Houseplants survival guide

Thanks to our mild winter the selection of plants available at the moment are quite extensive. They always look so inviting when you see all the plants grouped together in your local Florist or Garden centre. A trip to Flora Farm or Life Style Garden Centre is a must and definite food for the soul at this time of year. With a little knowledge you can get almost any plant to flourish at home.

Azaleas are one of the most beautiful winter flowering plants, and do well indoors or outside. They are prone to few pests and diseases, which makes them easier to care for than other plants.  If the leaves dry and fall, the environment is too hot and dry. If the buds fail to open the plant is in a draught or waterlogged, move to a new location and water less frequently. When the plant is in flower it should be watered every 2 days, never let it dry out. They need a light location out of direct sunlight and prefer a cool temperature of between 10 – 15° C. A weak liquid fertiliser given in water every two weeks will help maintain lush green foliage.

The Cyclamen is another winter favourite. Always choose a plant with upright leaves and flowers. Look among the leaves to make sure there are plenty of healthy buds. Given cool light and airy conditions, these plants will remain in flower for a long time. Avoid direct sunlight. They like the temperature to be between 13 – 18°C. If the environment is too hot the leaves will yellow. Never allow the soil to become sodden, water from below but don’t allow the plant to stand in water for a period of time. No harm will come to the plant if you allow the leaves to wilt slightly before watering. A weak liquid fertilizer given with each watering is required whilst the plant is in leaf.

Primula are a favourite of mine during winter, I can’t resist there bright colours and they are so easy to look after.  Choose a plant with vibrant green leaves with a few flowers showing and lots of buds. They like plenty of light but no direct sunlight. Primula like a fairly cool environment, between 10-15° C  especially if they are in flower. They thrive on a plentiful supply of water, however like the cyclamen they don’t like wet feet, and like to be watered from the bottom. Feeding them with a weak liquid fertilizer every second week will extend the flowering period.

A Potted Rose Bush is always a firm favourite. Choose a plant with lots of buds and a couple of blooms,the leaves should be bright green and healthy. I have never had any luck with roses indoors so my potted roses always find their way to the balcony. Roses in pots must be watered sufficiently every second day, never being allowed to dry out completely. The also thrive in full sunlight. As with all other flowering plants cut off the dead blooms to make room for the new buds.

I hope this information makes your pot plant experience more rewarding.Remember to feed as instructed. You will not believe the difference. We use Nitrosol Natural Organic Plant Food on all the pot plants in the shop to ensure they are healthy.

As with most things in life a little care and attention goes a long way with plants. Have a great week and work those green fingers.

Written By Jackie Wes-Evans owner of Country Flowers “Living My Dream”