Brooklyn Queens Land Trust

Growing Healthy House Plants: It's Easier Than You Think

Mar 18, 2004

Growing Healthy House Plants: It's Easier Than You Think

OK ... 'fess up. How much money have you squandered on house plants that looked terrific in the store, but withered within days after their arrival at your home? What is the store doing that you're not? Each year, we seek out the heartiest varieties of house plants in a futile effort to bring the outdoors indoors. Unfortunately, no matter how hearty the plant, it seems that all we manage to bring home is an eyesore that drops brown leaves on the carpet. What's the secret to keeping these plants healthy?

For starters, you'll want to do a little homework first. We're not talking about hours of research. Just look up the varieties of plants that interest you -- on the Internet or at your local library or bookstore -- and find out what their requirements are for maintenance.

House plants can and do differ in their needs for water, soil and light. Avoid anything that seems to high maintenance; there's plenty of time to work your way up to those plants later. For now, it's best to stick to hassle-free varieties.

If you're not quite ready to give up on the plants you've already got in your home, you can try a few last-ditch efforts to revive them. One of the most common problems is browning leaves. You don't necessarily have to trash the plant just yet. During the winter months, especially if you live in a mountainous climate, the air in your home is very dry, which can wreak havoc on your house plants. To keep your plants moist, "mist" them once a day with a spray bottle. Check the soil frequently to make sure it's good and moist. If you're too busy to remember to do this daily, get yourself a humidifier, plug it in and go. This should take care of the problem. Plants usually thrive in moist environments. (Just make sure you take the proper precautions for the care of your furniture, which may not fare as well in humid conditions.)

Do you have pets? If you notice any tooth marks in the leaves of your browning house plants, it could be that your plant's browning is a reaction to Fido and his midafternoon cravings. Even if your pet isn't biting the plant -- it could be that your friendly cat enjoys rubbing up against the leaves -- this could be enough to cause browning. Your plant is experiencing an adverse reaction to physical contact. It's time to move your house plant to a higher level in your home, out of reach of your curious pets.

Try repotting the plant -- particularly if you spot any salt in the soil, which could be causing the problem. Transplant it, water it occasionally, and see what happens. While there are no guarantees, the odds might be in your favor.

If you frequently discover leaves scattered on the floor of your home, the first question to ask yourself is how much time has passed since you last watered your plant. If you can't remember, it's quite possible that your plant is suffering from dehydration. Check the soil. If it's bone dry, chances are good you've just determined the source of the problem. Your plants could also be reacting to changes in growing conditions -- temperature or humidity, or perhaps the amount of light to which they're being exposed. If you've experienced a recent cold snap or heat wave where you live, or if you moved your plant out of your dog's reach a few weeks ago, and it's not receiving as much light as it once did, this could be the problem. If none of these factors have occurred, your plant might be suffering from insect infestation. Consult your local nursery if you're unsure.

If your plant is drooping these days, it might be time to re-evaluate your watering habits. You're probably being a bit overenthusiastic when it comes to watering your plants. Do you check the soil before you tip the watering can, or do you just follow a predetermined schedule? Your plants probably don't need as much water as you think. If the soil of your houseplants is floating in water or seems excessively and frequently damp, you're overwatering. Make sure you're providing adequate drainage for your plant. If your plant is potted in a container without drainage holes and a saucer underneath, the water and its minerals are trapped and have no place to go. It's just a matter of time before wilting occurs. Your best defense is to cut the dead roots and re-pot your plant in a larger container with adequate drainage, and reduce the amount of watering to which you're subjecting the plant. If, as you're re-potting, you notice that the majority of your plant's roots are dead, it's probably best to cut your losses and discard the plant.

Fungal root rots will eventually cause a wilted top. Almost all healthy plant roots are pale in color and firm. Dead roots are brown to black and may be soft. Certain fungi cause root rots which are usually aggravated by too much water. If only a small amount of the roots have been affected, drenching the soil with fungicides may cure the disease. However, most indoor gardeners will find that these chemicals probably cost as much as a new plant. Good results are usually obtained by cutting dead roots and re-potting in clean soil. If most of the roots are dead, the plant should be discarded.

If your leaves are turning a bit yellow, the problem could be lack of light. If the plant is sitting in a sun-filled room, it's possible that your plant is suffering from insect manifestation or excessive watering. Again, check those roots. If most of them seem dead, say goodbye to your plant. If some are still viable, re-pot your plant in container with enough drainage to sustain it.

Maintaining house plants is often a process of trail and error, and detecting the source of their growing problems is a process of elimination. Keep it simple, keep your investment small, and purchase low-maintenance house plants. As your skills increase as an amateur gardener, you'll soon be trying your hand at more exotic varieties.

Also See: Houseplant Survival Guide