How to care for houseplants

1. Natalie King Period: 8 Date: 4-23-10 EXER 2r1-houseplants How to care for houseplants Planting Series EarthCare Services

2. Bright light, but NOT direct sunlight • 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit with relative humidity • Spray with water several times a day • Keep pot in a tray or damp pebbles • Do not overwater • Soil should be a mixture of dirt, peat, sand, and vermiculite • Good drainage • Air can circulate to roots • Feed plants with fertilizer Growing basics

3. TYPES Of FERTILIZER • Granulated • Economical • Reapply every few weeks • Slow-release • Relatively expensive • Lasts several months • Rarely burns plants • Water soluble • Takes effect quickly • Must be applied on a regular basis • Organic • Slow releasing • Very safe for plants • Expensive

4. Use warm water Water before plant wilts Know your plant, and water from above or below as necessary Soil should be thoroughly soaked, without overwatering Watering tips

5. Featured Plant-The orchid • Thousands of orchid species • Phalaenopsis is the best indoor orchid • The Pot • Should be free-draining • Water cannot accumulate around roots • Light • Moderate light • Not direct sunlight, but not dark • Temperature • 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day • 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit at night • Humidity at 50% • Water • Depends on plant species • Depends on light