Houseplant care in the winter.

Sunday January 10 was houseplant appreciation day, an appropriate observation since houseplants help beautify our homes, elevate our moods and clean the air we breathe. Taking care of houseplants in the winter is a little different because the days are shorter, there is less light and the air is drier. For these reasons, your houseplants won't grow as vigorously as they do in spring and summer. They still need your attention, but they don't need as much water and fertilizer. They do need as much light as you can provide and they greatly benefit from increased humidity levels. A simple way to increase the humidity is to group your plants closer together. Plants release water through their leaves and grouping plants closer together increase the humidity.

Set up a pebble tray to increase humidity. Fill a saucer with small rocks and add water. Just make sure the bottom of the pot doesn't touch the water. Placing a room humidifier closer to your plants will greatly increase the humidity around your plants. Lower light levels also affect your plants. Not only are the days shorter, the sun is very low on the horizon so the angle is different. A location that works great for your plants during the summer may not be enough light for them in the winter. If possible, move your plants to a south or west facing window. Another option is to add supplemental lighting. Grow lights are available that will fit a standard light socket. You'll need to adjust your watering routine to match what your plants need this time of year. Slower growth means your plant won't need as much water to keep it hydrated. One way to tell if your plant needs water is to poke your finger into the soil and see how dry it is an inch or two below the surface.  When the soil feels dry below the surface, that's when it's time to water.

If you're still not sure, consider buying a simple moisture meter. You stick the meter in the soil and it will tell you or dry or wet the soil is. When you do water, try to use water that's room temperature. An easy way to do this is to fill your watering can the day before you plan to water.

It's also important to cut back on the fertilizing. Your plants don't need to be fed when they’re not growing as vigorously. Cut the recommended amount in half. You can feed your plants more as spring approaches and days get longer.

Finally, keep your houseplants clean. Wipe the leaves with a soft, damp rag. Small plants can be put in the sink and rinsed off. Use a product designed to help keep the leaves clean. This can help repel bugs, also. With a little help, your houseplants can do well in the winter season.

Basic Orchid Care

Basic Orchid Care

Did you receive an orchid for the holidays? Congratulations! Your orchid will fit in well with your other house plants and will do just fine if you keep in mind these things.

One of the most common and popular orchids to give is the Phalaenopsis orchid, also called a moth orchid. Often times, these orchids are potted in clear plastic containers filled with moss.

You'll want to leave your orchid in this container until it has stopped blooming. Then you can transfer your orchid into a different container. Ceramic pots and clay pots will work fine. Often they will have slits or holes in the side of the pot. This is to help air circulation around the roots. This also helps prevent over-watering. Orchids like to be watered and then allowed to dry out before you water them again. As a rule of thumb, water your orchids about once a week this time of year. If possible, use water that is room temperature and avoid watering the center of the plant. Your orchid will do best in a bright location, with no direct sun. 

One way to disguise the plastic pot is to double pot your plant in a more decorative container. Once you are ready to repot your orchid, select a container that is slightly larger than the original pot. Orchids like to be "snug" in their pots.

Next, use a bark orchid mix designed especially for your plant to thrive in.

Flowers will fall off as they begin to fade. If not, you can gentle pull them off yourself. Don't be in a hurry to cut back the flower stalk, once your orchid has stopped blooming.

Your orchid will often send up a second set of flowers on the old stalk.

Feed your orchids sparingly this time of year, usually every 2 to 3 weeks. When you do feed them, make sure the bark is wet first, and then add a very mild solution of fertilizer.

When you see problems like this, take a look at how you're watering your orchids. Best bet. Let them soak in the sink until the bark is good and wet then put them back in their location by the east window. With a little care, your orchid will thrive and flower for many years to come.