Indoor Plants

Light

Tropical plants prefer lots of light but not all types can live in direct sunlight. Most prefer bright indirect light, while some can tolerate lower light. If you do not have enough light it can be supplemented with a full-spectrum light bulb or “Grow light”.

Temperature

Tropical temperatures range between 18 to 27 C (65 to 80 F) degrees, so your home should be ideal for most tropical plants. However, be sure to keep them away from cold draughts or hot blasts from furnace vents which can cause them to lose leaves.

Watering

We need to mimic Mother Nature’s humid air conditions by misting them to provide moisture, watering with warm (tepid) water, and planting them in soil that drains quickly. Always use pots with drainage holes!

You should check the soil frequently (at least twice a week) to determine the need for water. You should water when the top ½ inch of soil has become dry. The water should be warm (tepid) and not straight out of the tap as our tap-water contains chlorine. Be sure not to overwater as soggy soil can smother the roots. You should also never leave excess water in the saucer.

Fertilizer

The easiest way to fertilize your house plants is with a water soluble fertilizer. These are dissolved into the water when you water your plants. You should fertilize your indoor tropical plants once a week or once every two weeks depending on the fertilizer. We carry a selection of water soluble fertilizers including Schultz, Plant Prod 20-20-20, and Miracle Gro.

Click here to download the full tropical plant care guide.

Many houseplants flower in their native habitat. With the right conditions you can get them to flower in your home as well.

Here are few simple things you can do to get your indoor plants to bloom:

1. Increase the light level
2. Add fertilizer
3. Re-pot in fresh soil
4. Re-pot in new pot (best done in spring time)
5. Dust plant leaves

Click here to download the full indoor flowering plant information brochure, or contact us to speak with a staff member for more information!

Terrariums, if well-made, usually require little care for a beautiful return!

Plant Choice

• When considering plants usually an odd number for display makes for a better look aesthetically (1, 3, 5, etc).
• Colour or pattern variety gives a better look and draws the eye to details.
• Texture & leaf variety breaks up the monotony as well.
• Growth pattern variety gives a full, well established look to the planter, with growth at multiple levels.
• Try to put in a trailing or sprawling plant, a mid-level plant and a taller type.

Planting Needs

• Good drainage provided by a layer of pebbles or gravel
• A layer of soil “sweetener” – activated charcoal to keep any water from stagnating & improves the health of good soil bacteria
• Natural filter – a small layer of peat/sphagnum moss to hold the soil particles in place. Also adds to soil nutrients as it slowly breaks down.
• Soil/Media – should be the right type & density for the plants used.
• Coverage – decorative pebbles, sand, bark chips. These hold down the media as well as helping to contain or prevent moisture (as needed)
• Décor – rocks, sticks, shells, ornaments, figurines etc.

Click here to download the full information brochure.

Enjoy!

Watering any bonsai must be thorough to ensure saturation of the rootball which must never be allowed to completely dry out. Overhead watering (rain) should be repetitive. Occasional plunging of the entire pot (root ball) will help greatly.

To ensure even growth and reduce the risk of ‘burning’, it is best to feed frequently but lightly with a water soluble growth or to stimulate one aspect of the plant ie: root development, flowering or fruiting and leaf growth.

Typically, prune or pinch frequently during the active growing season or after flowering to maintain shape. Any severe pruning should be judicious and well thought out before making the cuts.

Watch for insects and disease on ANY bonsai specimen. Such small plants can be devastated in very short periods. All varieties are prone to the same problems as their full size counterparts.

Bonsai is very quickly becoming a popular hobby and the general market offers material ranging from poor to excellent potential. Be wary of your purchase. Nothing is more disheartening than losing a find due to a lack of knowledge. Ask questions! Members of our staff are well-versed on this subject and will be glad to counsel you with regard to your particular needs.

Click here to download the full information brochure.

Whether Lucky bamboo is grown in water or soil, the light requirements are the same. Lucky bamboo like bright, indirect light. Too much sun can damage the leaves. A windowsill is perfect.

Lucky bamboo like their soil moist but not too soggy. A tip to determine whether your plants need watering is to stick your finger in the soil about an inch deep. If the soil feels dry, give it a water. If it’s still a bit moist, check back later. It is safer to under water than to over water.

Lucky bamboo does well in room temperature. It’s good to fertilize lucky bamboo to encourage new growth and flowers. Any tropical plant fertilizer would do well.

Click here to download the full information brochure.