

drench and let dry completely

drench and let dry slightly keep media constantly

moist

Temperature

recommended temperature 50-85 F daytime night - drop 10-15 below

daytime temp locate plants away from air-

conditioners and drafts

Lighting: natural or artificial

measured in foot candles or klux direct sun partial shade or weak sun - less

than 50% natural sun light indirect or filtered light - no direct

sun light

The Light Spectrum

Plants only use radiation energy in the visible spectrum.

Chlorophyll does not absorb in the green spectrum

Why?

Artificial Lighting

Incandescent bulbs don’t provide usable light to plants

Florescent bulbs provide light about 2’ from bulb

Grow lights provide more light in the correct wavelengths

Humidity

% of moisture in the air varies with seasons low in the winter

Increase humidity by:

spraying with fine mist fill water tight tray with water

and pea gravel, set containers in it

Increase humidity by:

use a humidifier place plants in the part of

the house with the highest humidity

Fertilizers

slow release small beads applied to the soil nutrients are steadily released plant absorbs nutrients as

needed avoids over feeding

Soluble fertilizer

liquid or solid dissolved in water before

applying

Soil Mixture

varies with each plant organic matter helps to

improve water holding capacity

perlite helps to keep the mix loose and easily drained

Containers

drainage should be available

use well drained soil mix put saucer under pot to

protect furniture from water

Potting plants

select appropriate container and soil mix provide drainage - put rocks

or put shards in the bottom of container

Potting plants

add potting mix to cover rocks

place plant in to check soil level

should be 1/2 inch below top of pot

Potting plants

fill remainder of container with media

Repotting

repot plants when they become root bound

if roots are growing around the root ball

roots appear at the top of soil

Repotting

separate roots to allow re-growth

If plant is blooming, wait until after flowering is completed

Repotting

select pot or container of the next larger size than the original

or Trim roots to make plant fit

in old container

General Care

leaves clean occasionally with a

fine spray of water wipe top and underside of

leaves

Leaves helps to remove dust and

insects do not use leaf shine products clogs the stomata makes it hard for plants to

breathe