WATERING:
Most plants prefer to be kept evenly moist, but not
soaking wet. Ivy, Olives, Euonymus and the Herbs prefer to dry
slightly before being watered. Feel the soil often to determine
when to water. Carefully pour water on the surface of the soil
until some drains out the bottom. Do not allow any plant to
stand in water.
LIGHT:
Most plants require a fair bit of light when placed indoors.
Note that placement directly in a west or south facing window can
be too much light and heat for most plants and will require very
frequent watering. Filtered light from these windows is perfect,
however, as is placement in a north or east facing window. If no
natural light is available, artificial light no further than one foot
away is fine, as long as it is on at least eight hours a day. During
the summer, placement of your plants in a shaded outdoor porch
or patio is very beneficial as long as no direct afternoon sun is
received.
FERTILIZER:
Fertilize perhaps monthly while the plant is actively
growing following the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t fertilize
a stressed plant as this will further stress the plant’s roots.
PESTS: Actively monitor your plants for signs of insects or
disease. If caught early, most pests can be removed by simply
squishing, rinsing, wiping or minor pruning. The best preventive
measure is to rinse the entire plant (not the soil) in cool water
weekly. The act of rinsing or sprinkling the leaves regularly helps
to keep them clean, green and free of insects. If an infestation
does occur use an appropriate pesticide and follow the
manufacturer’s instructions.
REPOTTING:
Once the plant is root bound, or just perhaps dries
out too quickly to easily maintain, you may repot into a slightly
larger pot, being careful not to over– or under-water the plant.