Houseplants

Especially when it’s cold outside, houseplants are a great way to keep a little piece of the outdoors nearby. And indoor plants don’t just look great; they’ve been proven to deliver some pretty impressive health and emotional benefits.

When choosing a new houseplant, it’s important to consider the watering, temperature and light needs of the plant and then compare those requirements to the plant’s intended new home.

• Light
  The first requirement of all houseplants during their growing season is an abundance of daylight. Light from a window is always one-sided and the plants respond by turning their leaves and flowers toward the light. Because of this, you’ll want to turn your plants occasionally or they’ll grow lopsided.
• Moisture
  The second requirement for all houseplants is moisture. Water your plants when the soil in the pot or pan has dried out so that it crumbles at the touch. Be sure that all the soil, not just the top layer is thoroughly soaked.
• Temperature
  The cooler places in your home are generally the best suited for most houseplants. They appreciate an even temperature that is around 70^o F in the daytime and between 50 and 55^o F at night. There are a few exceptions, of course. Be especially conscious of temperature with tropical plants as they will die if temperatures get too low.