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Quick Care Tips For Featured Plants - Page 02
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Houseplants purify the air we breathe and add colour, style and the soothing touches of nature to our indoor environments. With all the numerous benefits of indoor gardening, it’s no wonder many of us crave a little greenery inside our homes. And because we want those precious indoor plants to grow and flourish under our care, it’s important to learn as much as possible about them.

'Quick Care Tips' pages, starting with page one, have been created to provide some quick care tips for specific plants to help you become a little more familiar with them and their needs. The latest additions will always be added to the top of page one. When the page fills up with information for ten plants, the plants listed will be shifted to the subsequent page and page one will be started all over again.

This feature of the ‘Water Roots’ website will continue to grow as new plants are added on the Home page, so come back and visit it now and then. In addition, Hydro Log articles are available for certain plants, which I will link to.


Select a plant from the drop down menu, scroll down when many plants are listed, or visit another ‘Quick Care Tips’ page: - 01 - 03 -


ALOCASIA AMAZONICA – AFRICAN MASK
Care Level: Intermediate
Light: Bright, Indirect
Water: Keep Evenly Moist
Humidity: Above Average
Temperature: Average / Warm
Hydroculture: Excellent Choice
Alocasia Amazonica – African Mask
The glossy, dark green, elongated leaves with protruding bright, white veins and margins on this exotic specimen demand attention and should be placed where they can be admired. But even though it makes an interesting houseplant, this Alocasia is not the easiest to grow indoors, and certain cultural requirements must be met in order for it to do well indoors.

Keep the soil evenly moist during the spring and summer but allow it to dry out slightly during the colder seasons when plant growth is significantly reduced. Alocasias are extremely susceptible to root rot so make sure you are using a well-draining medium. A shady location is tolerable but a brightly-lit spot out of the path of direct sunlight is best. Average household room temperatures are fine; protect from cold drafts.

This is a prime candidate for the hydroculture system. Conversion is fairly rapid with little or no signs of stress. Alocasia is also part of a select group of plants that suspend new growth during the transplanting process rather than discarding it. After water roots develop, the plant resumes growth of the new, unfurled foliage.

Learn more: Singing The Alocasia Blues



STROBILANTHES DYERIANUS – PERSIAN SHIELD
Care Level: Easy - Intermediate
Light: Bright, Indirect
Water: Keep Evenly Moist
Humidity: Above Average
Temperature: Average / Warm
Hydroculture: Excellent Choice
Strobilanthes Dyerianus - Persian Shield
This charming plant with its shiny, lance-shaped, marbled, dark green and metallic purple leaves commands attention and is best displayed on its own. Although it is an exceptional choice for indoors, it requires specific care to look its best. High humidity is essential; add a humidifier nearby or place the plant on a pebble tray. Average temperatures and a brightly-lit spot away from the direct rays of the summer sun will keep this plant thriving. Keep the soil evenly moist during the warm months; allow it to dry slightly between waterings and then water thoroughly. During the cooler months, water sparingly to avoid root rot. Switch to hydroculture for an alternative growing style. Conversion is fairly quick with very few signs of stress.

While it’s true that the plant declines as it ages and looks best only in its juvenile stage (colours fade as it gets older), there’s no reason to treat it as a temporary room accent. This fast-growing specimen roots easily and new stock can be raised from cuttings, allowing you to enjoy its majestic presence in your home indefinitely. Prune often to promote a more compact appearance and avoid lankiness.

The text above was copied from: Fabulous Foliage

For more info about this plant: The Persian Shield



DRACAENA FRAGRANS MASSANGEANA – CORN PLANT
Care Level: Easy
Light: Medium - Bright
Water: Water Moderately
Humidity: Average
Temperature: Average / Warm
Hydroculture: Excellent Choice
Dracaena Fragrans Massangeana - Corn Plant
Resembling a corn plant with leaves marked with a yellow stripe down the center, this striking plant is one of the most popular Dracaenas, widely-grown inside homes, offices and public spaces. This tolerant and versatile specimen is capable of growing as high as ten feet indoors when properly cared for.

Although able to survive in dimly lit areas, a corn plant prefers bright light. Choose a location that offers medium to bright light or some early morning or late afternoon sun. Always protect against the hot rays of the summer’s midday sun. It is absolutely essential that you use a fast-draining, porous soil for this plant that is highly-prone to root rot. Water thoroughly only when the medium is fairly dry; be especially careful during the colder months. Switch to hydroculture to eliminate water woes.

All Dracaenas, this one included, can tolerate dry air better than most indoor plants but the preference is higher levels of humidity. Air that is too dry will lead to brown leaf tips and susceptibility to infestations, especially from spider mites. Place this Dracaena in a warm location; it is very sensitive to cold drafts and chilly temperatures.

Learn more about Dracaenas: Easy, Breezy, Beautiful...Dracaena



CRYPTANTHUS - EARTH STAR
Care Level: Easy
Light: Bright - Direct Sun
Water: Keep Evenly Moist
Humidity: Above Average
Temperature: Average / Warm
Hydroculture: Excellent Choice
Cryptanthus - Earth Star
This charming terrestrial with its rosette of stiff, finely-toothed leaves is one of the easiest Bromeliads to grow and one of the prettiest with its star-like form. Growing no more than 15 centimeters (6 inches) wide and 15 centimeters (6 inches) high, this compact plant is the perfect choice where space is limited. It’s also an ideal plant for dish gardens.

The succulent leaves will turn bright pink or even red when grown in intensely lit locations so provide plenty of bright light and even full sun. Earth Stars have a very small root system and must be watered very carefully to avoid rot. Keep the soil evenly moist and never allow the plant to dry out completely. Above average humidity levels are the preference. Place the plant on top of a pebble tray filled with water or near a humidifier. The Earth Star is perfectly suited to a terrarium. Average indoor temperatures are fine.

All types of Cryptanthus thrive in the hydroculture system, which puts an end to watering woes.

For more info on Bromeliads: Jewels Of The Plant Kingdom – Bromeliads



EPIPREMNUM PINNATUM - GOLDEN POTHOS
Care Level: Easy
Light: Bright, Indirect
Water: Water Carefully
Humidity: Average
Temperature: Average / Warm
Hydroculture: Excellent Choice
Epipremnum Pinnatum - Golden Pothos
Originally native to the Solomon Islands, Pothos is an Aroid living wildly in many of the world’s tropical regions. Even though it is considered a tropical, it’s one of the few of its kind that won’t pull a tantrum if faced with dry air, droughts or cold drafts. Its ability to tolerate these three elements that are detrimental for most houseplants, and its capacity to survive in low light levels, make it the perfect specimen for indoors.

When the plant is actively growing, allow the soil to dry out slightly, then water thoroughly. Let the medium dry out more during the colder months when the plant slows down. Do not keep the soil constantly moist if the plant is not growing or if it’s placed in colder, darker areas. Grow this plant in the hydroculture system to take the guesswork out of watering.

Golden Pothos can grow reasonably well in low light areas but prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its variegation. Choose a warm spot where temperatures range between 16°C (60°F) and 27°C (80°F) and protect against cold drafts. Although able to tolerate dry air better than most plants, try to raise humidity to more reasonable levels, primarily in the winter when the heating system is running.

With proper care – bright light, careful watering, warm temperatures and fertilizer about once a month during the growing season – your Pothos will thrive. And no matter how you choose to grow one – on a stand, in a hanging basket, up a totem pole or creeping along a wall – it’ll adorn your home for many years to come.

Learn more: The Tried And True Pothos



DRACAENA REFLEXA – SONG OF INDIA
Care Level: Easy
Light: Bright, Indirect
Water: Water Moderately
Humidity: Average
Temperature: Average / Warm
Hydroculture: Excellent Choice
Dracaena Reflexa – Song Of India
With its shiny, lemon and lime striped leaves, this native of Madagascar and other nearby islands is one of the most dazzling members of the Dracaena clan. In ideal conditions the D. Reflexa may reach a height of 6 feet or more indoors and deserves a prominent position with its attractive foliage and unique form.

Like all Dracaenas, the Reflexa will tolerate low light conditions but will not be at its best unless it receives ample light. Place this plant near a window where it can receive bright, indirect light or some early morning sun. Protection against summer’s midday sun is recommended to avoid damaging the leaves. Use a fast-draining, porous soil, keep it slightly moist and do not water until it’s fairly dry. Be careful with that watering can; Dracaenas are highly-susceptible to root rot. This is a prime candidate for the hydroculture system; consider switching to eliminate water problems.

Place this plant in a warm location and protect it from chilly drafts. Dracaenas are very cold-sensitive; any situation that has the potential to cause cold damage should be corrected immediately or the plant will deteriorate rapidly. Tolerance to dry air is impressive but a little extra moisture in the air is preferred; increase humidity to provide a healthier environment.

Learn more about Dracaenas: Easy, Breezy, Beautiful...Dracaena



PHALAENOPSIS - MOTH ORCHID
Care Level: Easy
Light: Bright, Indirect
Water: Water Moderately
Humidity: Above Average
Temperature: Average / Warm
Hydroculture: Excellent Choice
Phalaenopsis - Moth Orchid
With striking flowers and thick, shiny, succulent leaves that emerge from the central crown, this is one of the most popular orchids with its simple care requirements and ability to adapt easily to the less than ideal environment of the indoors. Flower buds range in vibrant shades of pinks and mauves, to whites, yellows, reds, violets, browns and even pale greens, and can last up to three months or more.

Be careful with watering this plant that is susceptible to root rot but also hates being left to dry out until it’s wilting. Keep the plant moderately damp; water only when the medium begins to dry out, but never allow it to dry out completely either. Choose a bright spot but avoid direct noontime sun. Early morning or late afternoon sunlight in an east or west facing location is ideal, but you can also place this plant in a southern location in indirect light. Provide plenty of fresh air and ventilation in a room with average room temperatures. Humidity is essential to an orchid. Increase the levels by placing the plant on a pebble tray or running a humidifier nearby.

The Phalaenopsis is an epiphyte and would much rather have its roots clinging to a tree than buried in soil. While you can’t plant a tree in your home, you can get rid of the soil by growing this lovely plant in clay pellets instead. This epiphytic moth converts effortlessly, and readily adopts the hydroculture growing style.

For more information: The Epiphytic Moth



AECHMEA FASCIATA – URN PLANT
Care Level: Easy
Light: Bright, Indirect
Water: Water Moderately
Humidity: Average
Temperature: Warm
Hydroculture: Excellent Choice
Aechmea Fasciata – Urn Plant
My family once asked me what my all-time favourite plant is. Normally, someone who enjoys the houseplant hobby as much as I do would have trouble trying to choose just one. But not me. My answer was immediate: “The Urn Plant”. There’s something extraordinary about this undemanding, unique-looking bromeliad that has kept it at the top of my favourites list for the past two decades.

Place the Aechmea Fasciata in a southern, eastern or western location; protect it from the hot afternoon sun. Pot it up in a very porous medium that allows for sufficient air circulation and prevents water logging. Water the compost only when it dries out considerably and then water thoroughly. Keep the tank filled with water at all times, flush it every 4 – 8 weeks and refill with fresh water. You may also choose to grow this plant in the hydroculture system to which it is an ideal candidate. Average room temperatures between 15°C (60°F) and 24°C (75°F) are satisfactory but plants may require temperatures of 24°C (75°F) and above to bloom. Add a humidifier nearby to increase humidity levels or place the plant on a pebble tray.

For more info on Bromeliads: King Of My Plant Jungle



CYCLAMEN
Care Level: Easy - Intermediate
Light: Bright, Indirect
Water: Keep Evenly Moist
Humidity: Above Average
Temperature: Cool
Hydroculture: Untested
Cyclamen
No more than 12 inches tall - with flowers resembling butterflies with their wings closed floating over heart-shaped, dark green leaves beautifully marked with silver patterns – a Cyclamen is one of the most remarkable flowering plants you’ll ever grow. Boasting flowers that range in shades of white, pink, lavender and red, this compact little charmer graces any spot it occupies.

Provide bright light and protect from midday sun, which can damage the delicate leaves. A north or east-facing window is ideal; early morning or late afternoon sun is appreciated. Cyclamens prefer a cool spot (no warmer than 20°C (68°F) during the day and a cooling down to 12°C (55°F) or even 10°C (50°F) at night. An environment that is too warm can cause yellowing of leaves, flower bud loss and premature fading of blooms.

Plant in a fast draining, porous medium and keep it moist at all times; never allow the plant to dry out completely while growing actively. It’s recommended to water only from below to avoid pouring water directly on the plant’s tuber, leaves or flowers. You can water the soil from above but with great vigilance. Above average humidity levels are best. Set the pot on top of a pebble tray filled with water or place a humidifier nearby.

After the plant has finished blooming, gradually withhold water until the foliage has died back, making sure to remove all the dead leaves. Leave the tuber in its pot and store it in a cool, dark area for 3 to 4 months – generally throughout the entire summer season. In late summer, place it in a brighter location with cool temperatures, water minimally until you see signs of awakening, and then feed and water normally when new growth appears. Flower buds will soon follow.

You may also place your plant outdoors for the summer.

For more info: Recycling A Cyclical Cyclamen



DRACAENA MARGINATA - DRAGON TREE
Care Level: Easy
Light: Medium - Bright
Water: Water Moderately
Humidity: Average
Temperature: Average / Warm
Hydroculture: Excellent Choice
Dracaena Marginata - Dragon Tree
Resembling a small palm tree, the popular Marginata makes a bold statement in the home with its thin, red-margined leaves that sprout from the top and hang over a slender, woody stem. Although a fairly slow grower, this interesting specimen can eventually grow to a height of 10 – 15 feet.

Like all its relatives, this Dracaena is highly-susceptible to rot from over-watering; this is not a plant for someone who is heavy-handed with the watering can. Use a fast-draining, porous medium and do not water until it is fairly dry; be especially careful during the colder months. Switch to hydroculture to eliminate water woes.

Able to tolerate different light levels – from low light to full sun – you can place a Marginata right up against a north or east window, near a west one or in a bright area of a southern location making sure to protect against the hot midday sun. Although it will survive very low levels of light, it requires better quality for optimum growth and appearance.

Place this lovely specimen - that is sensitive to cold drafts and chilly temperatures - in areas where it is warm; average household temperatures that are comfortable for you will be fine for your plant. Low levels of humidity are bearable but it’s preferable to provide higher levels of humidity for optimal health.

Learn more:

Dracaena Marginata - The Dragon Tree

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful...Dracaena

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