Jeremy Rhoden: Growing interior plants
Growing indoor plants tends to be a very problematic area for many people. I’ve known several gardeners who have outstanding landscapes, but cannot keep an indoor plant alive no matter what they do. So, let's talk about interior plant growth requirements!
Light is typically the most common limiting factor for growing plants indoors. Plants need light to photosynthesize, its main way of collecting energy. There are a variety of plants that require different lighting needs, but it is up to you to ensure you can provide such lighting.
Common fluorescent lights in the ceiling can keep a pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum) alive throughout its lifetime, whereas it would not be enough for a corn plant (Dracaena fragrans). While natural sunlight is certainly best, other lighting options, such as LEDs, are available. Plants with dark green leaves photosynthesize less and typically require less lighting.
Temperature is another limiting factor for growing plants indoors. Overall, indoor temperatures resemble the understory of a forest canopy, which is great for most indoor plants on the market. However, temperature fluctuations — such as when heating and cooling units are turned off on nights and weekends; being too close to a door, window or vent with a cold drift; or placed near warm places such as a fireplace — can cause visual injuries to your plant.
The most common symptom of cold injury are leaves turning pale green and curling downward. With heat injuries, you’ll normally see lower leaves turning yellow and developing brown edges or tips, and older leaves possibly dropping off.
Humidity is not often a problem in most Florida homes, but occasionally it is. Tropical plants normally prefer about 80% relative humidity (the amount of moisture held in the air), but will do fine with a minimum of 25%. When humidity is too low, plants will often show yellowing leaves, browned tips or margins on leaves, failure to flower, or flower buds will dry up and drop from the plant.
A hygrometer is a cheap tool that can be used to measure relative humidity, and it is recommended to have one indoors if you’re trying to grow interior plants. To increase humidity, simply group plants closer together, place plants on a tray with pebbles and add water, or use cool-mist vaporizers or room humidifiers.
Media in indoor plants is typically soilless, and instead made of a combination of different medias for various purposes. Over time, the media shrinks and compacts, hindering aeration and slowing water movement. It is important to never add media on top of the existing media, as this will cause further compaction and less drainage. Instead, change out the media completely. It is OK to use a soil-based media; they just don’t come with this type of media.
When repotting, place the plant in a pot at least twice the size of the previous container. Larger pots will hold more moisture for a longer duration. Check for signs of water needs, such as drooping leaves or dull-looking foliage.
These are just a few very important factors for growing interior plants. For more information on growing plants indoors, visit gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/houseplants/indoor-gardens.html.
May to-do list
Annuals: Incorporate plants that can tolerate the summer heat, such as salvias, wax begonia, coleus and torenia. For more options, visit edis.ifas.ufl.edu/entity/topic/annual_landscape_plants.
Herbs: Basil, rosemary and Mexican tarragon are just a few examples of heat-loving herbs that will last throughout the summer!
Vegetables: While many vegetables can’t take Florida’s heat, okra, sweet potato and southern peas do great! See the Florida Vegetable Planting Guide for more info: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/VH021.
Pests: Be on the lookout for pests such as scale, mites and thrips that become more active during the warmer months.
Lawn: Chinch bugs are popular this time of year in St. Augustinegrass, and so are mole crickets in bahiagrass. May also tends to be a dry month. Be sure not to mistake irrigation problems with pest problems.
Upcoming programs at UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Office: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday Marion County Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale at the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Office, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala.
— Jeremy Rhoden is the Urban and Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator at the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County. For more information, contact the office at 671-8400. The Extension Service is located at 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala, FL 34470.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Jeremy Rhoden: Growing interior plants
