The Gardener's Corner
Growing some happy and healthy houseplants
By Judith Rogers

Houseplants can add complimentary colour, shape and texture to interior décor.

In the winter, they're particularly beneficial when the windows are closed. Through the process of photosynthesis, the plants take in carbon dioxide and expel oxygen. Air humidity is increased too by the evaporation of water from the plants, a method called transpiration.

According to a study by NASA, the importance of having plants within a home is the ability of specific ones that can help purify the air. Noxious compounds found in particle board, plastics and synthetic materials can be fully or partially removed from the air by these plants. Notable species having these properties are the Chinese evergreen, areca and bamboo palm, peace lily, spider plant, 'Janet Craig' and rededged dracaena, striped corn plant and weeping fig.

Two identical plants in the same room may not behave identically though, even if you treat them the same. It's similar to the quirky fate of plants in an outdoor garden; plant three together in an area and one dies for no reason. Every plant expert has their idea of how each variety should be cared for, but in the long run it's about your experience with the plants; in getting to know them and their individual needs.

Photo by Judith Rogers Chinese evergreen.

Repot a plant when it appears out of proportion in relation to the size of its pot. Pull the whole thing out to examine the roots and if you see more of them than soil, replant into one pot size larger. The roots should be white or cream coloured. But if they're black, the plant is sick. Just like garden plants, you can make a houseplant bushier by pinching out the new growth from the top.

If a plant is not receiving enough light the leaves will be smaller than normal, and could turn yellow and drop off. Growth will be spindly with poor blooming and variegated leaves will turn a solid green. Too much light is recognized by leaves that are sunburned with brown or grey spots. The leaves may dry up and drop off, possibly wilt at midday and have a dull appearance.

Watering is tricky, so aim to underwater, rather than waterlog a plant. Not enough water will see limp, wilted leaves and little or no leaf growth. Lower leaves will curl, yellow and wilt and the flowers will fade quickly or fall. Too much water will encourage both new and old leaves to drop; there could be brown leaf tips and leaves that are curling, yellowing and wilting.

Humidity is important in a home. If there is not enough, the flowers will shrivel up and fall off. Tips of leaves might shrivel and turn brown, while their edges could turn yellow and possibly wilt. Too much humidity is easy to spot, because the stems, flowers and leaves will be moldy and starting to rot.

Fertilizing is done when there is active growth, which is generally based on the light requirements of each plant.

Those unsightly brown leaf tips that usually are caused by too dry an atmosphere can be removed by trimming away with a clean, sharp pair of scissors. The plant won't complain a bit, and you will be happier with a better looking specimen.

E-mail your gardening questions to me at lavendercottage. rogers@gmail.com.