Houseplants

Lesson 2: Field Trip: Let's Go Shopping

Bringing Home the Bounty

Refer to page 9

How you carry your new plant home will determine what kind of fresh start your houseplant has to grow from.

If you take a new plant away from its nice, humid nursery and stick it in a hot or cold car, it's going to react poorly to the mistreatment.

How to take your plant home

1. Wrap the entire plant loosely in newspaper or a plastic bag, to retain warmth in cold seasons or evening temperatures.

2. Don't make a plant purchase, and then go food shopping. Sitting in a hot or cold car can kill your plant, or at least stress it out. Make sure your plant purchase is the last errand you run before heading home.

3. Drive carefully, so as not to dump the plant over, break leaves and scatter soil all over your car. Watch those sharp turns!

4. Isolate your plant before sticking it amongst plants you already own. You need to see that it's bug and disease-free, before exposing your other plants to their new friend.

5. Give it special treatment until its over the shock of transporting. Allow it a location out of direct sun and drafts. Don't feed it or water it too much for the first couple of weeks. Then, place your new plant in its permanent location.

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   Lesson 4 will tell you where to put your newly-bought plants, or how to rearrange your old plants for better growth.

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   An article for quick reference on plant placement

   Houseplant wisely In midwinter, add life and refreshment to your indoor space. Find the plants best suited to your home. http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/livi...

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